## 5 Current and Prospective Solutions to Enhance 5G Security
### Analysis of Encryption and Authentication Techniques  
Encryption and authentication are foundational security measures for securing data transmission and ensuring that access to network resources is only granted to authorized users [61; 76]. These measures are especially crucial in 5G networks due to their highly distributed nature and the sheer volume of data being transmitted, as shown in Table 10. Encryption techniques are essential for maintaining the confidentiality and integrity of data transmitted over 5G networks. In essence, encryption involves transforming the original data into an unreadable format that can only be reverted to its original form with the correct decryption key. The AES is widely used for data encryption in 5G networks. AES-256, in particular, offers a high level of security and is suited to protect sensitive data transmitted over these networks. Additionally, homomorphic encryption techniques are gaining attention due to their ability to perform computations on encrypted data, thus providing an extra layer of privacy in 5G applications like cloud computing and big data analysis [105; 106]. Authentication techniques in 5G networks are designed to verify the identity of devices and users seeking access to the network, thereby preventing unauthorized access. One of the key enhancements in 5G networks over its predecessors is the introduction of the UAF [104]. The UAF allows for the flexibility to use various types of credentials and authentication methods, providing a more robust and flexible authentication mechanism. One of the emerging authentication methods is biometric authentication, which involves verifying an individual's identity based on unique biological traits, such as fingerprints or facial recognition. [PERSON] et al. [107], demonstrated how biometric authentication can be efficiently used in 5G networks, they developed a secure, efficient online fingerprint authentication system for IIoT devices on 5G networks, featuring a novel cancelable fingerprint template to enhance data security and performance. Simultaneously, blockchain-based authentication techniques are also being explored for 5G networks. They offer a decentralized approach to authentication, reducing the risk of single-point failures [108]. Table 10 presents a detailed overview of the encryption and authentication techniques that are currently being employed in 5G networks. It categorizes these techniques based on their key features, strengths, weaknesses, and applicability. For encryption, the table contrasts the AES with homomorphic encryption. The AES offers robust symmetric encryption, securing data confidentiality effectively against most known attacks. However, its primary drawback lies in its vulnerability to quantum computing attacks. In contrast, homomorphic encryption allows for privacy-preserving computations on encrypted data, making it particularly beneficial for cloud and big data applications. Yet, it introduces computational overhead, which may be a limitation in resource-constrained settings. On the authentication side, the UAF offers flexibility by accommodating various authentication methods, enhancing security. However, its complexity and scalability could be challenging for large-scale deployments. Biometric authentication, leveraging unique biological traits like fingerprints, offers strong identity verification but may require specialized hardware and elicit privacy concerns.