Next-Generation MIMO Transceivers for Integrated Sensing and Communications: Unique Security Vulnerabilities and Solutions

TL;DR

This paper reviews the security vulnerabilities of next-generation MIMO ISAC transceivers, highlighting novel threats and proposing countermeasures to ensure secure integrated sensing and communication in 6G networks.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of security challenges and recent solutions in MIMO ISAC transceiver design for 6G, focusing on unique ISAC-specific vulnerabilities.

Findings

High-power sensing transmissions can empower eavesdroppers

Passive interception can reveal sensitive target information

Countermeasures include secure signaling and transceiver optimization

Abstract

Integrated sensing and communications (ISAC), which is recognized as a key enabler for sixth generation (6G), has brought new opportunities for intelligent, sustainable, and connected wireless networks. Multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) transceiver technology lies at the core of this paradigm, providing the degrees of freedom required for simultaneous data transmission and accurate radar sensing. The tight integration of sensing and communication introduces unique security vulnerabilities that extend beyond conventional physical-layer security (PLS). In particular, high-power transmissions directed at sensing targets may empower adversarial eavesdroppers, whereas passive interception of ISAC echoes can reveal sensitive information such as target locations and mobility patterns. This article presents an overview of recent advances in MIMO ISAC transceiver design, considering transmitter perspectives, receiver architectures, and full-duplex implementations. We examine MIMO transceiver designs under unique security threats specific to ISAC and highlight emerging countermeasures, including secure signaling design, interference exploitation, and transceiver optimization under adversarial conditions. Finally, we discuss challenges and research opportunities for developing secure ISAC systems in next-generation wireless networks.