The transition to 5G cellular networks will strengthen businesses in many ways, but it will also create a new arena for hackers.
What makes 5G stand out is the “speed of light” it promises. However, this is precisely what creates the risk. The reason is that it will power countless “smart” devices, which will now be able to connect to the Internet more easily and efficiently than today’s WiFi and 3G/4G.
The Internet of Things (IoT) has already entered our lives, but with 5G, this technology will “take off.” Within the next few years, billions more IoT devices will enter the market.
Even now, when IoT technology is not as widespread, we hear about attacks due to vulnerabilities in smart devices.
This means that with 5G and the rise of IoT devices, the market will be filled with countless vulnerable endpoints, putting businesses at risk.
One of the most significant risks for businesses is the proliferation of backdoorsthat will emerge as a result of the rise of IoT devices and 5G technology. Hackers can exploit these backdoors to gain access to a business's network.
In 2018, a Las Vegas casino was attacked when hackers managed to compromise a vulnerable “smart” thermometer in an aquarium in the lobby.
These perimeter attacks will not be easy for businesses to address. If traditional products (locks, thermostats, light bulbs, etc.) are replaced with smart devices, a huge number of vulnerable endpoints will be added to the perimeter of an enterprise network. Because these devices are not core network devices, they are not given much importance, despite the fact that most of them have vulnerabilities from the moment they are created.
These are the IoT devices that hackers exploit to gain access to a company's network. If they manage to break into the network, they look for other devices and gradually infiltrate more important systems.
"Physical" attacks
Another consequence of the rise of IoT devices and 5G technology is the possibility of a “cyber-kinetic” attack. This is a digital attack that has physical consequences for the company.
What do we mean by physical consistency? IoT devices already control important physical functions, such as electricity, air conditioning, locks, building systems, vehicle functions, etc.
If one of these devices is compromised, the attacker could affect all of these functions. They could even install malware (e.g. ransomware) and disrupt the operation of the business. In 2017, WannaCry ransomware was used for such attacks around the world.
Super botnets
One of the most common attacks that companies have faced in recent years is DDoS attacks. As the Internet of Things develops, these attacks will become more common.
To carry out DDoS attacks, hackers use so-called “botnets.” In the past, botnets were made up of infected computers. Recently, however, they are created from IoT devices (e.g. Mirai botnet).
IoT botnets are more effective than computer botnets and with the speeds of 5G they will become even more powerful and create more problems.
Risk reduction
With increased attacks due to 5G, businesses will need to take care of security .
This means that companies should update IoT devices, scan for potential threats , and protect them with firewalls and antivirus software. It is also necessary to isolate IoT devices from more “sensitive” areas of the network.
Of course, it is very possible that a successful attack will occur. In that case, businesses should have a plan in place to deal with the situation.
