October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month. Make sure to read our previous post about educating employees on cyberthreats here. 

As we head into the fall season, most major tech companies are starting to unveil their new 5G–enabled products. Though 5G coverage is still limited, it’s quickly spreading. Meanwhile, larger businesses and organizations are working to develop their own private 5G infrastructures. Soon, 5G will be the new normal. 

This means more than businesses may realize. 

5G doesn’t just allow for faster data transfers. It’s the first network designed for today’s device-saturated world, leveraging software and AI capabilities to offer a smoother experience. Current networks suffer from instability, lag, and connection errors in crowded areas. 5G is capable of handling the heaviest stress loads without losing speed. It also greatly decreases latency, offering real-time functionality that simply isn’t possible on older networks. 

While all of this might sound amazing, there are some concerns, specifically in the area of cybersecurity.  

Cyberthreats Facing 5G 

Any emerging technology can open up new gateways for exploitation. The Internet of Things (IoT) continues to face new and unique threats as it becomes more integrated into our daily lives. In fact, cyberattacks on IoT devices increased by 300% last year. 5G could potentially increase these threats even further. 

5G is designed to handle the demands of the IoT. It does this through advanced software. In fact, 5G represents a shift away from centralized hardware switching, using software-defined routing to direct traffic and funnel information. Though this improves performance, it also removes hardware chokepoints that have been vital for controlling certain attacks.  

Because it uses new software-based infrastructure, it also doesn’t fall under the previously established hardware protocols and standardization that have been set for our current technology. In other words, 5G is largely unregulated. This means that both device manufacturers and network developers can potentially take actions that leave their users’ data exposed. 

Cybersecurity in a 5G World 

Whether we’re ready for it or not, 5G is here. By the end of the year, 5G-enabled devices for Windows, Android, and Apple will be on the market from virtually every major developer. You may already have employees utilizing 5G networks for work purposes. The sooner you adapt, the safer your business will be.  

Both 5G and the IoT highlight how increasingly important real-time monitoring and actionable cyber strategies have become. Yet with more employees working out of office and on personal devices, internal IT departments are already stretched thin. That is, if your business can even afford an IT department.  

A third-party IT provider can be a powerful asset to businesses of all sizes in today’s mobile-first market.  

At Expedient Technology Solutions, we provide scalable IT solutions for small, medium, and large businesses. Whether you need support desk assistance, disaster recover, hosting and maintenance, risk-based management, or all of the above, our experienced team of IT pros is here to meet your needs and protect your data. Our IT consultants can also provide guidance for integrating 5G into your business so that you can leverage its power responsibly. 

Contact us today to learn what ETS can do for you.