The GSMA has revealed that fifth-generation networks (5G) will face various cybersecurity risks due to their faster data speeds and lower latency.
The global association for telecommunications companies pointed out that 5G networks are more vulnerable to cyber threats because of the increased number of connected devices and the denser network infrastructure they entail.
Samantha Kight, the Head of Industry Security at GSMA, explained that 5G networks are susceptible to a range of cyber threats, including Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, potential data breaches, and ransomware. The higher data speeds and lower latency of 5G provide cybercriminals with new opportunities to carry out sophisticated attacks.
She also highlighted that 5G’s reliance on cloud computing, virtualization, and software-defined networking opens up new avenues for exploitation.
Despite the larger attack surface of 5G, Kight emphasized that the security features inherent in 5G by default are much more advanced and effective compared to those of older mobile technologies.
As of the end of 2022, there were over one billion 5G connections worldwide, and more than 230 mobile operators in over 90 markets had launched commercial 5G services.
Kight acknowledged that 5G technology has brought significant advancements, such as enabling rapid medical care and improving productivity in various industries. However, she also noted that as 5G becomes more integrated into our lives, it introduces security risks, including cyberattacks and privacy concerns, which must be carefully managed by individuals, businesses, and governments.
In addition to immediate cyber threat vulnerabilities, GSMA’s head of industry security disclosed that 5G technology presents supply chain vulnerabilities, privacy issues, and Internet of Things (IoT) vulnerabilities.
She highlighted the need for unified security requirements for 5G connectivity and mentioned that GSMA, as the global mobile industry association, plays a crucial role in bringing together mobile operators and ecosystem partners to define industry security specifications and address security challenges.
Kight announced the launch of the GSMA Mobile Cybersecurity Knowledge Base, a platform that gathers comprehensive threat analysis, insights, and intelligence from industry experts.
By identifying and understanding security threats associated with 5G and other mobile networks, the association aims to map these threats to effective security controls and provide guidance and best practices to mitigate various risks.
