On Security Strategies for Addressing Potential Vulnerabilities in 6G Technologies Deployable in Healthcare

TL;DR

This paper reviews potential security vulnerabilities in 6G technologies, especially in healthcare, and proposes security strategies like zero trust to mitigate risks before full deployment.

Contribution

It identifies security vulnerabilities in 6G and previous networks relevant to healthcare, and suggests strategies including zero trust initiatives for mitigation.

Findings

Identifies security flaws transferable from 5G to 6G.

Highlights key 6G technologies supporting healthcare.

Proposes security strategies including zero trust initiatives.

Abstract

Researchers are now focusing on 6G as a new network technology that will bring significant gains over the previous generations while many sectors are still implementing the 5G network in their business processes and operations. Meanwhile, key technological fields that will be influenced by 6G networks have been identified. These include distributed artificial intelligence, intelligent radio, real-time intelligent edge computing, and 3D intercoms. Additionally, each area and potential application of 6G is supported by relevant emerging technologies. Nevertheless, these 6G technology and applications have significant security vulnerabilities that must be addressed before the complete adoption of 6G networks. The healthcare is one of the sectors that are benefiting from the great features introduced in the 5G networks that enhance digital communications and data protection; that notwithstanding, there are still security flaws in 5G technologies that can be transferred to the 6G networks if not properly addressed. This paper highlights the key areas of 6G networks that would provide grand support for the development of healthcare systems. It also identifies certain vulnerabilities in the previous cellular networks that are transferable to 6G networks, and suggests security strategies including zero trust initiatives that could be implemented to address the security concerns.