Do you remember your first mobile phone? It was probably a solid piece of plastic that could, at best, make calls and send SMS messages. Only a few decades have passed since then, and today we’re talking about technology that can change the world.

It all began in 1979 when the Japanese launched the first wireless network in Tokyo. Who would have thought that 45 years later, we’d be talking about a billion 5G connections worldwide? Yet, according to a GSMA report, we crossed that magical threshold at the end of 2022. It’s as if every seventh person on Earth was using 5G!

But before we start celebrating, it’s worth asking ourselves: are we really ready for this technological revolution? It turns out that 5G is not just faster internet. It’s a completely new digital ecosystem that can be as dangerous as it is fascinating.

The key issue remains the security of connections in 5G networks, which are becoming the subject of growing attention from experts and specialized institutions. As data cited by the United States Chamber of Commerce shows, the 5G security market is projected to grow by almost 60% by 2030.

Long list of threats concerning 5G networks

As 5G connectivity becomes more widespread, this technology is becoming an integral part of our daily lives. However, with its dynamic development, the number of threats to which individual users, companies, and state institutions are exposed is also growing. Key concerns relate to security – from the risk of cyberattacks to issues related to privacy protection. Managing these threats is becoming one of the priorities in a world dominated by new technologies.

5G, thanks to its advanced infrastructure, offers enormous possibilities, but at the same time increases vulnerability to cybercriminal activities. The increase in the number of connected devices and the use of solutions such as cloud, virtualization, or software-defined networking (SDN) creates new security gaps. The technology that is supposed to accelerate progress poses challenges in terms of data protection and network integrity.

What should we fear most in the context of 5G security threats?

Cyberattacks on steroids

Imagine that hackers can take control of thousands of cars simultaneously. Sounds like an action movie scenario? In the 5G world, this could be reality. The speed and range of new networks mean that DDoS or ransomware attacks can be carried out at the speed of light and on an unimaginable scale.

Your kettle could be a spy

The Internet of Things (IoT) is another piece of the 5G puzzle. Sounds innocent, right? But what if a smart kettle could be a gateway for hackers into the home network? In a world where every device is online, each of them can become a potential threat.

Privacy? What’s that?

5G is an ocean of data. Every Tweet, every photo, every movement – everything will be transmitted and analyzed in real-time. It’s a paradise for marketers but a nightmare for privacy advocates. Are we ready to give up our data in exchange for convenience?

Key threats to 5G networks

5G networks, while offering revolutionary capabilities in terms of speed and flexibility, are simultaneously exposed to new, serious security threats. The 5G infrastructure is based on modern technologies such as network slicing, virtualization, and end-user devices, which can become targets for attacks. Each of these elements carries unique risks.

Network slicing – networks cut into pieces

One of the key elements of 5G infrastructure is network slicing – a technology that allows for the creation of multiple independent networks based on a common physical infrastructure. Each of these network “layers” can be tailored to individual needs and applications, from standard connections to more advanced services such as autonomous vehicles or telemedicine.

However, the complexity of network slicing means that each “slice” requires separate security measures appropriate for its purpose. Misconfiguration of even one of these layers can lead to serious security breaches, such as denial-of-service (DoS) attacks or takeover by hackers (man-in-the-middle attacks). Moreover, the large number of such “slices” increases the number of potential attack points. A successful attack on one layer can open the way to infect many others, thereby increasing the scale of the threat.

End-user devices – an easy target for hackers

End-user devices (user equipment), such as smartphones or IoT devices, constitute another weak point in the 5G infrastructure. Their prevalence makes them a potential tool in the hands of cybercriminals. An example could be a DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attack, which uses a huge number of devices to flood the network with illegal traffic, potentially causing overload and destabilization of the entire network.

Research from 2022 confirmed that 5G networks are particularly vulnerable to such attacks. Actions targeting end-user devices can have catastrophic effects on network performance and stability, and also jeopardize critical services such as emergency communication or 5G-based medical systems.

Virtualization and cloud – greater flexibility, but also risk

5G networks largely rely on cloud solutions and virtualization. Instead of dedicated servers, most network functions are performed by software running on cloud resources – both private and public. This solution, while extremely flexible, creates additional risk.

Unlike traditional physical servers, virtualization-based infrastructure may be more vulnerable to attacks. Software is more susceptible to security vulnerabilities, and hackers can exploit these weaknesses to carry out sophisticated attacks. As the US agency CISA points out, networks built on virtual and cloud resources are more vulnerable to attacks because network functions are performed by code, which – as we know – can be hacked.

