5G and Privacy

5G and Privacy in 2024: Should We Be Concerned?

Published on: August 7, 2023
Last Updated: August 7, 2023

5G and Privacy in 2024: Should We Be Concerned?

Published on: August 7, 2023
Last Updated: August 7, 2023

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Are you someone who has questions about what 5G is and how secure it is?

Not to worry.

We’ll discuss 5G and privacy and its benefits in this post.

Being connected is today’s new social norm. This is why mobile technologies continue to advance daily.

Following the enormous success of 3rd and 4th-generation mobile network implementation, we are now on the verge of a new technological miracle known as 5th-generation mobile broadband technology.

Before we get into the details of this network, you may be wondering why we need it in the presence of other broadband technologies such as DSL, GPON, cable modem, BPL, and many others.

You may not get a definitive short answer to this question, but we will try to alleviate your curiosity by explaining why we require high-bandwidth mobile technology.

Today, we are surrounded by a plethora of bandwidth-intensive applications that we frequently need to use while on the go.

As a result, in the presence of social media platforms, YouTube, streaming sites, gaming portals, video conferencing, online presence, and IoT devices, the 5G phenomenon is critical.

Let’s find out what this technology is. How it affects our daily lives, and what security and privacy concerns we should be aware of.

What Precisely is 5G Technology?

5G

Like its predecessors, 5G, or fifth-generation technology, is the mobile network technology that works on radio waves.

These radio waves are produced by an antenna known as a BTS (base transceiver station), and the geographic area covered by a BTS is known as a cell.

5G technology divides cells into different categories for ease of use, such as Femtocell, Pico cell, Microcell, and Metro cell.

5G employs various techniques to provide the best possible service to its users, including beamforming, small cell sizing, Massive MIMO, mmWave, OFDM, NOMA, Edge computing, and many others.

This technology is intended to provide increased speed, bandwidth, low latency, ubiquitous and seamless connectivity, intuitive remote access, increased reliability, increased network capacity, improved user experience, lower power consumption, and many other benefits.

As a result, it is more capable of handling all types of video conferencing, streaming, gaming, torrenting, business, education, and day-to-day user needs.

Whether you are driving, conducting a business meeting with clients worldwide, collaborating with colleagues, playing World of Warcraft on a cloud-based gaming server, or taking an online class, 5G networks are available to meet your needs.

Because of the reasons mentioned above, this technology has received a great deal of attention since its inception in 2019, and we will soon see its widespread impact around us.

Before we go any further, let’s review some of its applications and advantages over its predecessors.

Application Areas of 5G Technology

As we have seen, 5G technology has many useful features, such as speed, low latency, higher bandwidth, lower power consumption, and many more.

As a result, this technology supports the previous application and welcomes new challenges.

Smart homes, Smart Cities, IoT-based Autonomous vehicles, Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, smart and social drone technology, Telly medicine, Logistics and shipping, Fleet management, smart farming, Robotics, security and surveillance, and so on are examples of these applications areas.

Smart Homes

Smart Homes

We have already seen smart air conditioners, refrigerators, and light bulbs become a part of our daily lives.

With the implementation of 5G technology, these appliances will communicate more efficiently and provide more accurate functionality even on a remote command, such as getting a closer look at a burglar on your CCTV.

Smart Cities

Many city governments worldwide are outfitting their cities with cutting-edge technology to provide their citizens with increased safety, security, and seamless connectivity.

They are using 5G technology to achieve this goal, which will allow them to implement efficient traffic management systems, energy management, weather management, disaster management, local area broadcasting, smart street lighting, intelligent power grid, efficient record management system, land management system, water management system, gas management system, crowd management, and other systems.

IoT-based Autonomous Vehicles

Many cosmopolitan and metropolitan areas are now implementing autonomous vehicles.

Because these vehicles not only help them achieve their transportation management goals but also help them save millions of lives that are lost due to road accidents.

