5G will support millions of devices and will transform the communications industry, introducing new capabilities for building connected ecosystems such as smart cities, autonomous and driverless vehicles.
This wireless networking feature offers many benefits, including lower latency, faster speeds, and better performance.
However, it comes with a range of cybersecurity attacks against businesses and individuals.
Therefore, cybersecurity risks need to be managed.
As organizations jump on the digital trend to become more efficient, they need to monitor these networks, keep an eye on threats, and take proactive measures.
In this blog, we discuss 5G networks and their impact on IT services, as well as some data protection strategies to help address them.
Also read: What are insider threats? Definition, types and prevention
What is a 5G network?
5G networks are advanced mobile phone technology that operate at speeds 100 times faster than 4G.
CNBC defines 5G as a software network, but that doesn’t mean it will eliminate the need for cables. In fact, it may eliminate the need for cables.
It takes around 2 hours to download a movie using a 3G network, whereas the same movie takes around 40 minutes to download on a 4G network.
Together 5G The network allows you to access downloaded content in just 35 seconds. Isn’t it super fast with a high-speed data connection?
5G will be faster than you can imagine and will change the way we interact with software, applications and digital products. 5G networks will connect people and businesses.
Massive data speeds and low latency improve user experience.
5G offers revolutionary advantages over previous generations.
- Speed upgrades are offered so you can download high definition movies in seconds instead of minutes.
- 5G combined with IoT technologies will enable smart cities and homes, as well as enable users to seamlessly interact with applications and devices.
- Increased connectivity enables businesses to create products and services faster and speeds up the innovation process – faster product launches translate into increased revenue for businesses.
The impact of 5G technology on IT services
Let’s talk about how 5G technology will impact your IT business.
1. Increased data capacity
In our digital world, devices are interconnected.
Increased network capacity means that 5G will provide tremendous support for connecting hundreds or thousands of devices.
Businesses can launch products faster: 5G offers 100 times the capacity of 4G, allowing businesses to develop innovative applications faster and connect more devices.
5G network connectivity will bring businesses closer to their data.
2. Business Efficiency
5G operates at faster data transmission speeds, allowing organizations to build complex systems with ease.
Additionally, technology-based organizations operating globally with hundreds of branch offices require faster networks that enable low latency and high speed data transfer.
They want cellular technology that supports real-time collaboration and allows people to connect virtually.
Thanks to 5G technology, businesses can become twice as efficient and more productive.
3. The rise of cloud computing
Cloud computing is not the future, it’s now. Many businesses are moving to cloud computing because it eliminates the need for physical servers and infrastructure.
5G is creating big waves in cloud computing as it cuts down on lags and facilitates real-time data streaming and storage capabilities.
Additionally, 5G will also help data-hungry companies store data and download it instantly from the cloud.
Four. Cybersecurity
In the constantly evolving business environment, 5G will play a key role in identifying unknown threats and vulnerabilities that organizations may face.
The increased connectivity that 5G provides means that cybercriminals can leverage this network to undermine corporate systems and networks, and they can also use 5G networks to steal sensitive information from customers and employees.
However, organizations can address such cyber threats by investing in cybersecurity solutions.
What cybersecurity risks does 5G pose?
5G offers many benefits but also comes with a number of cybersecurity challenges.
According to the data report, 5G connectivity will fundamentally change your life and could add $1 trillion in value to the global economy by 2030.
Discuss the cybersecurity risks posed by 5G.
1. Cyber attacks are on the rise
This emerging technology (5G) creates various security risks for businesses. 5G offers low latency and high data speeds, which leads to various types of cyber attacks, including data breaches, ransomware, and data denial of service (DDoS).
Cybercriminals may come up with new ways to launch attacks, which could result in system downtime.
5G offers faster network speeds (100 times faster than previous generations), so if an attacker gains access to one network, there is a high chance of a data breach occurring, causing huge financial losses to businesses.
2. Supply chain vulnerabilities
5G networks involve a wide range of supply chain vendors.
With higher speeds comes the issue of negligence on the part of suppliers.
So you don’t know which parts of your supply chain, or from which suppliers, are vulnerable to attack.
When your supply chain involves multiple intermediaries, you don’t know what standards and security protocols they are following.
Perhaps the concern is the use of weak security protocols, which could allow hackers to exploit weak points in the supply chain and disrupt security systems.
3. Growing privacy concerns
5G will increase interconnectivity between devices, each of which will generate vast amounts of data, including sensitive personal and business information.
If hackers gain unauthorized access to such networks, such information can be misused, causing adverse effects for both individuals and organizations.
4. IoT Vulnerabilities
The widespread adoption of 5G networks poses security risks for IoT devices.
As the number of IoT devices grows, it becomes more difficult to manage and secure them, and most IoT devices are exposed to security threats if not updated regularly.
IoT devices have limited security, which means hackers can attack such devices and steal sensitive information.
Also read: What is cloud security? 9 cloud security best practices for 2024
5G Data Protection Strategies for Cybersecurity Risk Management
As we all know, 5G brings enormous opportunities to every sector and industry, but it also comes with some drawbacks.
Therefore, organizations must follow security best practices to manage 5G-related cybersecurity risks.
1. Configure encryption
5G will power many devices, which will generate vast amounts of data. Data encryption must be employed to ensure that data in transit is secure at every stage.
Without encryption protocols, data breaches will occur, including data stored in the cloud and data passing through 5G networks.
Without encryption, hackers have a greater chance of stealing data and identifying the devices you use.
2. Implement a Zero Trust Policy
5G will have higher bandwidth and connect to a wider range of devices, increasing cyber attacks from both inside and outside sources.
This policy follows the principle of “never trust, always verify,” which means that everyone involved in the 5G ecosystem, including subscribers and administrative users, will go through various authentication processes, meaning that each user will be provided with fewer privileges.
How can zero trust policies help secure 5G networks?
- It uses biometric authentication and blockchain.
- Use security tools such as firewalls and anti-malware.
- AI-powered risk detection tools minimize vulnerabilities and prevent unauthorized access.
Therefore, incorporating a zero-trust policy approach can help build a secure and strong 5G network where every employee or contractor will need to be authenticated to access the network.
3. Conduct security testing
Another way to address threats is to perform security testing and conduct regular security audits to detect vulnerabilities, and then create mitigation strategies to address such threats before they have a financial impact on your business.
As digitalization reaches its peak, AI and Blockchain Get 5G support.
summary
As we all know, 5G is a game changer for communications service providers (CSPs). However, it also brings with it several cybersecurity risks that could lead to data breaches and financial losses for businesses.
But the good news is that 5G networks can be secured by adopting some of the best data mitigation practices, including zero trust policies, data encryption, and more.
Switching over to 5G networks is a good move, but companies need to closely monitor how their networks are being used.
