Faster speeds, low latency, and better bandwidth! 5G is all set to open doors for new opportunities. The year 2020 was deemed to be revolutionary for commercialization of the 5G technology. With predictions from global tech giants, 5G was supposed to establish millions of IoT network endpoints by 2020. While these predictions saw a setback, courtesy the COVID-19 health crisis, the numbers are expected to grow in the post-pandemic world with higher dependence on IoT.
Risks Involved
The blazing fast internet speeds and lower latency might promise large-scale deployment of IoT devices, but this cutting edge technology will come at its cost. 5G infrastructure will change global network spheres and user experience forever. The vast expansion of network endpoints under 5G support will attract more number of attack vectors. More access points will mean more opportunities for not just the users but for hackers too.
The global interconnections that we benefit from will then increase this network vulnerability. If innovations in cybersecurity couldn't keep up with the rapid growth of this cutting edge technology, we might see large scale security mishaps in next few years.
Problems with possibilities
Cloud computing is pivotal for IoT capabilities over 5G infrastructure. The network elements and operations function using the data stored in the cloud. Deployment of computational components and services via the cloud will mean they will be closer to the edge of the network. It will ensure faster and easier wide-scale deployment of operations by service providers.
The 5G architecture provides flexibility for the passage of massive amounts of data through the cloud. The downside to this is that it can result in an explosion of attacks ranging from standard IoT attacks, smartphone infections, OS malfunctions, and more.
Engagement with 5G architecture requires a more open, virtual environment, meaning restricted coordination with physical network elements and heavy dependence on the cloud. This heavy dependence means more number of interconnections, making it easier for hackers to expand the attack radius once the security of a single access point is compromised.
Final Thoughts
5G infrastructure might be ideal for deployment of IoT devices as it can handle large amounts of data, but the security risks give rise to industry level scepticism. The risks involved for both customers and service providers can lead to damaging trust between the two.
It won't be wrong to say that we have taken a leap of faith with 5G. The social desperation for improved IoT capabilities can lead to severe repercussions.
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