\tA cybersecurity expert flagged Wi-Fi handoffs as a key security vulnerability for 5G, arguing standards need to be put in place to verify traffic is being handed off to a valid source.<\/p>\n
Ryan Orsi, director of Wi-Fi product management at network security company WatchGuard, told Mobile World Live hackers can create so-called evil twin networks, which duplicate a desired SSID in order to trick devices into connecting to a malicious network. Once users connect, attackers can eavesdrop on their traffic.<\/p>\n
He warned the risk of these attacks will increase in a 5G world, as operators offload more mobile traffic to Wi-Fi.<\/p>\n
In a report released in February [1], Cisco forecasted nearly 60 per cent of all mobile data traffic will be offloaded to Wi-Fi by 2022. For 5G networks specifically, Cisco estimated the figure could be as high as 71 per cent.<\/p>\n
Orsi also said cell site simulators could become a similarly serious problem as hackers adapt Wi-Fi-style attacks to cellular, pointing to high-density indoor cellular environments, such as train stations and shopping malls, as likely targets.<\/p>\n
Software embedded in both user devices and access points could be used to detect and avoid malicious signals, but Orsi noted \u201cthat fundamental piece isn\u2019t being done today\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe really need to develop a new standard that ensures the offload process happens in a way that traffic cannot be offloaded to an illegitimate network and connections can be easily identified as someone you can trust.\u201d<\/p>\n[1] https:\/\/www.mobileworldlive.com\/featured-content\/top-three\/cisco-predicts-5g-domination-by-2022\/<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
A cybersecurity expert flagged Wi-Fi handoffs as a key security vulnerability for 5G, arguing standards …<\/p>\n
The post Wi-Fi offload opens 5G opportunity for hackers<\/a> appeared first on Mobile World Live<\/a>.<\/p>\n