A Hybrid Framework for Securing 5G-Enabled Healthcare Systems

The rapid adoption of 5G technology in healthcare introduces significant challenges regarding data privacy and security. This paper proposes a hybrid framework integrating blockchain, zero-trust architecture (ZTA), and AI-driven threat detection to address these challenges. Blockchain ensures secure, tamper-proof data storage, while ZTA strengthens access control by continuously verifying users and devices. AI contributes by providing real-time threat detection and dynamic response capabilities, making the system more resilient to evolving cyber risks. A systematic literature review was conducted to analyze existing frameworks and identify gaps in 5G healthcare security. The findings reveal that while individual technologies such as blockchain and ZTA are well-established, their integration into a cohesive framework remains underexplored. The proposed hybrid solution effectively mitigates the risks associated with 5G networks by offering a multi-layered security approach. This research contributes to the field by proposing a scalable, adaptable security model suitable for 5G-enabled healthcare systems. Future research should focus on empirical validation, scalability testing, and exploring lightweight alternatives to blockchain and AI for resource-constrained environments. Additionally, investigating the integration of emerging technologies like quantum computing and 6G networks will further enhance the framework’s security capabilities. This study provides a foundation for developing secure, privacy-preserving systems for healthcare in the 5G era.