As 5G networks become critical infrastructure supporting national security, economic growth, and public safety, ensuring their security is a top priority across government and industry. To meet this need, the 5G Security Testbed (5G STB)—led by 5G Secure Industry Testbed LLC and CTIA (Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association) —provides a unique, industry-driven environment for rigorous, transparent, and repeatable 5G security testing. The Virginia Tech Applied Research Corporation (VT‑ARC) plays a central role in making this mission possible.

Since assuming responsibility as a 5G Security Test Bed Administrator in late 2023, VT‑ARC has operated and maintained a commercial-grade Ericsson 5G RAN (Radio Access Network) within its laboratory facilities. In this role, VT‑ARC supports testbed stand-up and upgrades, participates in test case development, executes 5G security tests, collects and analyzes data, and prepares assessment reports that are publicly released to government and industry stakeholders.

Unlike purely theoretical or simulation-based approaches, the 5G Security Testbed emphasizes real-world configurations and equipment—including both Non‑Standalone (NSA) and Standalone (SA) 5G architectures—tightly coupling the Core and RAN to establish security “ground truth.” This approach ensures that security findings reflect how commercial 5G networks are deployed and operated.

VT-ARC has supported and executed test cases assessing 5G Network Resiliency against False Base Station Attacks proving that the 5G encryption protocols provide superior security over legacy 4G/LTE networks. VT-ARC will continue advancing the 5G STB effort by supporting the Phase II roadmap, encompassing the execution of additional PKI-mTLS (Public Key Infrastructure- Mutual Transport Layer Security) and Network Slicing use cases, 5G Standalone Roaming, and the development of new security use cases spanning Mobile Edge Computing, 5G Cloud Security, and AI-driven recommendations aligned with FCC CSRIC IX recommendations. These efforts will directly inform industry best practices and contribute to the evolution of 3GPP security standards.

The testbed also serves as a valuable resource for government agencies such as the FCC, DHS/CISA, NIST, and DoD, offering an independent platform to explore emerging 5G security risks and mitigations. VT‑ARC has supported numerous high‑level engagements, including visits and briefings for FCC Commissioners and DoD leadership, reinforcing the testbed’s role as a trusted national asset. Through sustained execution, cost-effective operations, and technically rigorous analysis, VT‑ARC’s support of the 5G Security Testbed strengthens the security of next-generation wireless networks and helps ensure that policy, standards, and deployments are informed by validated, real-world evidence.