Network security is becoming even more challenging for IT departments, because the lightning-fast 5G network is coming. The pressure on cyber security will only increase with the advent of 5G, especially in places where traditional MPLS networks still dominate. In our previous blog we described that the future of network security is therefore in the Cloud, according to the renowned research agency Gartner. Read here why network security is becoming more and more challenging in traditional environments.
Challenge 1: The worldwide growth of mobile data traffic
Within the next 4 years data volumes, driven by 5G amongst other factors, is expected to have increased by a factor of five. Due to this worldwide growth of data and connectivity it will be an increasingly difficult task for international IT managers to keep their data safe. Can a CIO still oversee what is happening on the other side of the world and ensure that thousands of employees properly separate personal and business information? More mobile data means an increasing workload to keep control over what is happening in the global network as users could be anywhere.
Challenge 2: 5G creates new applications that can be unsafe
Any device that collects and sends data via IP can compromise the security of the network. The possibilities of 5G will inspire many new innovations in areas as Entertainment, AI and IOT. This also means that all these new applications need to be monitored and controlled. How does one ensure that business & security policies are still enforced for massive amounts of (real-time) data traffic generated by numerous applications and devices?
Challenge 3: How many and which suppliers do you trust 5G to?
When building new 5G networks in the Netherlands, the Chinese Huawei is banned from the most sensitive parts of the network. The government made this decision at the end of 2019, which indicates that mutual trust is under pressure, in connection with possible cyber espionage and undesired interference in our economy. If software vendors will flock to release new software patches for 5G, and have them executed by their partners, you will need to have the same confidence. The amount of innovation in 5G will raise the question of how many software vendors you need to keep your 5G strategy safe. Because the more parties involved, the more complex it becomes to manage digital security.
Challenge 4: A real time connection also means a risk of real time loss of data
5G will create new partnerships worldwide and industries will become smart and connected internationally. The positive thing is that international processes are integrating at lightning speed and companies can work together even better. At the same time, the potential damage in case of a data breach or cyber attack can be massive. A malware attack can spread faster than ever with 5G, like a corona virus. That is why I wrote a positive blog about this current topic on my personal LinkedIn page, which you can read here.
Challenge 5: Even more people will work from home or work remotely with 5G
In recent days we have been increasingly asked how employees can safely work from home, in the exact same way as from the office. Not only when they use Microsoft Office 365, but for all business applications. With the arrival of 5G, this demand will only increase. Because the speed of data is no longer an issue, more employees will wonder why they should still be in traffic jams to the office every day. The more work done outside the walls of the organization, the more sense it makes to control this collaboration in the Cloud also.
Do you want to be ready for the arrival of 5G?
If you are already busy ensuring digital security internationally, now is the time to investigate how an international secure 5G network can be best delivered. We believe this is from the Cloud. Delivered by one central point of contact, without the hassle of more and bigger firewalls, but with an optimal and secure digital performance.
Because transforming the existing MPLS network to get ready for the new world of 5G may well be related to the unexpected investments in IT infrastructure you just were forced to approve in order to facilitate your home workers due to the Corona crisis..
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