Is 5G safe? Understanding the latest wireless technology coming to cities worldwide

As the fifth generation of cellular networks, 5G is the fastest wireless technology of all the networks to be created. However, as this technology has continued to expand, you might be wondering if this new network option is safe. 

There are many benefits to 5G, including the speed of transmissions, lower latency, and a higher capacity of data transfer in comparison to 4G. But are there any downsides to this network?

What is 5G?

This is the latest network of wireless technology that can transmit data between appliances, like mobile and bluetooth devices, at an extremely fast rate. It ensures more reliability and outreach to a larger network of users. 

Since cellular infrastructure typically gets upgraded every 10 years for wireless communication, 5G will slowly be implemented into our mobile networks throughout the nation. This network has the potential to support millions of mobile devices while operating at this extremely fast pace. 

How does 5G work?

Similarly to all communication systems, 5G operates through radio frequencies to carry out information. However, 5G operates at a faster rate due to it utilizing a higher radio frequency that is less cluttered. These bands are called millimeter waves, which allow the network to work at a lower latency and therefore reach devices at a faster pace. 

What are the 5g security concerns?

Although there are many benefits to 5G, there are some disadvantages to be raised. As technology progresses, there are some downsides to these new technologies. Read more to find out what these downsides entail.

Increase in attack surface

In short, an attack surface is a boundary of a system in which attackers can enter to extract or manipulate data. With millions of devices becoming more connected through 5G, it becomes a point of concern of whether the expansion of this system will be more susceptible to cyber attacks. Additionally, due to 5G’s quick retention time of data transmission, people have pointed out that this may risk more sophisticated botnets and privacy violations to work at this quicker speed as well. 

More integration with the Internet of Things (IoT)

The internet of things (IoT) refers to the connectedness of the devices that transfer data over wireless networks. This includes objects, such as cellphones, with built in sensors to connect to the IoT platform and access information. Unfortunately, the IoT platform is inherently very susceptible to cyber attacks and is not vastly secure. This is because the platform was not designed to protect users’ data which can leave potential entry points for hackers to attack. While 5G integrates more IoT, this can exacerbate the current holes in this system even more. 

Decreased network visibility for cyber attacks

Since 5G will expand its network and allow millions of users to be connected at once, this could cause issues with network security. As the surface area of this network widens, the harder it is for security systems to catch abnormalities or cyber attacks throughout the web. In order for these security companies to actively protect its users, it will need to be as advanced as the 5G system and keep up with this new network’s speed.  

Supply chain and software vulnerabilities

Supply chain attacks have been a point of concern for many companies over the years. This is because one attack to a single supplier or company can compromise their own network of providers. Since 5G supply chains are currently limited, there are not many secure systems set in place to protect these providers. In addition, since new devices are being rushed to join in on this market, they are more susceptible to having insecure components.

What are the enhanced security features with 5g?

Despite some of the potential downsides, 5G does have a lot to offer. Alongside its fast data transfer and connection capabilities, it does additionally have security features set in place. Let’s dive into the extent these features have to offer. 

Identity protection

Despite being somewhat susceptible to security breaches, 5G does have enhanced features to protect your identity. This includes shielding you from rogue devices that scam people through phone calls. Since these devices mimic cell tower connections, 5G is able to block this from happening due to the fact that your ID is encrypted with 5G. 

Encryption algorithm

5G incorporates a complex encryption algorithm in which your voice and data is mixed with other transmissions. Due to this, it is significantly harder for hackers to try to decrypt your transmission of data since it would require utilizing a highly sophisticated computer. Since these transmissions are happening at a rapid pace and highly encrypted, it is harder to find a loophole in the data transfer. 

Intelligent software

Since 5G incorporates intelligent software and virtual hardware, this makes it significantly harder for hackers to compromise your device and information. This is due to the fact that your data is being transmitted through various virtual hubs. Within these hubs, your data can quickly be transferred and untraceable. 

Edge computing

In short, edge computing is a computation process in which the sources of data are in close vicinity to data storage. This minimizes the need for the data to be transferred to a remote data center in order to be processed. By this data being in close vicinity, it eliminates the possibility of a threat being undetected while being set to a remote data location. 5G implements this type of computing in all its key computations.

5G is the network of the future

Although 5G may have some downsides, overall the implementation of this new technology will be beneficial to society as a whole. This quick retention time of data will allow more users to be more connected and process information at a faster rate. Despite having some points of concern, 5G has set up key features to ensure the safety of its user’s information and data. Overall, 5G is going to be replacing the 4G networks in years to come and help enhance our technological advancements as a society.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 5G mean?

 5G stands for the fifth generation of cellular networks. It is the more advanced version of 4G due to its lower latency, higher bandwidth, and lower latency.

How fast is 5G?

Currently, 5G is the fastest network to connect mobile and Bluetooth devices. This is due to it utilizing less cluttered radio frequencies to transfer its data quicker.

Which phones are 5G?

Major telecommunications companies have recently released phones that utilize 5G. This includes the iPhone 12, Samsung Galaxy S21, TCL 10 5G, and many more.