What is 5G?
Many of the same technologies are used in the next generation of mobile network technology (radio waves and towers, for example). The next generation of mobile networking uses many of the same technologies as previous generations but has a unique encoding system that offers a variety of advantages.
5G is also moving to software-defined networking. This is in contrast to 4G LTE or previous generations. This allows 5G to implement network cutting, which is the division of a network into separate networks that can be customized to meet specific application needs. This network architecture makes 5G flexible and more scalable than 4G LTE.
4G versus 5G
5G can offer a variety of benefits that make it an interesting alternative to 4G LTE. This was once the gold standard in mobile networking.
- Faster Speeds 5G offers speeds that are up to 100 times faster than 4G.
- Lower Latency 5G can provide much lower network latency (1 millisecond) than 4G (200 milliseconds).
- Higher Density 5G can support ten times more connections in the same area than 4G.
- Lower Energy Consumption 5G uses less energy than 4G. This is great for devices with limited resources.
What Impact will 5G have on the Network and Cybersecurity Worlds?
5G allows more devices to connect with mobile networks, reduces their power requirements, and provides better network performance and latency. Mobile networking is now possible for a variety of devices that were not previously possible.
The introduction of 5G will have one of the most significant impacts on the Internet of Things (IoT). These devices often operate with limited resources (i.e. These devices often have limited battery life and require high-speed network links to connect with cloud-based servers. Mobile networks were limited in their ability to support these devices in mass quantities.
IoT devices with 5G can benefit from mobile network connectivity at higher speeds and lower latency. 5G’s design also means that power consumption will be lower. 5G can support a higher density of devices, which means IoT devices can be deployed in different locations without affecting each other’s network connectivity. 5G allows for widespread deployment of IoT devices, even in remote areas where network connectivity is not available or costly.
5G Security Benefits & Concerns
Organizations have many benefits from the transition to 5G technology, but it is important to also consider 5G cybersecurity implications.
- Less traffic visibility: 5G will make mobile networks more accessible, so employees and business users may use them more. This could lead to a loss of visibility for some businesses if they don’t have a WAN solution such as Secure Access Service Edge (SASE).
- Increased Use of IoT: IoT devices had historically been vulnerable to attacks and have created security gaps. To ensure their devices are properly protected, organizations should deploy IoT security software with the increase in IoT usage caused by 5G.
- Software Vulnerabilities and Supply Chain: 5G supply chains are very limited and the new mobile technology is much more dependent on software than other mobile networks. This opens up the possibility of 5G network infrastructure being exploited.
These devices can pose a cyber risk due to their potential security risks. Organizations need network security solutions capable of protecting 5G-connected devices.
Building security for the 5G World
Business adoption of 5G technology will increase rapidly as it becomes more common and useful. Organizations that require remote monitoring and control systems will love the promise of 5G technology. These same organizations, including those in critical infrastructure and healthcare, are also vulnerable to cyber-attacks.
Check Point offers solutions to help these organizations secure IoT devices and other devices over 5G networks. These include IoT security products that are tailored to specific industry needs. They can protect IoT devices starting at their first connection to the network and blocking known and zero-day threats.
