Security and privacy in 6G networks: New areas and new challenges

TLDR

The deployment of 5G networks has revealed limitations that drive research into 6G as the next generation solution. This work investigates the fundamental security and privacy problems inherent to 6G technologies. We present a survey that reviews historical networking developments, then examines four key 6G aspects—real‑time intelligent edge computing, distributed AI, intelligent radio, and 3D intercoms—highlighting emerging technologies and their security and privacy concerns. The survey concludes by outlining 6G’s potential applications and provides a reference list available at security-privacyin5g-6g.github.io.

Abstract

With the deployment of more and more 5g networks, the limitations of 5g networks have been found, which undoubtedly promotes the exploratory research of 6G networks as the next generation solutions. These investigations include the fundamental security and privacy problems associated with 6G technologies. Therefore, in order to consolidate and solidify this foundational research as a basis for future investigations, we have prepared a survey on the status quo of 6G security and privacy. The survey begins with a historical review of previous networking technologies and how they have informed the current trends in 6G networking. We then discuss four key aspects of 6G networks – real-time intelligent edge computing, distributed artificial intelligence, intelligent radio, and 3D intercoms – and some promising emerging technologies in each area, along with the relevant security and privacy issues. The survey concludes with a report on the potential use of 6G. Some of the references used in this paper along and further details of several points raised can be found at: security-privacyin5g-6g.github.io.