A Survey of Security Threats and Challenges Related To 5G Networks in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Purpose: The widespread adoption of 5G technologies has introduced critical security challenges across cloud infrastructures, user equipment, and the Internet of Things (IoT). This study aims to evaluate and quantify perceived risk levels of diverse 5G-related security threats within the Saudi Arabian context, offering localized insight into regional vulnerabilities. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was distributed among 398 cybersecurity professionals across Saudi Arabia, with 375 valid responses analyzed. The study assessed multiple threat dimensions including privacy breaches, communication link attacks, and cloud-IoT security concerns. Additionally, 15 expert interviews were conducted to enrich the findings with qualitative perspectives. Statistical methods included descriptive analysis, logistic regression, Welch’s t-test, and ANOVA to evaluate risk perception across different sectors and regions. Results: The analysis revealed high perceived risks associated with routing attacks (Mean = 4.12), impersonation (Mean = 3.99), and Denial of Service (DoS) threats (Mean = 3.85). Broader challenges included vulnerabilities in user equipment (Mean = 4.43), lack of specialized tools or training (Mean = 4.35), and decentralized security concerns (Mean = 4.11). Experience level was found to significantly predict DoS threat perception (p < 0.01), while Saudi participants rated risks higher than their EU and U.S. counterparts (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The study concludes that user-device security, cloud integration issues, and insufficient regulatory mechanisms are primary areas of concern. By incorporating region-specific factors such as extreme environmental conditions and regulatory immaturity—the paper offers actionable recommendations including AI-enhanced detection, Zero Trust frameworks, and sector-specific policy enhancements. These findings contribute to a more resilient and context-aware 5G security posture aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives.