5G also called the fifth generation of wireless cellular networks, will offer new opportunities to all walks of life, including health, supply chain, agriculture, etc. Similarly, emerging technologies such as IoT (Internet of Things), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and others will continue to evolve with 5G in the future.
On the contrary, hackers and other cybercriminals keep an eye on vulnerabilities of developing technologies like Iot and Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a new window of opportunity for widespread cyber-attacks.
Therefore, better cybersecurity practices have become a need of the hour to secure our 5G future. Likewise, it is the right time to understand the cybersecurity 5G network provides and where it needs to improve. Â
What is 5G, and How does it Work?
If we compare 5G or the fifth generation with the previous four generations, all these generations were responsible for improving connectivity levels. However, the role of 5G is a broader one as it works alongside 4G to enhance the use of mobile broadband access and eventually replace it altogether.
5G is designed to transform our daily lives by offering impressive download speeds, low latency, and much-needed connectivity for billions of devices. It transmits tons of data and uses less power than 4G LTE over shorter distances.
5G Cybersecurity Concerns
The application of 5G technology in different industries can increase hacking and other cyber risks considerably. Here is the list that includes some of the significant concerns related to 5G:
Decentralized Security
Before the advent of 5G, it was easier to perform security checks because the older networks had limited traffic points-of-contact. As of now, 5G’s based software systems do have more traffic routing points, making a monitoring process difficult. There is a strong likelihood that any unsecured area can hamper other parts of the network’s security.
More Bandwidth will Influence Existing Security Monitoring
There is no denying that current networks are limited in space and speed, but they help professionals monitor security in real-time appropriately. As far as the 5G network goes, the expanded network feature may cause severe cybersecurity issues. Hence, security teams will need to adapt to new methods when it comes to combating cyber threats.
Lack of Security in IoT Devices
There are only a handful of providers that take cybersecurity issues seriously while developing IoT devices. As more and more devices are allowed to connect via 5G networks, the chances of network theft increase to a new plane.
Smart TVs, refrigerators, and door locks are some of the premier IoT devices that can cause network breaches.
Insufficient Encryption
Lack of encryption is another problem related to IoT devices that can expose devices’ information to hackers, unfortunately. This way, they can discover how many devices are connected to the network. You can consider such information in the shape of the operating system and device type (depending on its nature, including mobile phones, laptops, modem, vehicles, etc.) that allow hackers to attack them with more accuracy.
Future of 5G and CyberSecurity
During the year 2020, the application of 5G will rise since it has all the right attributes to change the world. Moreover, it will surely provide an entirely new mobile experience to its users. That said, tech developers will have to make sure that cybersecurity issues should not undermine 5G technology’s effectiveness worldwide.
5G Security Foundations should be Enhanced
Developers must devise sound software protection strategies that help them cater to the uncommon risks of 5G. In addition to this, they should interact with cybersecurity organizations to counter privacy risks like hacking, data theft, privacy invasion, and more.
Manufacturers should Improve their Security Efforts
Manufacturers of lower-end products like kids’ smart baby monitors, smartwatches, and others should be given incentives if they focus on improving their consumer protection practices in terms of cybersecurity. But, the cost of creating and applying secure tech should be reduced since it does not encourage manufacturers to consider cybersecurity.
Similarly, they should receive benefits that help them overcome their bottom-line losses significantly.
How should Users prepare themselves for 5G?
If we talk about the end-users, they are the primary beneficiaries who will either suffer or get benefits from collaborating 5G with IoT devices eventually. Thus, they should follow the below-mentioned suggestions to secure their privacy when using iOT devices on 5G networks:
Use a VPN
Millions of people have turned to remote working options due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For instance, 10% of Kiwi workers perform their professional tasks from their homes, and this trend will continue to grow as the government has supported its citizens’ work from home decisions.
But workers will have to rely on a reliable VPN in New Zealand if they want to secure their official data from hackers and other cyber goons’ prying eyes. If they do not take precautionary steps, they can compromise their privacy when using their IoT devices significantly. Consequently, they can become easy targets for hackers. Â
Install Antivirus
They should install antivirus software like Avast, McAfee, and Kaspersky to safeguard their devices from becoming infected.
Wrapping Up
5G, without a shadow of a doubt, will play its critical role in transforming the impacts of numerous industries in the near future. However, all the stakeholders will have to consider different cybersecurity issues related to 5G closely. Otherwise, end-users will have to pay the price rather than reaping the rewards from collaborating this impressive technology with iOT devices.
