6 Potential Security Concerns With the Eventual Rollout of 6G

6G could be available by the end of the decade, which should decrease latency and connectivity speeds for users. However, these wireless networks present new cybersecurity challenges.

What should industry professionals prepare for?

What Is 6G?

6G will be the sixth generation of wireless technology once it arrives. Experts say it could debut by 2030, though companies started 5G-Advanced integration in 2024.

Terahertz (THz) frequencies will be a key part of 6G, as it can quickly transmit data and reduce latency. This band is more powerful because it incorporates unused frequency bands, significant spatial resolutions and shorter signal wavelengths.

Spatial multiplexing is another critical asset for 6G development, as it leverages antennas for data transmission. This massive MIMO technology permits simultaneous information sending and receiving while decreasing response times.

6G’s advantages are also evident in its device density by increasing endpoints. Experts anticipate 6G will allow 10 times the devices, or up to 10 million technologies per km².

What Security Concerns Does 6G Raise?

More connected devices invite cybersecurity liabilities, so IT professionals must prepare for the following concerns.

1. Data Processing

Considering the high volume of advanced technologies, data processing is among the core issues for 6G. Smart cities, connected cars and the Internet of Things (IoT) are integral to the next generation but could present key challenges.

More data means increased management responsibilities and data breach risks. A 2022 Sensors review said data processing could be a security issue for 6G in its rollout, which found data processing attacks in 6G could originate from brain-computer interactions.

Injection, data conversion and battery drain attacks are concerns for cybersecurity professionals. If an adversary uses these tactics, a 6G device may become unusable or significantly compromised. The researchers also noted the exposure to AI frameworks, as they could expose liabilities in data processing.

2. Data Encryption

Experts say ransomware rates have declined, but advanced encryption methods will be necessary to combat 6G attacks. While they anticipate reduced latency in future networks, the infrastructure for data encryption could negate the gains.

These advancements will be necessary to advance 6G in military services and other high-security settings. Potential solutions include quantum cryptography and homomorphic encryption.

Quantum cryptography is a sophisticated technique that secures data processing and analysis without compromising sensitive records. With quantum principles, cybersecurity professionals base their procedures on the laws of physics and inherent uncertainty. The information is in a quantum state and requires a secret key to unlock it. Homomorphic encryption is another intelligent concept that allows users to calculate information without encrypting the data.

3. Threat Detection

The increased volume of 6G also heightens concerns with threat detection. New cybersecurity dangers have risen since the rise of 5G in the late 2010s, so developers must be ready for outside attacks manipulating AI models or quantum computing. IT professionals will also face the challenge of data overload, making anomalous behavior more challenging to detect and increasing the risk of false positives.

Another 6G security concern is the systems they use. Legacy architecture may fit 5G technologies but might not be ready for 6G, necessitating an overhaul. Some recommend hybrid cloud solutions, as they could bridge the gap between the two wireless technologies. 6G could also introduce decentralized learning, thus complicating threat detection and the necessary security measures.

4. Attack Surfaces

The transition from 5G to 6G could mimic past security concerns when moving away from 4G. While 5G can be about 100 times faster than 4G, it’s vulnerable to outside threats, and the increased number of devices presents more attack surfaces. Cybersecurity experts must handle smart appliances, self-driving vehicles and smart homes.

More attack surfaces mean cybersecurity professionals may need help with 6G incident responses. If detection becomes more challenging, IT teams have difficulty finding the source and extent.

A rapid response will be essential, considering 6G speeds will be higher and data breaches could appear more quickly. These security concerns have widespread consequences affecting global supply chains and economies.

5. Supply Chain Implications

The global supply chain can benefit from 6G through heightened transparency and logistics efficiency, but its security could be at risk during the 6G rollout. This sixth generation of wireless technology could be more challenging for supply chain professionals using IoT and autonomous vehicles. Companies are also at risk due to stored data and potential breaches.

Hardware and software vulnerabilities are a chief concern for the supply chain. The increasingly diverse technologies using 6G networks could enhance the attack surfaces and susceptibility. The 5G era has seen outside attacks affect the supply chain, so 6G developers must protect these networks through meticulous design and consistent updates. While Control 4 and related CIS controls have helped, the supply chain needs more preparation.

6. International Security Concerns

Law enforcement agencies and the military rely on 5G to protect critical infrastructure, and 6G can help them through improved logistics support and intelligence gathering. However, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) says adversaries could use 6G and pose security threats. Drone teaming and edge computing are the primary concerns for these agencies, necessitating advancement to the security apparatus.

Another 6G security concern originates from the influence other nations may have on it. If a government interferes with the competitive balance, tech enterprises worldwide might not have enough trusted suppliers.

The DHS says criminals have attacked 5G networks to exploit information and intelligence, so 6G development must be robust and comprehensive. While uncertainty exists, these agencies are developing ICT to adapt to 6G use cases.

Combating the Security Concerns of 6G

Some cybersecurity professionals anticipate 6G rolling out by 2030. Before the decade ends, IT experts must be proactive and consider how they’ll address security threats.

Risk assessments and threat models could unveil what happens with 6G’s deployment and the impact of breaches. Development should also include strategies to fortify devices and ensure infrastructure is ready for 6G, considering the world will depend on these new wireless technologies. 

About the Author:

Dylan Berger has several years of experience writing about cybercrime, cybersecurity, and similar topics. He’s passionate about fraud prevention and cybersecurity’s relationship with the supply chain. He’s a prolific blogger and regularly contributes to other tech, cybersecurity, and supply chain blogs across the web.

Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed in this guest author article are solely those of the contributor and do not necessarily reflect those of Tripwire.