Along with 5G, there will be a substantially larger number of devices connected to the internet — not only devices we traditionally think of as internet-connected but also smart products such as smart refrigerators, AC systems, printers, surveillance cameras or cars. The growth of 5G will be over 100-fold in the next couple of years.
As the number of connected devices will increase, so will also the number of potential network entry points with risk of being exploited by hackers. This growth will also result in an increase in DDoS attacks, as there are more devices which can easily be utilized as a component in a DDoS attack. To perform a DDoS attack over 5G doesn’t require as many devices as when using other connectives as the accessible bandwidth will be 10-15 times higher than an average mobile connection. For instance, the Mirai botnet needed approximately 100 000 devices to launch a terabit-level attack a couple of years ago but need much less devices to do it now when using 5G.
Devices that have support for more scalable networks and cloud computing constitutes a new era of wicked activities on the Internet. Many of the connected devices aren't protected which makes them vulnerable for tampering. All and all, 5G will bring a lot of benefit in many ways, but will also entail an increase in the amount of DDoS attacks, and the simplicity in performing them. This requires you to look over your internet protection, to ensure it up for the challenges this new threat landscape brings.
The new circumstances will require new cybersecurity measures to stop and mitigate risks.
Don’t let the bad traffic rain on your door fold up the umbrella and stop the rain!
Stay safe out there!