Although 5G is a more secure technology, compared to the previous ones, since it connects to a security system -firewall- to recognize devices and provide their identities and even encrypt them, the reality is that the new network will not work autonomously .
According to the AT&T study, Cybersecurity Outlook 2022: Security of the Environment, no company will be 100% 5G, while 4G/LTE technology will continue to be part of the connectivity mix, especially in rural areas. And 5G, as it still depends on the fourth generation of networks, may suffer violations, since it does not encrypt the identity of the devices, causing greater exposure to cyber attacks.
José Otero, vice president of the 5G Americas organization, explains that currently 5G worldwide is based on a hybrid of networks where some operators use the non standalone, that is, they rely on 4G technology. And Mexico is one of the nations that develops the fifth generation in networks with this type of model. América Móvil, for example, uses the 3450-3550 MHz spectrum frequencies that it already had tendered and in operation to provide 5G services.
This combination has shown effects. The study 5G Managed Security Survey 2022carried out by the consultancy GlobalData, revealed that last year more than seven out of 10 telecommunications companies have suffered up to six cybersecurity attacks on their 5G networks, including companies in Mexico, Brazil, Colombia and Chile, and whose consequences have been financial losses, failure of services and systems and impact on the quality of their services.
The theft of personal data through communication services or platforms has become one of the main challenges for telecommunications operators and technology companies. Hackers or organized crime take advantage of vulnerabilities in applications, networks, operating systems or hardware to obtain information that is later used to commit crimes.
“The 5G threat landscape is constantly evolving and cyber threats are becoming more sophisticated Five years ago end-to-end security was good, but now it’s basic. Ransomware, state-sponsored attacks, and hacking have made security an integral part of digital transformation. Everyone has to think about network and cyber security first: protecting the network perimeter and all applications”, details the Nokia report.
Lack of specialists
One of the biggest concerns of both the operators and the company is the shortage of professionals in the field of cybersecurity and 5G.
A large percentage of cyber attacks occur due to technical failures or because users are not responsible when entering pirate sites.
“Cybersecurity is an issue that has always been on the networks, but the main challenge with 5G is for companies to have specialists,” warns Otero.
According to the Nokia report, the operators stated that their security departments spend too much time on manual activities that can account for up to 40% of their time, which represents a challenge for them considering that there is a shortage of security professionals.
Companies must assume the challenges that come with new networks and could do so through training and updating their employees dedicated to security areas, but users also need to be more aware of the implications of entering illegal sites, especially where the hackers every day find ways to violate systems.