As Canada continues to expand its 5G network, bringing faster speeds and greater connectivity to more communities, the country is also facing a new wave of cybersecurity challenges. The 5G network, with its ability to support billions of devices and provide near-instantaneous data transfer, is transforming how Canadians live, work, and communicate. However, this increased connectivity comes with significant risks, including threats from malicious actors seeking to exploit vulnerabilities in the network.

Let’s explore the cybersecurity challenges associated with Canada’s expanding 5G networks, discuss the measures being taken to address these risks, and examine how these efforts impact both individuals and businesses across the country.

Understanding 5G and Its Cybersecurity Risks

What is 5G?

5G is the fifth generation of wireless network technology, offering speeds that are significantly faster than its predecessors, 4G and LTE. It also provides lower latency, meaning data can be transmitted almost instantly. This makes 5G ideal for applications like remote surgery, autonomous vehicles, and smart cities. However, these advancements also introduce new security challenges.

Cybersecurity Risks in 5G Networks

1. Increased Device Vulnerability: 5 G supports a vast number of devices, including traditionally insecure IoT devices, expanding the potential attack surface dramatically. Each connected device becomes a potential entry point for hackers, making network security more complex.
2. Supply Chain Risks: Relying on international vendors for 5G infrastructure components raises concerns about supply chain attacks. Untrusted vendors could embed malicious software or hardware in equipment, compromising network security.
3. Data Volume and Complexity: The sheer volume of data transmitted over 5G networks strains security monitoring systems, making it harder to detect and respond to threats in real-time.
4. Network Slicing: While network slicing allows dedicated channels for specific services (like banking or healthcare), it also creates isolated targets for focused attacks.

Measures to Address Cybersecurity Challenges

Government Initiatives

The Government of Canada has taken several steps to mitigate these risks:

• Telecommunications Security Framework: In May 2022, the government announced a new framework to enhance telecommunications security, including prohibiting the use of Huawei and ZTE equipment in 5G networks due to security concerns. This decision reflects a broader global trend of scrutinizing equipment from certain vendors for potential security risks.
• Canadian Security Review Program: This program assesses and mitigates risks associated with telecommunications equipment. It will be expanded to cover 5G networks, ensuring all network components are thoroughly vetted.
• Legislative Measures: Amendments to the Telecommunications Act aim to ensure network security is a core objective of Canada’s telecommunications policy. This includes provisions for carriers to prioritize security in their network operations.

Industry Efforts

Companies like TELUS and Rogers are investing heavily in expanding and securing their 5G networks:

• TELUS’ 5G Expansion: TELUS has expanded its award-winning 5G network across Canada, focusing on speed, reliability, and capacity. By the end of 2021, it had reached over 600 urban and remote communities. In 2023, TELUS reported a significant capital expenditure of approximately $2.6 billion, which helped cover over 86% of the Canadian population with 5G services by the end of the year.
• Rogers’ 5G Innovations: Rogers has been testing advanced technologies like 5G Cloud RAN and network slicing to improve network reliability and offer dedicated services for critical users like first responders. Rogers’ 5G network covers over 2,200 communities, providing unparalleled coverage and reliability.

AI and Automation in Cybersecurity

Ericsson, in partnership with Canadian universities, is using AI to automate 5G network security. This initiative aims to detect and prevent zero-day attacks, leveraging AI’s predictive capabilities to enhance network resilience. By integrating AI into security systems, carriers can respond more effectively to emerging threats.

Impact on Canadians

The cybersecurity challenges in 5G networks affect not just businesses but also individual Canadians:

• Personal Data Security: With more devices connected to the internet, personal data is at greater risk. Ensuring that devices and networks are secure is crucial for protecting privacy. Canadians need to be aware of these risks and take steps to secure their data, such as using strong passwords and keeping software up-to-date.
• Economic and Social Benefits: Secure 5G networks are essential for economic growth and social development. They enable innovative applications in healthcare, education, and transportation, which are critical for Canada’s digital economy. For instance, remote healthcare services can be more effectively delivered over secure 5G networks, improving access to medical care in rural areas.
• Rural and Remote Communities: Expanding 5G to rural and remote areas, including Indigenous communities, presents opportunities and challenges. Careful planning is required to ensure these communities benefit from enhanced connectivity while being protected from cybersecurity threats. Initiatives like TELUS’ expansion in Quebec, supported by government funding, aim to improve connectivity in these regions.

5G Network Performance and Expansion

Current State of 5G Networks

• 5G Availability: Users across Bell, Rogers, and TELUS spend statistically similar proportions of time with an active 5G signal, ranging from 11.5% to 12.1%. This indicates that while 5G is becoming more widespread, there is still room for improvement in consistent coverage.
• Regional Performance: Rogers’ network offers the highest 5G availability in Alberta and British Columbia. In Ontario, Bell and TELUS share the top spot, while in Manitoba, Bell and Rogers are joint winners.

Developments

• Spectrum Auctions: Canada auctioned additional spectrum in the C-band (3800 MHz) in October 2023, which helped carriers boost capacity and accelerate the 5G experience. This auction was part of a broader strategy to ensure Canada’s 5G networks have the bandwidth to support growing demand.
• Fixed Wireless Access (FWA): The 5G FWA market in Canada is projected to grow significantly, driven by demand for high-speed internet and remote work solutions. Major players like Rogers, TELUS, and Bell are leading this expansion.

Conclusion

Canada’s expanding 5G networks offer immense potential for economic growth and social innovation, but they also present significant cybersecurity challenges. Addressing these risks requires a collaborative effort from government, industry, and individuals. By understanding the nature of these challenges and the measures being taken to mitigate them, Canadians can better navigate the benefits and risks of this emerging technology.

As Canada continues to evolve its telecommunications infrastructure, prioritizing cybersecurity will be essential to ensuring that the benefits of 5G are realized while protecting the country’s digital landscape. Whether through government policies, industry innovations, or personal vigilance, securing Canada’s 5G networks is a shared responsibility that will shape the country’s future of connectivity and security.

At Adaptive Office Solutions, cybersecurity is our specialty. We prevent cybercrimes by using analysis, forensics, and reverse engineering to detect malware attempts and patch vulnerability issues. By investing in multilayered cybersecurity, you can leverage our expertise to boost your defenses, mitigate risks, and protect your data with next-generation IT security solutions.

Every device connecting to the internet poses a cyber security threat, including that innocent-looking smartwatch you’re wearing. Adaptive’s wide range of experience and tools fills the gaps in your business’s IT infrastructure and dramatically increases the effectiveness of your cybersecurity posture.

To schedule a Cyber Security Risk Review, call the Adaptive Office Solutions’ hotline at 506-624-9480 or email us at helpdesk@adaptiveoffice.ca