The communication between these vehicles and other roadside equipment, such as pedestrians, cars, roadside units, and many other entities, is a barrier to their implementation.

Furthermore, communication establishment is not the only requirement for these vehicles; they also require high bandwidth, efficient network speed, low latency, low error rate, and so on.

With the advent of 5G technology, these vehicles and intelligent transportation systems appear attainable.

Augmented Reality & Virtual Reality

VR Headset

Because of the increased bandwidth, faster speeds, and low latency, 5G technology is a massive enabler for Augmented and Virtual reality applications.

Both technologies are breakthroughs not only in the entertainment industry but they have the potential to revolutionize industrial automation.

An industry worker could analyze a part more thoroughly using 5G enabled AR technology.

It can make boring board meetings more interactive and allow news readers to interact with celebrities without calling them in.

Even 5G technology improves the efficiency and accuracy of VR Goggles. As a result, wearing those allows you to enjoy your favorite soccer game as it unfolds.

Smart and Social Drones

Smart Drones

With the advancement of technology, drones are now becoming a part of our day-to-day operations, including everything from entertainment to daily chores.

Drones are now playing an essential role in our lives, as they are involved in various operations such as pizza delivery, security and surveillance, entertainment, medical emergency access, and so on.

With 5G network connectivity, we can communicate more accurately and efficiently with many drones simultaneously in real-time.

Telly Medicine

5G mobile networks not only assist us in achieving entertainment goals but also achieve greater human interests such as healthcare, safety, and security.

Medical practitioners can now perform or assist in advanced medical procedures using only this technology without fear of being disconnected intermittently.

A user can now get immediate medical assistance from a television medicine app accessible via his wearable.

In a medical emergency, 5G technology will allow a user to receive help as soon as possible.

Logistics and Shipping

In comparison to traditional systems, 5G technology can assist shipping and logistics companies in tracking their goods more efficiently, managing their fleets, monitoring real-time, and many other functions.

5G enables them through efficient RFID tag implementation, GPS tracking, temperature monitoring, and effective surveillance.

Smart Farming

5G technology not only benefits industries but also provides a comprehensive solution to agriculture’s most undervalued and overlooked sector.

Farmers can now use drone technology to plant seeds and pollinate crops.

They can also use intelligent RFID sensors and GPS technology to track the location and manage inventory.

Similarly, these sensors can manage irrigation, access, and energy control.

Security and Surveillance

Security and Surveillance

Nowadays, everyone is concerned about their safety. You can quickly and efficiently monitor your premises, inventory, or any other object with 5G connectivity.

Because it offers increased bandwidth, faster speeds, lower latency, and an unlicensed spectrum, you can monitor your premises more clearly and efficiently with this technology.

Advantages of 5G Over Previous Technologies

5G technology has changed the game of mobile network technology because it offers numerous advantages over previous versions, including:

Enhanced Speed

We live in an age of instant connectivity, and quick communication is necessary.

This is why 5G technology is gaining popularity, as it provides much higher data rates than even the 4G LTE network.

With 5G network connectivity, a user can send more data in less time. This means the delays we experienced with 4G technology will no longer exist with 5G.

Its data speed is estimated to be between 15 and 20 Gbps, allowing the user to easily access files stored on a cloud platform.

Reduced Latency

Among mobile technologies, 5G reduces latency by up to ten times that of 4G technology.

This will allow us to access our files on the cloud, perform surgeries in another part of the world, control remote plant machinery, handle drones and autonomous vehicles, and so on.

Connectivity with Many Devices

Connectivity

Connectivity with many devices results in lower data rates, lower bandwidth, and higher latency, all of which were common in previous mobile technologies.

However, with the 5G network, this will not be an issue because it natively supports a large number of connected devices without packet loss or reduced speed, which is highly beneficial for IoT devices.

Network Slicing

5G is unique in that it divides the network into small subnetworks that can be adjusted based on our needs.

This will allow us to prioritize the connections based on their requirements.

