Last weekend, 70 white hat hackers gathered at the international 5G event in Dipoli, Espoo. They were given permission to test the defence of the 5G network, break into the network, map internal network components and services, increase their own access rights and gain better control of the network. In addition to this, they were allowed to change, install, remove and break network components. By testing and repairing new, still-in-development technology, we promote cyber security and society's preparedness.
The event offers participating information security professionals a unique opportunity to test technology and solutions that are not yet widely available and to better understand their various security challenges. All findings are reported to the owners of the challenges, who utilize them in the development of the security of technology and solutions.
5G technology and networks are key building blocks of our digital society. The importance of local networks to our society is irreplaceable as guarantors of the operation of critical services such as hospitals, ports and industry.
"This is the best reality in which the Finnish cyber ecosystem works well: together with companies, the research world, authorities and hackers, we ensure that the cyber security of local 5G networks of the future is made better together," says Traficom's Technology and Strategy director Kirsi Karlamaa.
"5G networks are current reality in many security of supply industries, too. The hackathon will provide both device manufacturers and authorities with useful information on the cyber security of 5G technology, which will help in the development of safer devices and safer deployment of 5G technology," says Juha Ilkka, Chief Preparedness Specialist at the National Emergency Supply Agency.
"When it comes to hacking events, community is the most important thing to me. In the information security industry, the privacy of customers is cherished, and not a lot is told publicly about the work. On the contrary, at hacking events, there is a desire to highlight security flaws and ethical hacking, and people working in the field in particular are encouraged to work together," says Aapo Oksman, a hacker who participated in the event.
"I have participated in similar events since the beginning of my career. As a young hacker, I was able to meet and learn from industry veterans. Now, as a senior player, I want to encourage new entrants to the field and it was a pleasure to see a team of only young people winning one of the challenges of the event. Many of these youth teams have also appeared in previous events and I look forward to seeing what they can accomplish in the field. Because of the diversity of the information security industry, I always learn something new at events myself, and breaking into interesting systems is always equally inspiring. Again, looking for vulnerabilities in the 5G network kept the tension high throughout the event and finally finding them and getting a cash prize always feels equally rewarding," Oksman continues.
Awarded teams:
Ericsson's challenge RAN – Hack the 5G Networks of Tomorrow : Awarded teams: Juurin, Insta Intruders and Recursive Rebels
Aalto universio, Fortum and PwC challengi: Hack the Edge – Get Location of Sensitive Assets - Awarded teams: BeyondTheObvious, Recursive Rebels and Juurin
Nokia and Digita challengi: Mission Impossible – Hack the 5G Industrial Network - Awarded teams: BeyondTheObvious, Lionheart and Testausserveri x LähiTapiola