PRIVATEER aims to provide a privacy-centric security framework specifically designed for future 6G networks. PRIVATEER will build a framework that will be analysed through five different use-case scenarios in the context of Intelligent Transportation Systems and Smart Cities.
As 6G networks are due to facilitate more advanced use cases with increased user involvement, the sharing of sensitive data among various stakeholders, such as service providers, infrastructure providers, third parties, and even users themselves, is expected to increase rapidly. To safeguard the privacy of stakeholders’ sensitive data, PRIVATEER leverages and enhances existing technologies, including decentralised federated learning powered by edge AI acceleration, distributed ledger technology (DLT) integrity controls, privacy and resource-driven optimisation of service orchestration, and threat sharing utilising searchable encryption.
To tackle such issues, PRIVATEER will test its architecture through four identified challenges, which are:
- Processing of infrastructure and network usage data
- Security-aware orchestration
- Infrastructure and service attestation and
- Cyber-threat intelligence sharing. Members of the project consortium will tackle these challenges by introducing several innovations, including decentralised robust security analytics, privacy-aware techniques for network slicing and service orchestration and distributed infrastructure and service attestation mechanisms.
- ITS Edge service compromise: a Service Provider deploys a 6G network for a road operator, including low-latency edge functions for automated driving. To test this scenario, it is reckoned that an attacker could exploit a vulnerability, hijacking the edge functions and accessing sensitive vehicle data. Privacy-friendly CTI sharing is required to inform the road operator without revealing sensitive information. Finally, decisions can be made to ensure road user safety, such as disabling sensor sharing.
- ITS Privacy-friendly security service orchestration for logistics: a cargo company requires a 6G network for its logistics operations, with distributed resources and virtualised security functions. The company also requires a proof-of-transit mechanism to prevent traffic diversion and ensure secure communication with clients.
- ITS Verification of mass transportation application: a mass transportation company has leased a multi-domain 6G network to support its transportation services. This scenario is based on the idea that ensuring the integrity of both the application and infrastructure is crucial for passenger safety.
- Smart City Onboarding of a “neutral host” edge network: a municipality has deployed a network of “smart lamps” to provide shared access infrastructure for multiple Service Providers. The municipality seeks a trusted third party to conduct a comprehensive integrity check and certify the infrastructure.
- Smart City Multi-domain infrastructure verification for a new 6G smart city app: a startup has developed a smart city 6G application and plans to deploy it as a pilot project in two neighbouring cities. To support this application, the startup leases a multi-domain network slice that utilises the neutral-host infrastructure provided by the municipalities.
Through these scenarios, consortium partners will be able to set the project on the right track and advance towards a 6G connectivity world that revolves around a privacy-first security approach. PRIVATEER goals are part of the 6G SNS JU mission, under which PRIVATEER is co-funded.