5G networks: discover the risks and how to mitigate them

The introduction of 5G networks has proved to be a slower process than expected. Although the concept was unveiled in 2016, its global availability was only achieved in 2019. Four years later, the share of the population with 5G-enabled devices remains low in most countries. It is unclear whether the slow adoption is due to its costliness, lack of necessity, or the spread of misleading information. However, an understandable indictment of 5G is the potential exposure of users to cybersecurity risks. This guide will outline the security risks users need to be aware of in 2023 and how to protect yourself from them.

The potential of 5G: advantages and complexities

Experts recognize 5G's benefits as fast speeds, low latency, and applicability to a wide range of use cases. A further merit of 5G is its ability to consume energy in a more optimized way than previous generations, offering greater data capacity. These capabilities have the potential to connect IoT devices on a scale never seen before, leading more consumers to use smart devices faster and enabling smart buildings such as homes, campuses and cities. However, 5G networks are complex: they are designed to process large amounts of different data and therefore must be managed with complex software.

Attacks on the security of 5G networks

The sophisticated software that manages 5G networks can present a cybersecurity blind spot, providing a possible entry point for malicious actors. Cybercriminals can try to break into 5G software to hijack and manipulate the network. Due to their structure and the way they are managed, 5G networks are more difficult to secure than their predecessors. They can be exposed to various types of attacks, including data poisoning, man-in-the-middle attacks, and exploiting connected device vulnerabilities. To mitigate these risks, organizations can adopt techniques such as input validation, request rate limiting, regression testing, manual moderation, and statistical techniques.

Responding to the risks of 5G: solutions and precautions

Device users often tend to delay updating their software. These updates, however, often contain security improvements, helping manufacturers protect their devices from new vulnerabilities. It's also a good idea to add an antivirus or firewall to your device's security whenever possible. Also, users should prefer verified suppliers, brands and manufacturers. While they may be slightly more expensive, this practice increases the likelihood that the device you choose will be protected against the latest attacks.

Conclusion

Even though it has been nearly five years since the release of 5G, for many it is still a relatively new technology. Most of the world's population lacks 5G-capable devices, so it is difficult to predict what vulnerabilities will emerge when 5G adoption reaches a critical level. However, data poisoning, man-in-the-middle attacks, and exploiting connected device vulnerabilities are some of the ways that malicious actors can attack 5G networks. Despite these possible threats, users should always maintain proper cybersecurity hygiene to ensure that any carrier blind spots are covered.