Fujitsu taps Trend Micro to secure private 5G networks in smart factories

Fujitsu and Trend Micro have announced a new partnership to enhance the security of private 5G networks in smart factories.

To demonstrate the effectiveness of their solution, the companies incorporated Mobile Network Security, Trend Micro's 5G security solution, into a private 5G system that simulates an actual smart factory environment at the Fujitsu Collaboration Lab in Kawasaki, Japan.

Equipped with high-definition monitoring cameras and automatic guided vehicles (AGV), the simulated lab helped visualize and centrally manage factory systems’ status and security. Additionally, the 5G security solution correlated threat detection and prevention data from the devices and network.

Trend Micro’s Mobile Network Security leverages endpoint security within an internet of things (IoT) device’s SIM card and network security running on a private 5G system to protect against potential threats and cyber attacks. The platform also authenticates devices trying to connect to the 5G network and blocks unauthorized communication in real time.

“Fujitsu aims to realize a society in which people, goods, and services are connected in real time through 5G technology and to solve problems facing the world," said Tomonori Goto, corporate executive officer, senior vice president and head of 5G vertical service office at Fujitsu.

“To this end, we believe that this security solution, created together with Trend Micro, represents a key technology for applying private 5G to mission-critical areas. Fujitsu will continue to cooperate with Trend Micro to create new value through the power of co-creation.”

Fujitsu and Trend Micro have agreed to conduct a field trial until September 2021 at Fujitsu's Oyama Plant. They will consider commercializing a security solution for private 5G based on the results of this trial.

“We’re delighted to be joining forces with Fujitsu to tackle the immense challenge of cybersecurity for private 5G,” said Akihiko Omikawa, executive vice president for Trend Micro.

“Together, we are making smart manufacturing more secure to ensure production isn’t stopped due to a cyberattack.”