A Systematic Review of Security Issues in 6G Networks and Communication

Abstract

6G networks are the next frontier in wireless communication, promising unprecedented speeds, lower latencies and advanced capabilities. However, with greater connectivity comes increased security risks. This chapter provides a systematic review of security issues in 6G networks and communication systems. A comprehensive search of academic databases is conducted for studies published between 2020-2023 that examined security related issues of 6G. The studies indicate authentication, privacy and trust will be major concerns due to new technologies like reconfigurable intelligent surfaces and cell free architectures. Specific vulnerabilities include impersonation attacks, side channel leaks, and insider threats from rogue base stations. End to end encryption, blockchain, and machine learning are emerging security mechanisms to address these issues. This review synthesizes the current work on 6G security, highlights critical challenges and opportunities, and provides a framework for the future.