EU cybersecurity agency warns of dangers of 5G networks

ENISA said the super-fast 5G mobile network, expected to be launched in 2025, will pose a very high risk to cybersecurity as the European Commission (EC) and governments of European Union (EU) member states commit to participating in the race to deploy 5G networks as quickly as possible, while pushing telecommunications operators to invest billions of euros in this new technology.

ENISA has issued warnings about hasty 5G policy, arguing that rapid mobile connectivity carries a very high risk of cyber attacks.

Meanwhile, many businesses hope that 5G networks will help increase their revenue because the technology allows sophisticated Internet devices to process huge amounts of data with only low-traffic connections such as self-driving cars.

Despite the media controversy surrounding 5G, ENISA has warned about the security of this new system. In fact, the network connection method using the 4G platform is also very vulnerable to cyber attacks.

ENISA warns that the much faster future generation of networks still risks repeating the mistakes of the past. While 5G will be ready for a large number of users who want more mobile data and more Internet bandwidth, it could come with more serious consequences.

In a newly published report, ENISA argues that mobile communications play a crucial role in a digital society, helping to ensure the operation of digital infrastructure and effectively supporting the economy. Disagreements over spectrum licenses between EU countries, the EC and operators are hindering the deployment of 5G.

ENISA CEO Steve Purser said current radio communications agreements are not built on a security vision, making it almost impossible to ensure security.

This year, many European telecoms companies began testing 5G technology. While companies are ready to invest huge sums in new systems, ENISA wants the EC to use public funds to support the private sector to develop appropriate protection tools.

ENISA also recommends that the EC establish rules to oblige companies to respect security measures. In its report, the agency also notes the need for common security requirements at EU level to force telecommunications providers to include additional security and warning content.

According to the results of a new survey by ENISA of 39 telecommunications operators in Europe, the majority of businesses said they faced only a small number of cyber attacks each year.

Specifically, 61% of businesses surveyed said they were attacked less than 10 times a year while 7% admitted to being attacked more than 100 times a year. Most network operators currently only apply minimal security measures such as protecting transmission lines to prevent attackers from targeting text messages./.