Cybersecurity Risks of 5G Networks

5G offers countless benefits, from lightning-fast speeds to astounding interconnectivity. However, with the many advantages 5G can bring your business, it also poses a few risks to your firm’s cybersecurity. Learn more about the threats 5G networks face and how to implement standards that protect your data and critical infrastructure.

5G cybersecurity concerns

Speed and complexity create the benefits and risks associated with 5G networks. With improved latency comes faster attacks, and with more network components come greater attack areas. 5G can offer advantages to businesses by enabling them to enjoy network slicing and edge computing, but these capabilities come with a few cybersecurity risks.

Network slicing

5G network slicing allows you to create multiple unique and private wireless networks over a shared network domain. It can help manage application traffic flows and increase the efficient use of network resources. The complexity of network slicing increases risks because if a hacker can access one slice, they can affect them all. Attackers can:

• Launch denial-of-service attacks on other network slices
• Spread misinformation
• Violate confidential data
• Turn off key security features

Edge computing

Many 5G applications use multiaccess edge computing, where data is processed milliseconds after it’s produced to get real-time analytics and information for instant decision-making. Autonomous vehicles, video surveillance systems, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices all use edge computing to improve their capabilities.

Speed and convenience come with risks, though, since edge computing expands attack surfaces. Your teams must monitor and maintain several nodes, and your perimeter may grow exponentially. Critical data is distributed across systems, increasing opportunities for exploitation and data loss.

Necessary 5G security standards

Building a robust 5G security architecture set on high standards will help your organization take advantage of 5G benefits, such as network slicing and edge computing, while decreasing vulnerabilities, such as exposed attack areas. A few ways to improve your cybersecurity include:

• Performing frequent risk assessments
• Evaluating vendor security standards
• Bringing security controls to the edges where you store and process data
• Investing in detection and response efforts
• Updating software regularly
• Enhancing current capabilities with professional cybersecurity services

Tackle cybersecurity for your 5G networks with Agio

Agio’s experts understand the complexities associated with 5G and how to implement cybersecurity practices so you can enjoy the benefits while mitigating the risks. Learn more about our cybersecurity consultation services to see how we can empower your teams to leverage 5G networks safely.