Security-Enhanced Radio Access Networks for 5G OpenRAN

Speaker: Prof. Zhiqiang Lin
Distinguished Professor of Engineering
Department of Computer Science and Engineering
and
Director of Institute for Cybersecurity and Digital Trust (ICDT)
The Ohio State University

Title: "Security-Enhanced Radio Access Networks for 5G OpenRAN"

Date: Tuesday, 12 November 2024

Time: 10:30am - 11:30am

Venue: Room 4503 (via lift 25/26), HKUST

Abstract:

In recent years, the mobile security landscape has been challenged by a range 
of sophisticated exploits targeting link and session-establishment protocols. 
These exploits, often deployed via software-defined radios (SDRs), can 
disrupt, spoof, or flood layer-3 (L3) messages, posing significant risks to 
the security and privacy of even the most advanced 5G networks. However, the 
shift from closed, proprietary infrastructures to the open, intelligent 
architecture of 5G OpenRAN (O-RAN) presents a transformative opportunity for 
the cybersecurity community. By embracing a software-defined, fully 
interoperable mobile architecture, we can fundamentally enhance the security 
posture of mobile networks.

In this talk, Dr. Lin will describe his recent collaborative 
Security-Enhanced Radio Access Network (SE-RAN) project, which aims to 
address emerging cellular network threats through innovative security 
services on the O-RAN control plane. First, he will present 5G-Spector, the 
first comprehensive framework for detecting the wide spectrum of L3 protocol 
exploits on O-RAN. This framework features a novel security audit stream 
called MobiFlow that transfers fine-grained cellular network telemetry, and a 
programmable control-plane xApp called MobieXpert. Next, he will also outline 
a forward-looking vision for the convergence of AI and cellular security, 
exploring how these technologies can unlock unprecedented capabilities in 
threat detection and mitigation. Finally, he will introduce 5G-XSec, a 
preliminary framework that leverages deep learning and large language models 
to automatically monitor, analyze, and explain anomalies and threats at the 
cellular network edge.

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Biography:

Dr. Zhiqiang Lin is a Distinguished Professor of Engineering and the Director 
of the Institute for Cybersecurity and Digital Trust (ICDT) at The Ohio State 
University. His research focuses on systems and software security, 
emphasizing automated binary analysis techniques for vulnerability discovery 
and malware analysis, as well as software hardening through binary code 
rewriting, virtualization, and trusted execution environments, and the 
applications of these techniques in mobile, IoT, and cellular (e.g., 5G/6G) 
networks. He has published over 150 papers, many of which have appeared in 
the top venues in cybersecurity. He is an IEEE Fellow and an ACM 
Distinguished Member. He is a recipient of the Harrison Faculty Award for 
Excellence in Engineering Education, an NSF CAREER Award, an AFOSR Young 
Investigator Award, the Outstanding Faculty Teaching Award, and Distinguished 
Paper Award from IEEE S&P. He earned his Ph.D. in Computer Science from 
Purdue University.