For any company providing connectivity, cybersecurity is not only a C-suite concern; it is top of mind across the organization. The cable industry’s move to DOCSIS 4.0 brings new security features that improve network protection. It also creates operational tasks. This brief guide reviews DOCSIS-related security and outlines eight areas of best practices for multiple system operators (MSOs) aiming to maintain resilient and secure networks. 

DOCSIS Security Evolution: Basic to Advanced 

The industry’s DOCSIS high-speed data standard has evolved since its inception to address growing security needs. The initial DOCSIS 1.0 security architecture supported the Baseline Privacy Interface (BPI) protocol, which was the foundation for secure network access. DOCSIS 1.1 and 2.0 built on that with BPI+ for better encryption to prevent service theft and unauthorized access. 

With DOCSIS 3.0 came Advanced Encryption Standard (AES)-128, a U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) standard, and the Early Authorization and Encryption (EAE) mechanism for device registration and communication. DOCSIS 3.1 added a new Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) framework and updated cryptographic algorithms to raise the bar for secure communications.

Relying on distributed architectures to boost downstream and upstream speeds, DOCSIS 4.0 altered the network’s attack surface, creating new vulnerabilities. To address these and other threats, it introduced several advanced security features, including: 

  • Baseline Privacy Plus Version 2 (BPI+ V2) provides mutual authentication so both ends of the communication are verified. 

  • Perfect Forward Secrecy (PFS), which means session keys are not reused and provides long-term protection against data breaches. 

  • Trust on First Use (TOFU) mechanisms to prevent downgrade attacks and strengthen trust between devices and the network. 

  • AES-256, which supports larger key sizes than AES 128, providing user-data traffic with maximum protection against brute-force attacks.

Best Practices for Next-Gen Cable Networks 

There is no silver bullet for cybersecurity, nor does it activate itself. If you’re deploying or preparing to deploy DOCSIS 4.0 and related network technologies, consider the following to-do list as a cheat sheet for cybersecurity best practices:

DOCSIS 4.0 security features 

    • Enable BPI+ V2 to get mutual authentication and better encryption.
    • Use PFS for future communications even if keys are compromised.
    • Use TOFU to prevent downgrade attacks and secure initial connections.

Provisioning Security 

    • Activate Enhanced Secure Provisioning (ESP) to protect the provisioning flow and only allow authorized devices to connect.
    • Protect DHCP, ToD and TFTP to prevent theft-of-service attacks, which are a common threat to cable networks.

Physical security

    • Secure boot for cable modems to verify firmware at startup and prevent tampering.
    • Store secrets, keys and sensitive data within network devices to prevent physical tampering

Zero Trust

    • Apply Zero Trust principles, treat internal and external networks as untrusted.
    • Enforce strict access controls, continuous verification and segmented network zones to prevent lateral movement.

Advanced Authentication

    • Leverage the new PKI infrastructure in DOCSIS 4.0 to use certificate-based authentication to verify device identity.
    • Use strong, centralized authentication to simplify identity management across the network.

Regular Security Audits and Updates

    • Regularly assess the security of network components and update firmware, software and protocols.
    • Schedule periodic penetration testing to find vulnerabilities and validate current defenses

Certificate management 

    • Use Certificate Revocation Lists (CRLs) and Online Certificate Status Protocol (OCSP) to manage and revoke compromised certificates.
    • Deploy real-time monitoring to detect unauthorized access and address anomalies.

Train and Enable Employees

    • Provide cybersecurity training to all employees from technicians to executives, on safe practices and incident response.
    • Create a security-aware culture to reduce human error.

Be Proactive and Vigilant 

The move to DOCSIS 4.0 inaugurates a new era of security for cable networks. By deploying DOCSIS 4.0 security features and executing a broad-based cybersecurity strategy, MSOs can build networks better able to withstand today’s cyber threats. For innovative and responsible operators, a proactive and vigilant approach to cybersecurity will be key to protecting their infrastructure and those who use it. 

To learn more about AOI's products supporting DOCSIS 4.0, download the Quantum18 data sheet here.

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