Improved 5G Network Device Security

TECHNOLOGY LICENSING OPPORTUNITYImproved 5G Network Device SecurityA unique security method for a group of devices that enables customized procedures for the device authentication.Opportunity:   Idaho National Laboratory (INL), managed and operated by Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC (BEA), is offering the opportunity to enter into a license and/or collaborative research agreement to commercialize this technology for improved 5G network device security. This technology transfer opportunity is part of a dedicated effort to convert government-funded research into job opportunities, businesses and ultimately an improved way of life for the American people.Overview:        5G cellular networks are transforming machine-to-machine (M2M) communications by enabling millions of Internet of Things (IoT) devices to communicate wirelessly. Some of the applications of this technology include factory equipment, medical devices, automated vehicles, drones, and vehicle convoys. Attacks or conditions

that interrupt the wireless connectivity to automated and connected devices can lead to disastrous consequences including fatalities (e.g., death of patients supported by connected health devices and accidents involving automated vehicles and drones). The inability to use drones to aid recovery and rescue operation can hamper public safety efforts. As 5G is just being deployed, its security features are still evolving. INL’s technology will ensure that devices can be connected to the 5G network in a secure, resilient, and reliable way.Description:    This technology involves methods for a group of connected devices in physical proximity to form a local IoT (LIoT) that enables secure, resilient, and reiable localized operations while maintaining connection to a larger parent network, such as a 5G cellular network that provides connectivity to additional devices and networks. This invention also includes a framework that adds customizable security authentication procedures for the LIoT to the existing security procedures of the parent network. The main element is to utilize proxy signatures from cryptography so that when new devices connect to the LIoT, they can present this proxy signature to the leader without any need to verify the signature with the 5G core. In this way, the number of connection requests to the core network for this enhanced security procedure is minimized. These signatures are created in advance when the IoT devices register with the 5G network.Benefits:         Enables reliable device authentication, preventing illegal devices to join the network.Accelerates the authentication process, which especially benefits applications needing real-time service.Not impacted by the existing traffic conditions within the parent network.Applications:  5G network device securityDevelopment Status:  TRL 3. This technology is undergoing proof-of-concept.  IP Status:         Patent Application No. 17/241,257, “Systems and Methods for Distributed Authentication of Devices,” BEA Docket No. BA-1245.INL is seeking to license the above intellectual property to a company with a demonstrated ability to bring such inventions to the market. Exclusive rights in defined fields of use may be available. Added value is placed on relationships with small businesses, start-up companies, and general entrepreneurship opportunities.Please visit Technology Deployment’s website at https://inl.gov/inl-initiatives/technology-deployment for more information on working with INL and the industrial partnering and technology transfer process.Companies interested in learning more about this licensing opportunity should contact Andrew Rankin at td@inl.gov.