The conclusions are clear: the dynamic development of 5G opens up new possibilities, but at the same time forces a change in approach to network security. Advanced protection systems that keep up with technological progress and close cooperation between suppliers, regulators, and end-users become necessary.

How to strengthen 5G network security

To ensure the integrity and protection of 5G infrastructure, key market players – from mobile operators to equipment suppliers and system integrators – must work together to implement appropriate safeguards. As PwC notes, every device connected to the network should be thoroughly checked for security, and its access to the network should be limited or denied if potential threats are detected.

An effective 5G security architecture should be based on robust authentication mechanisms and several proven methods:

Zero Trust – lack of trust as an overriding principle

One of the key steps towards protecting any network, including 5G, is implementing the Zero Trust principle. This means completely eliminating trust for any entity in the network until full authentication. Each component must undergo a thorough risk-based authentication process before gaining access to the network. Such a strategy minimizes the risk of unauthorized access, which becomes crucial in the extensive and complex 5G infrastructure.

Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) – security based on cryptographic keys

PKI, or Public Key Infrastructure, is another important tool in ensuring the security of 5G networks. With PKI, organizations can use cryptographic keys to authenticate all connected devices and users. Each entity in the network receives a digital certificate that confirms its identity, significantly increasing the level of security.

Advanced PKI solutions, such as certificate management systems, enable automatic monitoring of the certificate lifecycle – from issuance to renewal or revocation. Automating this process helps avoid problems related to certificate expiration, which can create security gaps.

Hardware Security Modules (HSM) – key to data protection

Another critical element of 5G security are Hardware Security Modules (HSM), which are used to generate, store, and manage cryptographic keys. These specialized devices ensure that keys are stored in a secure, tamper-resistant environment, making it significantly more difficult for cybercriminals to intercept them.

HSMs, such as Entrust nShield, are recommended by regulatory institutions, including the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA), as best practice in the context of protecting 5G infrastructure. The introduction of these solutions provides an additional layer of security that protects against the most advanced threats.

How can 5G network users ensure the security of their devices?

Is the security issue of 5G networks exclusively a problem for operators, companies, and government organizations? Of course not! Although as ordinary subscribers we have less room for maneuver, we can also take care of our security.

Here are 3 steps that will help you ensure safe use of 5G networks:

Always update your devices

One of the easiest and most important ways to protect yourself is to regularly update the software on your smartphone, tablet, or other devices connected to the network. Updates are not just new features, but primarily security patches that protect us from the latest threats. If you ignore update notifications, your device may be vulnerable to hacker attacks.

Alan Jones from D-Link emphasizes that regular updates are fundamental. “Make sure all your devices are up to date to avoid potential problems,” says Jones. Simple, right?

Enable additional security – multi-factor authentication

Multi-factor authentication, also known as MFA, is a way to provide additional protection. How does it work? In addition to a password, you must confirm your identity, for example, with a code you receive via SMS or a fingerprint scan. Thanks to this, even if someone obtains your password, they won’t be able to log into your account without this additional confirmation.

With MFA, you significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access to your data. It’s a simple safeguard that can save a lot of stress.

Be careful what you install on your phone

Apps on your phone are another potential gateway for hackers. Therefore, it’s worth downloading apps only from official stores, such as Google Play or App Store, and regularly checking what they have access to. Not every app needs access to your contacts or photos, so it’s worth checking if you’re not sharing more than you should.

With these few simple steps, you can significantly increase your security in the 5G network. Updates, additional security measures, and caution in installing apps are the basics that will make using modern technology not only convenient but also safe.

The role of artificial intelligence in 5G network security

Artificial intelligence (AI) is playing an increasingly important role in ensuring the security of 5G networks. As Karikytö notes, the development of 5G technology, based on cloud network design, dynamically scalable and with frequent updates, requires automation of security management processes. Traditional supervision methods are becoming insufficient because managing the changing network environment is becoming increasingly difficult for humans.

In the near future, AI-based solutions that will allow for anomaly detection and automatic response to threats will play a key role in protecting 5G networks. This will not only improve network operation but also significantly reduce the risk of cyberattacks.

In addition to automation and technological security management, training personnel in privacy protection and cybersecurity is crucial. Organizations that build their strategy on solid foundations of digital security will be better prepared for an increasingly complex threat landscape and will achieve success in the 5G era.