Why are 5G and Privacy a Rising Concern, and How can they be Handled?

Although the 5G mobile network is a ticket to a faster era, it also introduces unknown and unexplored security and privacy issues, risks, and vulnerabilities.

Concerns about privacy, such as identity disclosure, location tracking, and personal data breach, prevent the widespread adoption of this amazing technology.

On the one hand, these are fundamental user requirements, but on the other hand, these issues can land the user in hot water.

Because of the small cell size of the 5G network, a user can be easily identified, which will help the operator serve the user more accurately.

Still, identity disclosure and a semantic information attack are possible.

The access point selection algorithm and IMSI can cause identity and location disclosure.

Data theft is another primary concern, as users may store their personal information in the cloud due to the seamless connectivity and to relieve stress from the mobile device’s internal storage.

However, this could make them a victim of a data breach.

IoT devices are another concern for user privacy in the 5G domain because they are energy efficient and, as a result, can be left unattended.

As a result, these devices can easily monitor our activities and turn into spying devices.

A user and mobile operator can take various steps to address such issues. For example, a mobile operator can store sensitive data on their server while leaving less sensitive data on the cloud.

This hybrid implementation may preserve the user’s privacy. Message encryption should also be used before the message leaves the user’s device.

To defend against IMSI attacks, mobile operators should use TMSI, which changes regularly.

Furthermore, the user should use a VPN service that secures their data over their device and works in tandem with mobile operators’ efforts to maintain privacy.

What Is the Best VPN to Be Used Over a 5G Network?

Users’ privacy is a significant concern, so using a VPN service becomes more essential for them. But the question is which VPN to use.

For your ease, we mention some of our recommendations to help maintain your privacy over the 5G network.

  1. NordVPN – 🏆 Winner!
  2. Surfshark
  3. Atlas VPN

1. NordVPN

NordVPN

Recommended Guide: NordVPN Review

Whether you’re looking for a VPN solution to safeguard your footprint over a 5G network or want to surf your favorite content, NordVPN has you covered.

Its army of 5500 ram disk-based servers is constantly ready to protect your privacy whether you’re surfing the internet, watching your favorite program, playing an online game, or downloading a torrent.

With this VPN service, you don’t have to worry about whether you’re utilizing a 5G network or a GPON connection because it can protect you in all scenarios.

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  • NordVPN is the industry leader (by a long way)
  • 30-day risk-free trial
  • Superfast speeds
  • 5,442+ servers in 60+ countries
  • Strict no-logs policy
  • Next-generation military-grade encryption
  • DoubleVPN, double privacy
  • 6 simultaneous device connections
  • Great for: Safety, security, anonymity & peace of mind
  • Compatible with: Windows, Mac, Android, iPhone, iPad & iOS, Linux, routers, Apple TV, FireFox, Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and more

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To ensure your security and privacy, all its servers are equipped with cutting-edge technology like Dynamic DNS, end-to-end 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, forward secrecy, threat prevention, double VPN, and more.

It is also available for Windows, Linux, Android, iOS, macOS, and more platforms.

This implies that you may use it over any device with up to six concurrent connections under a single license.

With the unrivaled speed of 5G and the privacy of this VPN, you can now enjoy streaming, gaming, torrenting, and AR/VR without worrying about being hacked or sniffed by any entity.

You only need to pay $3.99 every month for this excellent VPN.

2. Surfshark

Surfshark

Recommended Guide: Surfshark VPN Review

With a server network of 3000 computers distributed across 63 countries, Surfshark is a strong competitor for 5G network utilization.

As we all know, 5G networks give up a new world of limitless possibilities for IoT, augmented reality, virtual reality, health care, smart homes, and other applications.

This VPN service can ensure the security and privacy of an infinite number of concurrent connections.

👉 Try Surfshark FREE

  • Surfshark is the best budget VPN
  • 30-day risk-free trial
  • Strict no-logs policy
  • 3200+ servers in 95 countries
  • Unlimited simultaneous device connections
  • Great for: private browsing on a budget
  • Compatible with: Windows, Mac, Android, iPhone & iOS, Linux, FireFox, Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and more

Its clean web function prevents you from falling victim to phishing or URL redirection assaults.

