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:
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Baseline Privacy Plus Version 2 (BPI+ V2) provides mutual authentication so both ends of the communication are verified.
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Perfect Forward Secrecy (PFS), which means session keys are not reused and provides long-term protection against data breaches.
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Trust on First Use (TOFU) mechanisms to prevent downgrade attacks and strengthen trust between devices and the network.
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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
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Provisioning Security
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Physical security
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Zero Trust
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Advanced Authentication
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Regular Security Audits and Updates
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Certificate management
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Train and Enable Employees
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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.
Other Resources from AOI
eBook: Guide to DOCSIS 4.8
Quantum18 | 1.8GHz HFC Amplifiers
QuantumLink | Remote Management