The new 5G technology touts improvements in speed and reliability for the user. Consumers and companies are already operating on 5G technology in many instances. To achieve the best connectivity for the user, smart phones will generally automatically switch from 5G to Wi-Fi. Specifically, wireless carriers of either 4G or 5G will sometimes switch to Wi-Fi networks for calls and data in high-density areas such as shopping centers and airports in order to save network bandwidth. When this happens, voice and data information is transferred to Wi-Fi access points in these public areas and to cell towers.
However, due to defects that occur during this transition, hackers can sometimes access voice and data of 5G cell phone devices. This trend is likely to increase in 2020 as cyber criminals find additional vulnerabilities in 5G technology, according to Cyber Magazine. Strategies such as utilizing a VPN or testing company Wi-Fi access points can prevent cyber-attacks and thefts that occur during these cellular to Wi-Fi shifts. Despite this, cyber criminals are also exploiting the time it takes for industries and locations to accumulate the investments needed to upgrade network infrastructures to 5G capacity.