Objectives & Impact

Objectives

The MARE project aims to enhance the security and resilience of 6G networks by introducing a novel Security Plane.

The key objectives are:

Establish a security framework with open, extendable, and programmable security functions to address emerging 6G threats.
Design independent, microservice-based security functions that can be dynamically composed to respond to specific attacks on control and management planes.
Introduce an intelligent security orchestration mechanism that dynamically selects and composes security assets (tools, algorithms, any atomic security elements that may contribute to deliver a security capability) to counter evolving cyber threats.
Develop a security architecture that integrates seamlessly with existing and future 6G infrastructures, ensuring scalability across different network environments.
Implement efficient security orchestration and automation mechanisms to minimize security overhead and optimize resource allocation.
Strengthen security mechanisms to protect critical infrastructures, services, and applications, ensuring trustworthiness and reliability in next-generation communications.

PoCs

MARE will devote significant effort in verification and testing of its implemented concept across diverse scenarios, covering most 6G domains. MARE plans to demonstrate and validate the MARE solution in a set of Proof of Concepts (PoCs), aligned to the attacks to be covered in the different thematic areas envisioned in MARE. Moreover, it will also exemplify the potential risks and vulnerabilities added by adopting MARE by including a specific PoC depicting a threat focusing on the MARE Security Plane components.

The different PoCs included in MARE will be analysed in close-to-real scenarios built on lab premises including real 5G/B5G equipment to deploy the core network and the computational infrastructure required to build the emulation layout supported by the Digital Twins considered in the project.

Network critical attacks
AI/ML-aided threat protection, detection, and response for the 6G core network
Full Plane Threat Detection – Internal attacks over network control critical elements
Man-in-the-middle attacks - AI and models
Data and intent tampering detection
Zero-touch mitigation of security effects of tampered data ingestion
Trustworthy operation of AI
Secure Network Digital Twin
DDoS attack from X-Edge
Secure exposure of network capabilities
Net of nets (attestations, support & share security in different network infra/tech

Impact

MARE will significantly enhance the security of 6G networks by introducing a dynamic and programmable security framework. Through enriched security functions built on basic primitives (DOTs), MARE will form the MARE Security Plane, offering adaptable solutions to address evolving threats.

The project will also establish a smart pre-assessment environment to test and optimize security services, alongside a systematic threat modeling framework for proactive defense. By aligning with global 6G standards, MARE will ensure resilient and future-proof networks, reinforcing Europe’s leadership in secure digital infrastructures.

MARE will drive innovative advancements in 6G security with programmable, modular security services that can dynamically adapt to emerging threats. The creation of a smart simulation and emulation platform will allow for advanced testing and optimization of security functions before deployment. Additionally, MARE’s development of a systematic threat modeling framework will enable proactive, adaptive defense strategies. By aligning with global 6G standards, MARE’s innovations will set new benchmarks for scalable, interoperable, and secure next-generation networks.