Extended zero-trust and intelligent security for resilient and quantum-safe 6G networks and services
XTRUST-6G aims to establish a robust security framework for 6G ecosystems, grounded in the zero-trust principle and prioritizing resilience, privacy and dependability. At its core, the project will implement dynamic access control through a context-aware, risk-based policy engine that leverages cyber-threat intelligence and behavioral insights from 6G infrastructure.
The project strengthens 6G infrastructure security through dynamic access control, using a risk-based policy engine that adapts to real-time threats. By leveraging cyber-threat intelligence and behavioural insights from the 6G infrastructure, the approach improves protection against evolving cyber risks.
The key focus is micro-segmentation, which isolates vulnerable virtualized functions from critical O-RAN assets. This prevents attackers from moving laterally within the network and minimizes potential damage.
To increase security, proactive measures will be deployed alongside advanced AI tools. These will reduce the attack surface and improve intrusion detection. An intelligent extended detection and response (XDR) solution will cover all layers of the 6G network, integrating collaborative intrusion detection and graph-based threat models to provide real-time defence against complex cyberattacks.
Automation will play a crucial role in threat modelling and response orchestration. Blockchain technology will secure the integration and lifecycle management of 6G applications. Additionally, supply chain security will be reinforced through automated vulnerability scanning and O-RAN application certification.
To protect against physical layer attacks, quantum-safe technologies like quantum key distribution (QKD) and post-quantum cryptography (PQC) will be employed. AI-driven security solutions will ensure safe and continuous data transmission.
The project will validate its advanced security solutions through five large-scale pilots, each designed to integrate physical infrastructures and simulation environments (digital twins) to assess resilience against sophisticated cyber threats. These pilots will showcase the key tools and solutions developed for securing the next generation of 6G networks. Each pilot addresses specific challenges in different areas of the 6G ecosystem, demonstrating the project’s potential to provide effective and scalable security measures.
Read more about the pilots here.
Objective
The XTRUST-6G project outlines seven main objectives focused on securing 6G networks. These include developing a zero-trust framework, dynamic access controls, micro-segmentation, AI-enhanced intrusion detection, comprehensive threat response systems, automated threat modeling using blockchain, and ensuring quantum-safe and AI-driven security solutions. Together, these aim to protect critical 6G infrastructure from advanced cyber threats.
You can find the full objectives on their official page.
Duration and partners
Duration: January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2027 (36 months)
Partners:
- Centre for Research and Technology Hellas – CERTH (Greece)
- University of Portsmouth – UPORT (United Kingdom)
- European Dynamics S.A. – EDLUX (Luxembourg)
- University of the Peloponnese – UOP (Greece)
- K3Y Ltd. – K3Y (Bulgaria)
- Advanced Integrated Technology Solutions and Services Ltd. – ADDITESS (Cyprus)
- inCITES Consulting S.A. – INCITES (Luxembourg)
- Hellenic Data Protection Authority – HDPA (Greece)
- Summit-Tec Group Ltd. – SMTEC (Cyprus)
- University of Thessaly – UTH (Greece)
- University of Luxembourg – SnT Centre – SNT (Luxembourg)
- Ericsson Telecomunicazioni S.p.A. – ERI (Italy)
- Tallinn University of Technology, FinEst Centre for Smart Cities – TALTECH (Estonia)
- Public Power Corporation S.A. – PPC (Greece)
- Iquadrat Informática S.L. – IQU (Spain)
- Telefónica Innovacion Digital S.A. – TID (Spain)
- Cyentific AS – CYEN (Norway)
- Telekom Slovenije DD – TS (Slovenia)
- Sphynx Technology Solutions AG – SPHYNX (Switzerland)
Funding
Funding source: HORIZON-JU-RIA – HORIZON JU Research and Innovation Actions. Grant agreement ID: 101192749
Budget: total budget is 7 998 595 EUR (budget for TalTech is 436 250 EUR)
Sustainability and responsibility
The project is committed to privacy-preserving and trustworthy AI/ML solutions that prioritize fairness, transparency and sustainability. An energy-efficient approach will minimize environmental impact while ensuring the highest level of security for 6G networks.
The role of FinEst Centre for Smart Cities
TalTech and FinEst Centre are leading Work Package 8 – Integration, Pilot Implementation, and Evaluation. Our responsibility is to ensure the seamless integration and continuous testing of all components developed in earlier work packages. We oversee the preparation and deployment of pilots at different sites, validating the developed solutions. Additionally, we lead the security evaluation activities during the pilots, performing in-depth assessments against defined KPIs to ensure the effectiveness and resilience of the security tools.
Additionally, TalTech will implement “Pilot 2: Safeguarding 6G-connected autonomous vehicles“.
