5G set to revolutionize mobile communications, but may uncover potential vulnerabilities for cyber security

March 4, 2020
5G networks are incredibly complex and the deployment of infrastructure elements at the edge, make them more difficult to secure.

WASHINGTON – 5G is set to revolutionize the mobile communications industry — offering high data rates, low-latency, and ubiquitous connectivity with levels of reliability not previously seen. C4ISRnet reports. Continue reading original article

The Military & Aerospace Electronics take:

4 March 2020 -- This will enable new services and use cases that go far beyond communication between individuals. The rapid progression of 5G deployments has huge potential for connecting economies at scale, while simultaneously exposing potential vulnerabilities that must be addressed.

To deliver higher performance and lower cost, 5G networks are leveraging technologies that are software-centric and virtualized, moving from custom hardware to software components running on commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) hardware.

This increase in software content across 5G deployments continues to fuel an exciting faster development pace. But with this comes some challenges since these 5G technology innovations are also expanding the attack surface of the system. While 5G core network functions are making use of a new and different software architecture, common technologies like HTTP and REST APIs that are well known are replacing proprietary interfaces of the past. All of these things increase the potential for cyber security attacks and vulnerabilities.

Related: Hurricane cleanup prompts Air Force to craft 5G-powered smart base of the future with big data streaming

Related: Military setting-up plans for large-scale 5G experiments

Related: Upcoming military tests aim to demonstrate 5G shared-spectrum communications for new breed of applications

John Keller, chief editor
Military & Aerospace Electronics

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