The latest 5G wireless technology supports a vast expanse of connected devices on a single network.
However, an increased bandwidth capacity means more avenues for hackers to infiltrate a network and gain access to sensitive information.
According to a 2018 Wipro report on the state of cybersecurity, experts concluded that an increase in cloud-connected devices on the network would give threat agents a bigger opportunity to breach systems from the inside out. Another 2019 data breach investigation showed that 43% of cybersecurity attacks happened to small businesses that were not prepared with the right security protocols.
If CISOs and security professionals want to prevent future breaches, they need to prepare effective cybersecurity plans before 5G goes worldwide.
What Does 5G Mean for Cybersecurity Management?
As industries add 5G compatibility into their technologies, more companies can offer new types of services, but these bring with them an array of security issues to handle.
Security researchers at Purdue University and the University of Iowa reported around a dozen concerns with 5G. The risks included tracking a smartphone carrier’s exact location, triggering false emergency alerts, or disconnecting devices on networks without the carrier’s knowledge. If hackers can infiltrate personal devices, the concern is that devices connected to company cloud databases may also become vulnerable.
According to these cloud-computing statistics, by the end of 2020 around 67% of business infrastructure will be cloud based, and 82% of company workloads will utilize the cloud. Some office equipment, such as commercial printers, are already compatible with cloud-storage technology, which speeds up office printer output. Companies looking to compete and protect their databases will need to prepare in advance for 5G technology.
3 Ways to Prepare for 5G Security Concerns
How can security experts prepare their businesses for 5G technology? Here are the top three ways companies can prepare for the increasing connectivity of devices on the network.
1. Stay Informed on the Latest Vulnerabilities
Not only is sensitive customer information and company data tied to systems, but also to an array of digital devices. That said, businesses should keep an eye on the latest cybersecurity developments as hackers are continually seeking to build strategies to break into these devices and grab information.
Hiscox, an insurance company based in Chicago, took a survey of over 4,100 organizations and found that 7 of 10 companies aren’t prepared for cyberattacks. Businesses are failing to keep up with trending cybersecurity attacks. Over $2 trillion in global losses stemmed from cybercrimes in 2019.
Staying aware of the latest vulnerabilities can help companies avoid the web effect of cybercrimes that result from multi-million dollar cyberattacks.
2. Implement Internal Cybersecurity Strategies
Previously, organizations would focus their cybersecurity efforts on the external network infrastructure, since that was the only way hackers could infiltrate the system. However, because devices can now directly connect to a company’s cloud database for their added convenience, threat agents can directly access the network from an internal source.
Over $6 million is expected to be invested annually in cloud-computing technology, with around 81% of companies currently using this type of infrastructure. In other words, more companies need to develop new cybersecurity strategies to monitor and manage internal traffic and devices on their networks.
3. Increase the Bandwidth Capacity of Your Network
An increase in the number of devices connected to a company’s internal database and network means that there will be much more latency, and ultimately, a delay in threat alerts. Additionally, a backup in the system could cause an intruding device to become apparent much later than it takes hackers to retrieve information, so network administrators can’t block them in time.
5G wireless networks are expected to run at around 2.5 GBps, an upgrade from the current standard 12.5 MBps 4G network capability. Though it’s a massive increase in speed, most companies’ traditional security solutions may not keep up with cloud-computing latency and the increased network capacity.
Ways for Companies to Manage Internal Networks
What can companies with existing external network infrastructures do to maintain cloud-based connectivity on their systems?
Here are a few suggested ways for businesses to manage their current internal network infrastructures:
● Conduct Routine Threat Checks: Observe the network and IT departments for any potential weaknesses, such as computers that require security updates, or go over security protocols with employees.
● Use a Reverse Proxy Server: Direct all external traffic into a reverse proxy server before threat agents can get access to sensitive details on the server and restrict them at the entry point.
● Implement Multifactor Authentication: Instead of having usernames and passwords, set up a multifactor identification system.
● Treat All Network Entities the Same: Each time users or devices request access to the network, cross-check the information with the recorded information to make sure they’re authentic.
These strategies can help businesses or companies transition from prior network security plans to ones fit for the new 5G world as 5G continues to develop and become more widespread.
Get Ready for 5G Computing with Wickr
As developments in cloud computing continue to change the technologies we use to manage data, network administrators and cybersecurity professionals need to stay on top of the latest events.
Wickr understands what it takes for a company to stay ahead of the latest cybersecurity developments and technological advancements. Don’t let your organization fall victim to some of the most malicious digital cyberattacks. Visit Wickr today to get the latest information on 5G technologies and keep your business’s data safe from unauthorized access.