DNB is the first network in Malaysia to deploy Ericsson’s 5G cybersecurity platform

Ericsson has announced that Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB) is the first to deploy Ericsson Security Manager (ESM) in Malaysia. According to the Swedish telecommunications giant, DNB is a forerunner in security by proactively securing its network integrity with ESM which plays a critical role in increasing the security automation of the 5G RAN and Core Network.

ESM is Ericsson’s comprehensive cybersecurity platform that’s designed to help operators protect their networks and data from security threats and to address the needs of 5G security operations by providing security visibility and automating security processes. According to Ericsson, the continually changing threat landscape and dynamic networks require automated security orchestration with network asset discovery, security posture, and threat management seamlessly integrated with the 5G network.

With 5G being a backbone for Malaysia’s critical infrastructure and digital transformation, it added that it is essential to remain diligent in the ever-changing threat landscape and to minimise risks associated with security, resilience and privacy. Ericsson said its cybersecurity platform solution will also help DNB increase productivity in security operations by providing automated security management with security orchestration, posture management, threat management and certificate management. This would provide DNB with end-to-end security visibility and control, including security compliance monitoring.

DNB’s Chief Information Security Officer Alex Ooi said, “Building a secure 5G network requires a holistic approach through security standardization, development, deployment, and operations. With ESM automating the security processes and compliance, users of the 5G network will have the assurance that cyber threats are being efficiently monitored and managed, allowing them to leverage the benefits of 5G.”

Commenting on the deployment, Ericsson’s Head of Security Solutions, Business Area Technologies and New Businesses Keijo Mononen said, “As the dependency on digitalized services grows, cybersecurity is a critical success factor. ESM allows DNB to gain full visibility and control of the security in 5G. We are excited to see the ESM entrusted in DNB’s 5G network strengthening their network security posture.”

Meanwhile, Ericsson’s Head of Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh David Hägerbro said “The 5G platform is a truly resilient system, with security and privacy built-in by design from the start. At Ericsson, we develop our portfolio to support security across the end-to-end telecom network. Ericsson Security Manager provides security automation and enhanced security visibility for telecom environments. Thus, the DNB network will serve as a secure, resilient, and privacy-preserving network platform to fulfil the requirements of even the most mission and business critical use cases.”

At the moment, Malaysia’s 5G population coverage by DNB currently stands at 59.5% as of the end of April 2023. As announced by the government, Malaysia will transition from a Single Wholesale Network to a Dual Network model once DNB hits 80% 5G population coverage by the end of this year.

Following the change of policy on the 5G rollout, both CelcomDigi and TM have terminated their share subscription agreement with DNB. However, all existing 5G users from CelcomDigi and TM are still able to enjoy 5G as their existing 5G access agreements remain intact. A 5G Task Force has been formed to ensure a smooth transition towards Dual Network which is expected to start in early 2024.

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