Net5.5G Summit Emphasizes Network Security in AI Era

The Net5.5G Intelligent IP Network Summit, held during the Global Ultra-Broadband Forum (UBBF) 2026 in Vienna, underscored the critical role of secure and resilient IP networks for growth in the age of artificial intelligence (AI). The event featured the global debut of GSMA Intelligence's new white paper, "A target architecture for telecoms cybersecurity," which outlines two fundamental pillars for modern telecom networks: Native Security and defense in depth.

The summit also addressed the evolving threat landscape driven by AI. Representatives from ITU-T SG13 and AV-TEST highlighted how AI has accelerated and amplified attacks, shifting the traditional balance between offensive and defensive security measures. Consequently, security and resilience must be treated as strategic priorities integrated into network design from the outset.

The GSMA Intelligence white paper also warned of future decryption threats associated with quantum computing, noting that malicious actors are collecting encrypted data to decrypt later. Telecom operators are urged to adopt new encryption algorithms and cybersecurity practices capable of withstanding future quantum computing attacks.

In response to these challenges, ITU-T SG13 and WBBA launched a joint initiative, "Build Resilient, Secure IP Networks Together," encouraging global operators to strengthen network security and resilience. The summit concluded by emphasizing that global telecom networks are accelerating their transition into a new intelligent era characterized by high quality, security, and reliability.