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NCC: 5G network prone to cyber breaches

As technology evolves into the sixth and seventh generation (6G and 7G) the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) yesterday said the 5G technology launched in the country about three years boasts of wider attack surface due to the increased number of connected devices and denser network infrastructure.

Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of NCC, Dr Aminu Maida, who spoke in Lagos at this year’s Telecom Industry Risk Management Conference which had: "Evolution and Future Risk Management in the Telecoms Industry: Harnessing Emerging Technologies and Trends" as theme, said in an era marked by rapid technological advancements, the telecommunications industry finds itself at the forefront of innovation, shaping the way people communicate, connect, and conduct business. According to him, as the nation navigates this dynamic environment, the need for effective risk management becomes increasingly paramount.

Recall that MTN Nigeria, Mafab Communications and Airtel Nigeria have rolled out services on 5G networks with subscriptions reaching about 500,000 so far. Each of the operators paid $273.6million totaling $820.8million for the spectrum licence.

Dr Maida however said the technology, which has fast data speed and latency as major advantages, boasts of wider attacks owing to its ability to connect several devices. 

He said: “Today, we stand at the crossroads of tradition and transformation, where emerging technologies and trends present both unprecedented opportunities and challenges.

“While we discuss the current landscape of 5G networks, which boast of wider attack surface due to the increased number of connected devices and denser network infrastructure, it is imperative to even cast our gaze into the future. We are witnessing the dawn of 6G technology, the next frontier in wireless communication. With promises of even faster speeds, lower latency, and groundbreaking applications, 6G has the potential to revolutionize the way we experience connectivity. However, with this advancement comes the responsibility to address new risks, from cyber security threats to ethical considerations, ensuring that we pave the way for a secure and inclusive digital future.

“Looking beyond, the prospect of 7G technology also looms on the horizon. As we contemplate the possibilities, we must acknowledge that with each generational leap, we face not only technological advancement but also a fresh set of challenges. Anticipating and managing risks associated with 7G will require collaboration, innovation, and a proactive approach to ensure the seamless integration of this technology into our interconnected world.”

Represented on the occasion by the Executive Commissioner, Technical Services, at NCC, Ubale Maska,  the CEO said in addition to the evolution of connectivity, consideration must be given to the implications of emerging technologies such as quantum technologies (computing, sensing, and communications), advanced artificial intelligence, and Block Chain (distributed ledger) technologies. These trends, Dr Maida said, when harnessed effectively, hold the potential to transform the industry positively, adding that they however, introduce complexities that demand careful consideration in the risk management strategies

“The NCC remains committed to fostering an environment that encourages innovation while prioritising the security and stability of our telecom infrastructure. As we navigate through 5G and the uncharted territory of the next generations of wireless technologies, collaborative efforts among regulators, industry players, and other stakeholders become even more crucial for sharing best practices, threat intelligence, resources  and implementing robust risk management strategies. We should therefore move beyond mere compliance and reactive measures, and instead, harness the power of these new technologies and trends to build a resilient and future-proof industry,” Dr Maida said.

He restated his commitment to collaborating with key stakeholders in the industry, stating that “together, we can build a shared understanding of emerging risks and develop comprehensive mitigation strategies.

“Building a culture of risk awareness is paramount. As an industry, we must empower our people with the knowledge and skills to proactively identify and report risks and embed security awareness and risk management practices throughout our business processes.  Emerging technologies such as AI  should be leveraged to generate data-driven insights needed to predict, detect, and respond to risks in real-time. We should also monitor evolving threats and vulnerabilities on a continuous basis and streamline incidence response processes to build a resilient telecom industry,” Dr Maida said, stressing that the challenges posed by current technologies should not only be attended to but also anticipate and prepare for the opportunities and risks associated with the evolution towards 6G and beyond. “Together, we can ensure that the telecoms industry not only adapts to change but thrives at the forefront of technological innovation,” he said.