5G (fifth generation wireless cellular technology), the network of the future, is ready to flood the world with its incredible potential. 5G came to redefine the technology that will unlock the true capabilities of radio networks.
While many tech enthusiasts have embraced the opportunities that 5G promises to bring, many experts are concerned about the growing security threats it may pose. All security experts are working hard to predict the future of cybersecurity and physical security in the age of 5G.
“Speed is important, but speed without a good and targeted solution can be disastrous.” – Arleigh Burke – (US Navy)
With increased communication speed and better connectivity comes the increased threat of manipulation and possible violations. Clearly, this dilemma reinforces the need for convergence of physical security with cyber security. Will 5G break down barriers and bridge the gap between physical and digital security? Time will tell.
Obviously, this discussion is endless and understanding the subject requires a certain level of technical knowledge. Here is a brief and simplistic, but insightful view of the capabilities of 5G, its threats and the changes it will bring to the security industry.
What is 5G technology?
Before exploring the potential and related threats of 5G, it is worthwhile to understand what the term actually means. 5G is a general term referring to a set of protocols and technologies aimed at providing significantly faster wireless internet than 4g, with about 20 times the speed and 120 times less latency, paving the way for the development of IoT infrastructure and high bandwidth applications.
Clearly, this technology will achieve what was impossible in the past. Every industry, including manufacturing, security, transportation, healthcare, education, entertainment and more, will benefit. Although it will take years for the full potential of the technology to be revealed, its initial release has already accelerated.
Qatar was the first country to implement the first 5G commercial network. However, many countries rushed quickly enough to abandon their hesitations and follow in Qatar’s footsteps, embracing wholeheartedly the accompanying challenges of high-tech technology.
What are the relevant threats?
5G aims to connect everything, including objects, devices, machines and everything else, in a better and more efficient way. Therefore, the data transmission time will be greatly reduced. 5G allows network speeds that are equal to, if not better than, fibre optic connections.
However, these increased benefits bring with them increased security concerns. While the industries are excited to take advantage of the increased speed, so are the perpetrators. Likewise, the significant gap between 5G and its advanced technologies raises many questions about its easy adaptability.
Undoubtedly, handling security concerns during and after the transition from prior technology to 5G requires the utmost care and due diligence. Therefore, a reliable security service provider should intervene when handling these types of operations and transitions.
Some of the security challenges that industries may face include:
– Larger data losses during breaches
As more data will be transferred in one unit of time than before, the loss that results from a breach is unthinkable. Attractive 5G speeds and reduced latency can lead to disastrous consequences.
– Denial of service overloads
Similarly, with 5G, “denial of service” attacks will be more damaging. Unfortunately, the amazing speed of 5G is what will pave the way for increased DoS attacks.
– Enhanced consequences of human error
Mistakes and errors will become more relentless in the age of 5G. Business employees are often negligent and accidentally insert malware into their work stations due to unprotected downloads. If the same steps continue in the realm of 5G, the results may not be very tempting.
Where does the security industry stand?
Thanks to its increased capacity, which is 1000 more than 4g and with a reaction time of just one millisecond, the resulting changes in the Internet of Things (IoT) will be amazing. Surprisingly, the solutions to the above problems exist in the technology itself.
The good news is that 5G will provide the following security enhancements:
- Improved problem response rate due to increased speed and reduced latency.
- Uninterrupted real-time live video surveillance will also be available, allowing security professionals to respond more quickly to emergencies.
- 5G private networks will further enhance reliability.
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