Transport and transmission functions Internetwork exchanges Low-level network switches, etc) MODERATE/HIGH equipment (routers, Filtering equipment (firewalls, IPS...) MODERATE/HIGH IP networks external to MNO premises Network services provided by third parties Core network functions of the 5G network are generally considered as critical. Indeed, affecting the core network may potentially compromise the confidentiality, availability and integrity of the entire network services (whereas compromises of other components may have a more limited impact, e.g. affecting only a specific function or area). Furthermore, the most sensitive data is transmitted through the core network components. Management systems and supporting services (MANO and other management systems and supporting services) are considered as important even though these systems do not carry traffic since they control important network elements and can therefore be used to conduct malicious acts, such as sabotage and espionage of serious consequences. Moreover, the loss of availability or integrity of these systems and services can disrupt significantly the functioning of 5G networks. Among the core functions and management systems/supporting services, a number of elements and functions have been considered to be of particularly high importance, notably: the NFV Management and Network Orchestration (MANO), core access and control functions, security functions, lawful interception functions, cryptographic infrastructures necessary to configure and operate 5G networks and specific management functions. Access network functions were also rated with relatively high sensitivity. However, the assessment of the degree of sensitivity of specific elements within the access functions varies according to a number of factors. Furthermore, in the coming development phases of 5G, traditionally less sensitive parts of the network are gaining importance and becoming more sensitive, such as for instance certain elements in the radio access part of the network, depending on the extent to which they handle user data or perform smart or sensitive functions. Moreover, when edge computing is introduced, certain core network functions are expected to be moved physically farther out in the network, closer to the access sites. Transport and transmission functions were rated as moderately to highly sensitive. However, similarly to the access functions, the assessment of the degree of sensitivity of specific elements within the transport and transmission functions varies according to a number of factors. Internetwork exchanges functions were rated as moderately to highly sensitive, depending on their role in the interconnection between MNOs. 40