5G technology, which delivers unparalleled speed, capacity, and capabilities, is the next step in the evolution of mobile and wireless communications. Networks will service trillions of linked devices in the 5G era, and each individual will utilize tens or hundreds of interconnected gadgets in their everyday activities.
Although 5G incorporates new hardware, it is largely a virtual network, ushering in the era of wireless network and communications convergence. However, in addition to the potential, the adoption of this technology introduces new dangers, dangers, and vulnerabilities, because it exposes many more network endpoints to cyber attackers, and 5G virtualization implies that the entire connection is dependent on software.
5G Networks and their applicability
Furthermore, the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of telecommunications will be major national security challenges, since 5G networks will enable many IT & C applications, including at the level of vital infrastructures. In this regard, guaranteeing the security of communication infrastructure protection via 5G networks is also included in Romania’s National Defense Strategy, because potential breaches might pose significant national security issues in the absence of cyber security measures. As a result, examining how cybersecurity is addressed to make 5G networks secure will be critical in order to prepare the way for all the possible advantages for consumers, businesses, and society, as well as end-user safety.
This necessity, however, should not divert organizations, governments, communities, and companies from planning the 5G revolution’s tremendous prospects. Indeed, by recognizing and tackling the unique risks of 5G, businesses may increase their resilience and leverage 5G as a source of income and profit for both themselves and society. This is especially crucial now, as the emerging coronavirus epidemic has altered how people work and connect.
Companies’ IT infrastructure systems, for example, are in high demand with employees working from home, generating a heightened exposure to cyber security threats. Furthermore, as patients communicate with doctors via tablets, computers, or mobile phones through the use of telemedicine, critical information must be kept safe. Understanding where vulnerabilities might emerge is a critical first step in securing any network against cyber attacks, including 5G. These flaws are most commonly identified at interconnection points, when there is a possibility of switching from one network element to another.
5G Framework might have security vulnerabilities
However, it is crucial to highlight that many of the security flaws that are commonly detected in 5G are not unique to the technology. It is an issue for 5G operators and consumers if gadgets, encryption techniques, or AI engines connected to 5G networks are breached or hacked. Effective security in a 5G environment necessitates the participation of all value chain participants. That is why we propose a zero-confidence strategy backed up by “design resistance”-putting cybersecurity at the center of every 5G installation.
To accomplish this, company leaders must focus on three fundamental pillars of security: trust, which will drive the adoption of cybersecurity measures; resilience, which will prevent, exit, and return from disruptive attacks; and activation, which will allow them to quickly overcome new and existing threats. These pillars will guarantee that organizations can swiftly and safely deploy 5G, allowing people, businesses, and society as a whole to embrace the possibilities of this new instrument with confidence and security.
5G, AI and smart cities
As telecom operators roll out 5G networks, they are confronted with unprecedented network complexity, as well as the requirement to build Internet of Things (IoT)-based solutions and other smart systems. As data communicated over 5G supports increasingly automated and tailored goods and services, AI and 5G will provide end consumers with more personalization of the solutions used both at home and at work. Another critical feature will be more human-like digital experiences, as AI increases human skills and fosters deeper interactions between people and systems. Together, the influence of these aspects will result in increased productivity, higher work quality, and more free time.
The impact of digitalization
As urban populations continue to rise fast, with increased emphasis on traditional infrastructure, the most difficult issue will be to transform current cities throughout the world into smart cities. In this sense, digitalisation has the potential to improve a wide range of urban systems in order to better meet the needs of citizens, particularly in areas such as transportation and facility management in buildings, but also in systems such as energy, water, public safety, waste management, and pollution control.
There is also the possibility of assisting governments in managing public health events, such as the coronavirus pandemic, by enabling modeling, detection, and prediction and giving real-time data to support decision-making. By offering a high-speed infrastructure to enable these services, 5G technology will help realize the full potential of the smart city idea. It goes without saying that keeping cities’ smart networks safe is critical, both in terms of running infrastructure and the security of people’s personal data. This may be accomplished by implementing a zero-confidence approach in the design of all smart city technologies and connections.
Conclusion
AI is critical to the cyber security of the 5G era. This is due to the fact that AI and ML (Machine Learning) provide enterprises with new and powerful tools for protecting their systems against hackers who conduct increasingly complex and sophisticated assaults. Cyber security in the 5G ecosystem is non-negotiable in this scenario.