An Imminent Connection: 5G and Its Cybersecurity Implications

Over the past few years, businesses have increasingly shifted towards digital customer communication and records. As efficiency and connectivity of this digitization of business has increased, so have the likelihood and potential damage of cyberattacks. As our society nears yet another informational shift towards 5th generation (5G) wireless networks, these already prevalent dangers to corporate data security will intensify.

The different generations

In the coming years, 5G technology will replace the current 4G wireless system, providing higher bandwidth and power. From first generation cellphones in the 1970s to today’s 4G smartphones, cellphones have evolved from solely mobile communication systems to center pieces of our daily and social lives,capable of supporting high rates of data and various applications as well as featuring high-speed internet access, gaming, and streaming.

5G technology offers numerous improved features for mobile users, making communication and computation services more efficient and effortless.

● Data connectivity will increase exponentially, allowing mobile users to have a fixed wireless connectivity of one gigabit per second.

● Phones will have lower latency paired with high-powered computing services, machine-to-machine communication, and advanced video delivery services.

● Cloud-based applications will have a faster alternative and phones will have the capacity to connect with self-driving cars and robots.

With this increased connectivity, businesses will be provided with ever-increasing opportunities to connect with their customers.

5G wireless network: How large is its impact?

This opportunity to increase bandwidth and connectivity poses new avenues for growth and innovation. 5G features software-defined networking (SDN) and network function virtualization (NFV), allowing for fast, flexible, and open networks. SDN permits network administrators to have centralized control over the network regardless of the connected device or server and NFV replaces dedicated networks with networks that do not need extensive customization. With 5G, the network will become more accessible and easier to control.

These advancements will result in faster data exchange, allowing networks to quickly detect intrusions and respond immediately. Installation of applications or equipment to allow data connectivity from the network will no longer be necessary. This benefits both corporations and consumers, further reducing hardware costs and upgrading the customer experience. However, this rapid data exchange places significant pressure on the data security apparatus of the corporations.

Given its open features such as instant data connectivity and accessibility, 5G networks can pose new security challenges. Increased connectivity reduces privacy, particularly when all networks will have the capacity of communicating directly with each other. This connectivity can be exploited by hackers, allowing them to attack multiple networks at the same time.

Though 5G offers revolutionary opportunities for corporations, it is still important to practice basic cyber hygiene and properly secure all network components. Basic preventive measures such as firewalls and detection systems must be regularly checked and updated. With increased participation in network monitoring, anomalies and malware will become increasingly easy to discover. Installing and continually updating these defenses can protect your network from future intruders.

With the genesis of 5G wireless networks, we will be forced to face the vulnerabilities this network will invariably bring with it. However, as businesses and their customers alike stand to benefit from the advanced connectivity and speed of this network the future 5G networks promise to bring will fundamentally alter the manner and speed at which we are connected.

Be prepared. Partner with Wilson Consulting Group.

Wilson Consulting Group specializes in cybersecurity training and conducting comprehensive assessments. These will help inform your company of the possible threats you may encounter and help prepare for them. In this pursuit of security, Wilson Consulting Group prides itself on its ability to adapt to client needs and to build action plans that are tailored towards the client’s specific security needs.

Wilson Consulting Group offers real solutions, workforce training, and a proven methodology of best practices to ensure continued viability.