Is 5G Technology Secure?

4G technology transformed the mobile industry in the late 2000s by significantly increasing the speed of the internet and giving users access to high-quality video phone calls. The use of 4G technology is now common throughout the entire world, and it is an essential part of today’s digital culture. However, the increasing number of devices that require internet access continues to put a strain on 4G technology and makes it increasingly more difficult to meet these ever-growing demands. That is why many different companies are working to establish 5G technology, which is a much quicker and reliable mobile network compared to past generations.

Differences Between 5G and 4G Technology

5G technology can connect many more devices to the internet, while also delivering speeds anywhere between ten to twenty times faster than a 4G network. One of the main differences between these networks is that 5G technology uses different radio spectrum frequencies, which minimises delays and creates a much better user experience. The peak speed of the 5G network is 20 times faster than 4G, which makes it much easier to download movies or large files with minimal delay. The use of Internet of Things technology will only continue to expand, and the 5G network can easily handle multiple devices connected at the same time without experiencing any bandwidth issues.

Security Challenges with the 5G Network – DDoS Attacks

The much faster speed and increased connectivity of the 5G network offers a wide range of benefits, as it dramatically improves the entire user experience. However, all of the benefits of 5G technology creates significant cybersecurity risks, such as Denial-of-service attacks. For example, the Internet of Things will make it easy to have all of your appliances inter-connected at home, such as refrigerators, light bulbs, and thermometers. Unfortunately, any device connected to the 5G network is at risk of a DDoS attack, as these malicious attacks focus on making services unavailable by taking advantage of software vulnerabilities. Ultimately, a DDoS attack can create significant downtime that can last for days and cause plenty of frustration.

Privacy Concerns

Besides the potential for cyber threats, privacy concerns are another issue for anyone that uses the 5G network. 5G signals will have a much shorter range compared to the 4G network, which means that the number of cell towers will greatly increase. However, these cell towers will closely resemble small antennas that can be placed indoors or on the top of a roof, as 5G technology isn’t as effective in penetrating through walls. Ultimately, an increase in cell towers makes it much easier to track someone’s physical location compared to modern 4G technology. Another privacy concern is that the controversial company Huawei is one of the leading manufactures of creating 5G equipment. Huawei has longstanding ties with the Chinese government and has dealt with numerous spying allegations throughout the years.

When Will 5G Be Available?

5G is only available in limited areas in the UK, as most mobile devices are still in the testing and development stage. The 5G network will continue to expand in the upcoming months and will become even more widely available in 2020. The much faster mobile speeds, the reduction in latency, and the ability to connect to numerous devices are just a few ways that 5G will dramatically transform the world of mobile devices. However, understanding the various security challenges is essential for anyone that is considering to switch over from 4G to 5G, as new cyber attacks and software vulnerabilities create valid privacy concerns in today’s society that is increasingly dependent on the latest technology.