With the implementation of 5G on the rise in Brazil and around the world, we are entering a new technological era. 5G promises to bring significant advances in internet speed, lower latency and massive device connectivity.
However, along with these advantages, there are also new cybersecurity challenges that both companies and end users must be prepared to face.
With this context, it is essential to understand how 5G impacts the digital environment and explore strategies to mitigate risks, especially in Internet of Things (IoT) and Operational Technology (OT) devices, which will be directly influenced by this innovation.
In this article, we will explore the impact of 5G on cybersecurity, the opportunities it offers to strengthen digital protection and the critical challenges that arise with this new technology.
What is 5G and how will it change digital security?
5G is the fifth generation of mobile networks and represents a technological leap compared to 4G. It brings speeds up to 100 times faster, as well as much lower latency, which means faster communication between devices.
5G is more than an upgrade in network infrastructure. It represents an evolution in the way devices connect, enabling applications previously considered futuristic, such as autonomous cars and smart cities, as well as expanding the connectivity of IoT and OT devices.
However, this massive connectivity exponentially expands the attack surface for cybercriminals, putting both personal information and critical infrastructure at risk.
This change requires robust solutions to protect users, companies and governments against emerging risks.
IoT and OT: Features and vulnerabilities with the arrival of 5G
IoT devices, such as smart sensors, connected home appliances and wearables, are already known for their flexibility and ubiquity. However, they also have inherent vulnerabilities, such as weak authentication protocols and insufficient security systems, which make them easy targets for cyber attacks.
Historically, IoT devices have been exploited by attackers in large-scale campaigns, such as the famous DDoS attack carried out with the Mirai botnet. With the expansion provided by 5G, these risks are heightened.
OT devices, which include industrial control systems, hospital equipment and industrial machinery, present unique challenges. These systems, often critical to business and government operations, often operate in outdated environments and have limitations that prevent the implementation of modern security solutions.
In addition, the limited interoperability between OT devices and traditional security technologies makes it difficult to protect against advanced threats. This security gap is particularly alarming considering the potential impact of targeted attacks on these systems, which could compromise essential services such as energy, health and transportation.
Cybersecurity opportunities with 5G
Although 5G brings risks, it also offers new opportunities to improve digital security such as:
1. Segmented networks with greater control
With 5G, it will be possible to implement segmented networks and network slicing, which allow a single physical network to be divided into several virtual networks, each with its own security rules and policies.
This gives companies greater control over traffic, allowing different types of data to have different levels of protection.
Practical example:
A company can set up a specific virtual network for sensitive data, such as financial information, and another for less critical data, applying specific security measures for each segment.
2. Increased capacity for network monitoring
With greater bandwidth and lower latency, companies will be able to implement real-time monitoring solutions much more efficiently.
This will allow threat detection systems to identify suspicious activity more quickly, reducing incident response times.
3. Expansion of IoT and OT devices with enhanced security
While 5G increases vulnerabilities in IoT and OT, it also offers opportunities to strengthen cyber security. The introduction of segmented networks, known as network slicing, makes it possible to create virtual subnets within the same physical infrastructure, allowing each segment to have customized security policies that are appropriate to its level of criticality. This is especially useful in environments where IoT and OT devices coexist, as it allows potential threats to be isolated.
In addition, 5G enables advances in real-time network monitoring, with greater precision in detecting anomalous behavior. This capability, combined with specialized security tools, can provide an additional layer of protection.
A practical example of this is the use of solutions developed specifically for OT and IoT environments, such as those offered by Claroty, one of Asper's partners in this area. These tools are designed to deal with the particularities of these systems, offering adapted and effective security.
Cybersecurity challenges with 5G
With the implementation of 5G, there are also significant challenges that need to be addressed to ensure that networks and devices are secure.
1. expansion of the attack surface
With the mass connectivity provided by 5G, there will be a significant increase in the number of devices connected to the internet, which considerably expands the attack surface.
Poorly configured IoT devices or those with vulnerabilities can serve as gateways for cybercriminals.
Statistics:
According to a study by Cybersecurity Ventures, the number of connected IoT devices is expected to reach 75 billion by 2025, increasing the risk of attacks.
2. Challenges with network virtualization
While network virtualization brings segmentation opportunities, it also brings new cybersecurity challenges.
Cyber attacks targeting virtualized networks can compromise multiple networks at the same time. Ensuring that each network slice has adequate protection will be crucial to preventing data leaks.
3. Increase in distributed attacks (DDoS)
The increase in connected devices and the greater traffic capacity on 5G networks could facilitate more complex DDoS attacks on a larger scale.
Hackers will be able to exploit vulnerabilities in IoT devices to create giant botnets capable of overloading servers and bringing down websites and online services.
Example:
DDoS attacks using IoT device networks are already happening on a large scale, such as the Mirai attack in 2016, which affected major websites such as Twitter, Spotify and PayPal. With 5G, these attacks could become even more frequent.
How companies can prepare for 5G
With these opportunities and challenges in mind, it is essential that companies take a proactive approach to ensuring security in their 5G networks. Here are some essential practices:
1. implementing Zero Trust
The concept of Zero Trust ("never trust, always verify") will be essential for 5G. This means that instead of trusting that devices on a network are secure, each access and device must be checked and monitored constantly.
2. Integrated security in IoT and OT devices
The security of IoT and OT devices requires a collaborative approach, involving manufacturers, technology providers and governments. Solutions such as network segmentation, continuous monitoring and artificial intelligence applied to threat detection are just some of the ways to tackle the challenges.
More than ever, investment in innovation and strategic partnerships is essential to ensure resilience in a hyperconnected world.
3. Continuous monitoring and traffic analysis
With 5G, companies will need continuous monitoring solutions capable of analyzing large volumes of traffic and identifying anomalies quickly.
Investing in artificial intelligence tools to detect and respond to threats in real time will be essential.
Preparing for the 5G era
The implementation of 5G marks a new era for connectivity, but it also requires an evolution in cybersecurity strategies. As IoT and OT become more integrated, the risks increase, but the tools to mitigate them also advance. With specialized solutions, such as those promoted by visionary companies in the sector, and a proactive approach, it is possible to reap the benefits of 5G without compromising security.
5G is not just a technological evolution, but a transformation in the way we interact with the digital world. This new era brings both benefits and challenges, especially with regard to cybersecurity.
To make the most of the opportunities offered by 5G, it is essential that companies and users invest in robust protection measures. This will ensure a safer digital future, enabling everyone to enjoy the benefits of this technology.
At ASPER Cybersecurity, we are ready to help your company protect itself against the threats of the future, ensuring that you can safely enjoy the full potential of 5G.
Contact us and find out how we can help you prepare for this digital revolution.
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