Cybersecurity for tactical 6G networks: Threats, architecture, and intelligence

Edge intelligence, network autonomy, broadband satellite connectivity, and other concepts for private 6G networks are enabling new applications for public safety authorities, e.g., for police and rescue personnel. Enriched situational awareness, group communications with high-quality video, large scale IoT, and remote control of vehicles and robots will become available in any location and situation. We analyze cybersecurity in intelligent tactical bubbles, i.e., in autonomous rapidly deployable mobile networks for public safety operations. Machine learning plays major roles in enabling these networks to be rapidly orchestrated for different operations and in securing these networks from emerging threats, but also in enlarging the threat landscape. We explore applicability of different threat and risk analysis methods for mission-critical networked applications. We present the results of a joint risk prioritization study. We survey security solutions and propose a security architecture, which is founded on the current standardization activities for terrestrial and non-terrestrial 6G and leverages the concepts of machine learning-based security to protect mission-critical assets at the edge of the network. • Analysis of security requirements for tactical networks and edge in the 6G era. • Assessing feasibility of security analysis methods for a mission-critical use case. • Results from a risk prioritization study based on the Delphi method. • Proposal of an attack matrix that is customized for tactical networks. • Survey of potential AI-driven security controls for tactical networks.