Ensuring user privacy remains critical in mobile networks, particularly with the proliferation of connected devices and the densification of 5G infrastructure. Privacy concerns have persisted across 2G, 3G, and 4G/LTE networks. In response, the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) has introduced privacy enhancements in 5G Release 15. However, the extent of operator adoption remains unclear, especially as most networks still operate in 5G Non-Standalone (NSA) mode, relying on 4G Core Networks. This study presents the first qualitative and experimental comparison between 5G NSA and Standalone (SA) configurations in real operator networks, focusing on privacy enhancements designed to address well-known pre-5G adversarial attacks. Furthermore, it evaluates the privacy levels of OpenAirInterface (OAI), a leading open-source 5G software, against real network deployments for these attacks. The analysis reveals two novel 5G privacy vulnerabilities, underscoring the need for further research and stricter standards. Finally, we propose directions for future work, considering the evolution of 5G-Advanced and the emergence of 6G networks.

About Stavros Eleftherakis

Stavros Eleftherakis is a PhD Candidate within the Pervasive Wireless Systems Group at Imdea Networks Institute and UC3M. He has also worked as a Research Intern at Telefonica Research and Ericsson. His primary research interests include Positioning Systems, Cybersecurity and AI with related publications in top-tier venues, such as ACM MobiCom, ACM WiSec, and IEEE Transactions on Mobile Computing.

This event will be conducted in English