You may watch your favorite episodes on websites like Flixtor, Netflix, Movies Joy, Popcornflix, Subsmovies, Fmovies, Tubi TV, and many more.

All your data flow is safe and secure with its AES 256-bit end-to-end encryption technology, and even your telecom provider cannot access your data.

Surfshark also has a camouflage mode that disguises your VPN traffic and allows you to effortlessly access geo-restricted material.

Surfshark is simple to download and install on every major operating system, including Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, and Linux.

It is a tool worth investing in for $3.99 with a two-year plan, a 30-day money-back guarantee, and 24/7 support.

3. Atlas VPN

Atlas VPN

Recommended Guide: Atlas VPN Review

On the one hand, 5G networks introduce many new applications and use cases.

Still, on the other hand, they raise new concerns such as IMSI attacks, IoT device privacy concerns, identity and location disclosure, and so on.

To deal with such a problem, we need to be equipped with the most current and high-quality VPN service, and what better option could there be than Atlas VPN?

👉 Get Atlas VPN FREE

  • Atlas VPN is the best free VPN
  • Privacy Pro servers
  • 750 servers in 40+ locations
  • Unlimited simultaneous device connections
  • Great for: people seeking a freemium VPN
  • Compatible with: Windows, MacOS, Android, iPhone & iOS, Android TV, Fire TV Stick

It meets all our streaming, torrenting, IoT, smart home, and surveillance requirements.

Its unlimited concurrent connection is available for every device, including Windows, Amazon Fire TV, iOS, macOS, and Android.

With end-to-end encryption, a kill switch, customizable DNS, unique IP switching, and other features, this is a VPN service suitable for use over 5G and privacy over other networks.

It provides both free and premium services for the sake of convenience.

It provides a free service to all its users with limited functionality to give them an idea of what it offers.

So, after using the free service, you should upgrade to the premium plan, which costs $1.64 per month.

FAQs

Why Is There so Much Interest in 5G Networks?

The 5G mobile network is a new technological advancement that promises higher data rates, massive network capacity, low latency, increased bandwidth, increased availability, and an exceptional user experience.

Because of its numerous applications and offerings, this technology is gaining popularity among the general public.

What Distinguishes 5G Networks from Previous Generations?

As previously stated, 5G is a unique combination of futuristic applications, capabilities, and use cases.

We can now experience a variety of new applications due to this technology, including autonomous vehicles, tally medicine, smart farming, digital logistics, and others.

How Fast Is 5G?

5G technology is intended to provide seamless connectivity at an unrivaled data rate.

It is designed to provide 10 to 20 Gbps over the downlink, which was impossible with previous technologies.

Is 5G More Potent than Wi-Fi 6?

Typically, Wi-Fi technologies pin down mobile networks easily, but this differs from 5G because 5G data rates are the same as Wi-Fi 6.

Is It Necessary to Purchase a 5G Phone?

Yes, just like 4G LTE, you will need to purchase a new phone to use 5G technology because it employs many novel techniques to deliver peak data rates.

In Summary, the best VPNs in 2024 are;

Conclusion

5G networks are the latest technological craze. It provides high data rates, seamless connectivity, entertainment, streaming, and gaming options.

However, this technology introduces new security and privacy concerns that operators and users must address.

👉 Get NordVPN’s FREE Trial

A VPN is an effective way for users to address privacy concerns.

We have collected a list of the top VPN services to preserve privacy and 5G speed for your comfort.

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Written by Trevor Cooke

Trevor Cooke is an accomplished technology writer with a particular focus on privacy and security. He specializes in topics such as VPNs, encryption, and online anonymity. His articles have been published in a variety of respected technology publications, and he is known for his ability to explain complex technical concepts in a clear and accessible manner.

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