Attackers will have more potential entry points to exploit as they try to enter the 5G network to inflict damage : data extraction , unauthorised configurations , unauthorised data modifications and service disruptions to name just a few .
The impact of 5G security will likely be greater . Lateral or vertical movement of hackers within and across networks is not a new concept , but since 5G is centred on connectivity , high speeds and massive data , the potential consequences are magnified . the Sophos 2020 Threat Report . Another report from Trend Micro predicts that code injection attacks , either directly to the code or through a third-party library , will be used against cloud platforms .
Mobile Malware – Mobile devices such as smart phones and tablets are now essential business tools . For many users , they are the primary way of both communicating and doing business , and the volume of personal and corporate data stored on mobile devices increases daily .
In 2019 , nearly 75 % of people in the UK used their mobile devices for online banking . In March 2020 , Juniper Research predicted that digital banking in the US would grow by 54 % between now and 2024 , as millennials and other younger consumers abandon traditional banking for digital and online banking .
As more critical and sensitive tasks are performed on smartphones , it is only a matter of time before mobile malware emerges as one of the most prominent cybersecurity concerns .
IoT devices – It is estimated that by 2025 , more than 75 billion IoT devices will be connected to the web . A Fortune Business report indicates that the IoT market is likely to grow to US $ 1.1 trillion by 2026 .
Many of these devices lack sufficient cybersecurity protection , mainly because costs are too high for manufacturers to build in security measures at the device level .
Cyberattacks targeting IoT devices could cost the US , an early IoT adopter , a staggering US $ 8.8 billion a year , according to the Irdeto Global Connected Industries cybersecurity survey .
The wide proliferation of IoT devices will entice a large number of complex cybersecurity threats . These can have devastating effects with dire consequences since many of the devices targeted will be used in healthcare , industrial and critical infrastructure systems .
5G – Operators and services providers continue 5G deployments globally with minimal or no impact from COVID-19 . The 5G network faces security challenges brought by new services , architectures and technologies , as well as higher security and user privacy protection requirements .
With a large number of devices , highconnection speeds , low latency , large quantities of data and information , new services and architectures , comes an increase in the network attack surface and increased risk of an attack .
A successful attack could cause massive damage and deal a crippling blow for government , critical infrastructure , individual businesses and individuals .
The list discussed is far from complete . Several other serious security risks and threats need to be considered , such as insider threats , applications and data security threats , misconfiguration and denial of services .
All the figures and percentages above are reflected more or less accurately throughout Asia Pacific .
It is important to understand that poor cybersecurity poses an ever-changing threat . Organisations need to start thinking about cybersecurity not like a fixed target but like a process and risk management .
Business leaders and CISOs need to focus on the following strategic areas to improve cybersecurity posture and minimise the risk of being compromised :
• Cyber-risk management and resilience
• Visibility as a key for effective cyberdefence
• Detection and response , not only protection and prevention
• Control of remote and cloud environments
• Protection of the most valuable data , applications and services at all costs . u
76 Issue 30 | www . intelligentciso . com