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IoT and 5G Technology: Opportunities and Risks
Cybersecurity
2023-05-18
The Internet of Things (IoT) and 5G are two distinct but related technologies that are shaping the future. Their combination creates many opportunities for organizations and individuals but also poses new risks and challenges. They enable new levels of connectivity and data sharing which can transform the way people live and work.
What is IoT?
IoT, or the Internet of Things, is a system that allows physical objects to connect and communicate in real-time with each other using the Internet. These “things” can include cars, buildings, smart home devices, etc.
IoT system contains four main components:
- Sensors – They collect data from the environment and convert them into signals which can be transmitted over the internet.
- Connectivity – Sensors can be connected to the cloud through different methods such as 5G.
- Data processing – After being collected, data needs to be processed, analyzed, and stored by IoT software.
- User interface – This component enables users to interact with devices. For example, people can receive an alert and they can manage and control the connected physical objects.
IoT technology’s widespread use is growing rapidly. According to Statista, by 2030, the global number of IoT devices is expected to increase from 9.7 billion in 2020 to 29 billion.
Its wide range of applications is seen in many industries including:
- Healthcare - Healthcare providers can monitor their patients remotely using data such as blood pressure, weight, etc. collected from patients’ IoT devices allowing real-time interventions.
- Agriculture - Among many uses, IoT can help with smart farming by monitoring different factors, such as weather conditions, crop growth, etc. in real-time.
- Manufacturing - IoT can be used to optimize production processes and improve quality control.
- Transportation - IoT devices can be used to improve logistics and optimize supply chain management.
What is 5G Technology?
Currently, 5G or the fifth generation of wireless network technology is the latest one and provides a faster, more reliable, and more secure connection than the previous generations. For example, when compared to 4G, 5G is up to 100 times faster.
5G is a powerful technology characterized by low latency representing the time needed for data to travel between devices, and high bandwidth, which is the amount of data that can be transmitted at once. This enables 5G to support more devices and data traffic at once.
The 5G network works on a higher frequency band, which enables fast data transmission and allows for more devices to be connected to the network. Furthermore, 5G networks can provide more territorial coverage in even previously difficult areas.
How Are IoT and 5G Related?
IoT and 5G are closely related as they complement each other to provide a more robust and efficient communication network. On one hand, IoT devices rely on fast and reliable wireless connectivity to transmit data and communicate with each other, and on the other 5G networks make it possible to connect a larger number of IoT devices and enable real-time communication and data transfer between them. This is especially important for applications that require instant data processing and response, such as autonomous vehicles and industrial automation.
IoT and 5G Technology Opportunities
Some of the opportunities offered by IoT and 5G technology are:
- Improved efficiency and productivity - IoT and 5G can help businesses operate more efficiently and productively by enabling real-time monitoring and data analysis. For example, IoT sensors can track inventory levels and trigger automatic restocking orders, while 5G networks can provide faster and more reliable communication between machines and humans, resulting in reduced downtime and higher output.
- Enhanced connectivity - 5G technology provides faster and more reliable connectivity for IoT devices, enabling seamless communication and data transfer between devices. This opens up new opportunities for remote work, telemedicine, and other applications that require high-speed connectivity.
- New business models - IoT and 5G can enable new business models, such as product-as-a-service offerings. For example, a manufacturer could offer a machine-as-a-service subscription, where the customer pays for the use of the machine instead of buying it outright. This creates new revenue streams and business opportunities.
- Better customer experience - IoT and 5G can improve the customer experience by enabling personalized and proactive services. For instance, a retailer could use IoT sensors to track customer preferences and purchase history to offer personalized recommendations and promotions. 5G networks can also provide faster and more reliable communication between customers and service providers, resulting in better customer service.
Risks of IoT and 5G Technology and How to Overcome Them?
| Risks | Solution and Strategies |
|
Security and privacy - IoT devices as they collect and transmit sensitive data over the internet makes them often vulnerable to cyber-attacks. Hackers can use this data for malicious purposes, such as identity theft, financial fraud, etc. Additionally, the high number of IoT devices can make it challenging to secure and manage them all, increasing vulnerability to data breaches. |
Implementing strong cybersecurity measures such as encryption and authentication protocols, regularly updating software and firmware, limiting access to sensitive data, and using intrusion detection systems can help mitigate the risk of cyber-attacks. Additionally, developing privacy policies and complying with regulations can help protect user data and improve information security. |
| Interference and reliability - 5G networks use higher frequency radio waves, which travel shorter distances and can be blocked more easily by obstacles like buildings and trees. This can lead to weaker signals, slower speeds, and dropped connections. Deploying 5G networks is also complicated by various factors such as regulations and infrastructure requirements. |
Building more 5G towers and infrastructure, using advanced antenna technologies, and implementing network slicing can help improve signal strength and reduce interference. Conducting site surveys to identify potential obstacles and optimizing network performance through machine learning can also improve reliability. |
| Compatibility and interoperability – Different IoT devices are often developed by different manufacturers and run on various software platforms. This impacts them as there can be a lack of compatibility and interoperability between devices. This can cause fragmentation and difficulty in integrating data and devices. |
Developing standards and protocols for IoT devices, using common communication protocols, and building open platforms can improve compatibility and interoperability. Additionally, implementing device management and monitoring tools can help streamline the integration and management of devices. |
| Energy consumption and sustainability - IoT devices and 5G networks require significant amounts of energy to operate, which can have environmental and economic impacts. The increased use of energy can contribute to climate change and increase operating costs for businesses and consumers. |
Developing energy-efficient IoT devices, using renewable energy sources for 5G networks, and implementing power-saving features can help reduce energy consumption. Additionally, promoting responsible consumption and disposal of IoT devices can reduce their environmental impact. |
| Ethical and social implications - The widespread use of IoT and 5G technology can raise ethical and social concerns, such as the impact on jobs, privacy, and human autonomy. | Developing ethical and responsible use policies, ensuring transparency and accountability, and promoting public awareness and education can help address ethical and social implications. Additionally, investing in retraining and upskilling programs can help mitigate the impact on jobs. |
Overall, it is evident that the emergence of IoT and 5G technologies presents various opportunities for many sectors but also different risks which need to be addressed and managed. To mitigate such risks, experts, and organizations can use internationally recognized standards such as ISO/IEC 27001 and ISO/IEC 27032 whose implementation can help them to ensure protection and enhance cybersecurity.
About the Author
Vlerë Hyseni is the Digital Content Officer at PECB. She is in charge of doing research, creating, and developing digital content for a variety of industries. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact her at: content@pecb.com.
