In the Media: Opinion article in Expresso by INESC ID researcher Luís M. Correia
Luís M. Correia, INESC-ID Researcher since 2016 under the Intelligent Networks and Communication Systems (INCS) Scientific Area, and Full Professor at Instituto Superior Técnico, authored an opinion article published in the newspaper “Expresso” titled “Security of 5G networks: secure what?” (Segurança das redes de 5G: segurar o quê?).
The article discusses the security concerns related to 5G networks, in particular the possibility of individuals from outside organizations gaining access to or modifying information within the network. The author emphasizes the importance of considering the technical aspects of technology-related matters in the decision-making process, and highlights the potential consequences of neglecting it.
“The concern about the cybersecurity of 5G networks is legitimate, but it should be focused on the network’s core equipment and have a broader view”, defends Luís M. Correia.
The focus on 5G network security or “cybersecurity,” involves two dimensions: the information that is transported within the networks and the access to/management of networks.
Regarding security issues related to user information, the researcher refers to two: unauthorized access and data modification. The article distinguishes between problems that may arise from external interference and those related to the internal management of the network.
According to Luís M. Correia, the concerns about security should focus on the core network, referring to the recent incident that involved a main telecommunications operator in Portugal, where external individuals were able to access and modify network management information. The complexity of the programs running on these computers and their constant updates, present real challenges in monitoring and control.
While acknowledging the legitimacy of security concerns for 5G networks, the author suggests that the focus should be on the core network equipment and offers a broader perspective on cybersecurity focused on the potential applications and implications of 5G technology.
Full article (in PT) here.
Upcoming Events
NII International Internship Programme Presentation and Q&A by Emmanuel Planas
On April 30, Emmanuel Planas, the acting director of the Global Liaison Office (GLO) and responsible for the internationalisation program at the National Institute of Informatics (NII) in Tokyo, Japan, will give a presentation to introduce the NII and its internship program to INESC-ID students and IST’s Master’s in Computer Science students.
Date & Time: April 30, 14h00
Where: Sala Polivalente, Técnico – Taguspark
“The NII International Internship Program is an exchange activity with students from institutions with which NII has concluded a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) agreement. This incentive program aims at giving interns the opportunity for professional and personal development by engaging in research activities under the guidance and supervision of NII researchers.
The NII Internship Program is open to Research Master’s and PhD students who are currently enrolled at one of the partner institutions that have signed an MOU agreement with NII.”
Educational Workshop on Responsible AI for Peace and Security (UNODA)
On June 6 and 7, The United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) and the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) are offering a selected group of technical students the opportunity to join a 2-day educational workshop on Responsible AI for peace and security.
The third workshop in the series will be held in Porto Salvo, Portugal, in collaboration with GAIPS, INESC-ID, and Instituto Superior Técnico. The workshop is open to students affiliated with universities in Europe, Central and South America, the Middle East and Africa, Oceania, and Asia.
Date & Time: June 6 a 7
Where: IST – Tagus Park, Porto Salvo
Registration deadline: April 8
Summary: “As with the impacts of Artificial intelligence (AI) on people’s day-to-day lives, the impacts for international peace and security include wide-ranging and significant opportunities and challenges. AI can help achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals, but its dual-use nature means that peaceful applications can also be misused for harmful purposes such as political disinformation, cyberattacks, terrorism, or military operations. Meanwhile, those researching and developing AI in the civilian sector remain too often unaware of the risks that the misuse of civilian AI technology may pose to international peace and security and unsure about the role they can play in addressing them. Against this background, UNODA and SIPRI launched, in 2023, a three-year educational initiative on Promoting Responsible Innovation in AI for Peace and Security. The initiative, which is supported by the Council of the European Union, aims to support greater engagement of the civilian AI community in mitigating the unintended consequences of civilian AI research and innovation for peace and security. As part of that initiative, SIPRI and UNODA are organising a series of capacity building workshops for STEM students (at PhD and Master levels). These workshops aim to provide the opportunity for up-and-coming AI practitioners to work together and with experts to learn about a) how peaceful AI research and innovation may generate risks for international peace and security; b) how they could help prevent or mitigate those risks through responsible research and innovation; c) how they could support the promotion of responsible AI for peace and security.”