Securing 5G Wireless Networks With Advanced Key Management and Authentication for Enhanced Data Protection

ABSTRACT The deployment of 5G technology marks a significant milestone in wireless communication, offering unparalleled speed, low latency, and the capacity to connect billions of devices through the Internet of Things (IoT). However, these advancements introduce considerable security challenges due to the increased complexity and scale of 5G networks, as well as the growing threat landscape. This paper introduces a novel security framework for 5G networks, addressing these challenges with innovative cryptographic and authentication solutions. By integrating elliptic curve cryptography (ECC) with quantum‐resistant algorithms, the framework ensures secure key management that is future‐proof against emerging threats, including those posed by quantum computing. Furthermore, the hybrid multifactor authentication system, encompassing biometric verification, one‐time passwords (OTPs), and mutual authentication, provides a robust defense mechanism against unauthorized access and identity spoofing. Simulation results using NS3 demonstrate the model's superior performance, achieving 99.5% accuracy and low latency of 200 ms, surpassing traditional methods in both security and efficiency. The framework is further designed to withstand common cyberattacks, including man‐in‐the‐middle and replay attacks, ensuring robust protection for critical applications like IoT ecosystems, autonomous vehicles, and smart cities. This comprehensive approach not only enhances data protection and network security but also ensures scalability, adaptability, and energy efficiency, positioning the framework as a critical solution for next‐generation communication systems and beyond.