Increasing Supply Chain Resiliency through 5G Cellular Network Technology

As cellular networks transition from the 4G to the 5G cellular network, it's critical to take aproactive approach in anticipating any potential security threats thistransition may bring.

5G, the fifth generation in broadband cellular networks, will bring exciting opportunitiesfor businesses and consumers. With faster data rates, low latency, and highernetwork capacity, 5G k is set to transform industries and society in a waynever before seen. Everyone from small to large enterprises, factories, cities,and the everyday household will rely on 5G data connectivity formission-critical applications, but this increased dependency brings potentialchallenges.

The 5G cybersecuritywill need a specialised framework to avoid the growing risks of hacking, datatheft, and identity theft. Enterprises must consider all the implications the5G brings and take 5G security seriously. Since the 5G is an immaturetechnology still within its infancy, the current security concerns are withconnected devices and the system itself.

Risks of 5G technology

When it comes to therisks associated with 5G technology, some of the main concerns include:

• Maturity. The 5G standard is still inits infancy and hasn't had enough security testing in real-worldsituations. Deployed and implemented by network providers, and notthe bodies that developed the safety standards, increases the potentialfor vulnerabilities. Some providers may overlook mandatory securitymechanisms due to lack of knowledge or due to cost. When providers aren'tgoing straight to a standalone 5G cellular network and instead, building5G on top of the existing 4G infrastructure, it compounds such issues.

• Testing. Like the existing 4G, the 5G standard employs a system called the Authentication and Key Agreement (AKA), a protocol for enabling networks to trust each other. Recent testing by international researchers has found the 5G standard underspecifies its authentication requirements, which could associate users with an incorrect identifying number. In turn, this may lead to an attacker billing another user fortheir network use. Another vulnerability found is the potential to trackother users - potentially leading to privacy violations and other relatedattacks. 5G cybersecurity standards apply to all vendors and products;however, the need for greater transparency is required if consumers are tofeel safe using 5G-enabled devices. There needs to be more testing surrounding network slicing security. Providingproper security of independent logical networks is an increasing challengeand experts have yet to develop effective mechanisms for isolating slicesto stop intrusions and data leaks. 5G will depend more on software thanprevious networks. This means software updates will require closermanagement to address security issues and flaws before cyberattackers addthis avenue to their target repertoire.

Large movements of large volumes of data. 5G will encompass not only smartphone devices but also consumerequipment, critical infrastructure, sensors, cameras, vehicles-Internet ofThings (IoT) technology at an estimated 1 million connected devices per 1 squarekilometre. Compare that to 4G's 60,000 low-power devices per squarekilometre, and it's clear this massive growth in data will have a directimpact on cybersecurity because more endpoints with inadequate securitygives hackers more opportunities. 

To prevent 5G cybersecurity attacks, technology developers along with vendors and network providers must be extra attentive to 5G security protocols as well as the different types of cybercrime to which it may be vulnerable.

Types of cybercrime

According to AT&T, 76% of enterprises believe 5G willenable entirely new types of threats, not seen within the current 4G framework.As it stands, some of the most well-known cyber threats include:

• Botnet attacks: infected malware installed into a collection of interconnected devices giving hackers remote access and control.
• Distributed denial-of-service (DDoS): a cyberattack in which the hacker disables a device or network to keep it offline.
• Man-in-the-Middle (MiTM) attacks: attackers intercept communications between two parties to eavesdrop or modify traffic between the two.
• Location tracking and call interception: the use of interception and monitoring equipment to enable data theft or identity theft.

How to prepare

Given 5G will attract a large volume of connected devices, companies must require threat detectionand more robust practices surrounding detection and response. Enterprises canprepare for a 5G cybersecurity attack by initiating a security strategy beforeimplementation. Virtualisation and software-defined networking (SDN)capabilities will be instrumental in helping to strengthen 5G security andenterprises should automate security by considering secure cloud environments.End-users may also take on a zero-trust approach to cybersecurity by always verifying everything with two-factor authentication.

How to mitigate

The best way for enterprises to mitigate cybersecurity risks is to practice all the standard threat preventionpractices including keeping software up to date, installing anti-virus software,using a VPN, backing-up critical data, securing IT infrastructure, implementingmulti-factor authentication, and seeking guidance from the 5G IT experts. 

Anyone adopting 5G needs an adaptive and scalable approach to 5G cybersecurity. An end-to-endsecurity measure using AI and security automation protects networks fromvulnerabilities and attacks and Network Service Providers (NSP) and ManagedSecurity Service Providers (MSSPs) can play critical roles in preventingcyberattacks. 

Take a proactive approach

Though the network promises faster data rates, low latency, and highernetwork capacity, businesses must anticipate security risks and threats;especially on the security front. Taking security seriously is an appropriatemandate for business owners. Investing in frameworks that reduce and eliminaterisks of hacking, data theft, and identity theft is encouraged. If you'relooking for a secure and trusted 5G business partner, SpinTel have you covered.Choose a plan that works for your business and enjoythe comfort of 24/7 customer support.