Imagine a world where your mobile internet is fast enough to download an entire high-definition movie in a fraction of a second, where driverless cars communicate with traffic lights flawlessly and where complex remote surgeries happen smoothly across continents. This is the incredible promise of 6G, the next generation of wireless technology. However, as our physical and digital worlds become deeply intertwined, the networks we rely on become prime targets for sophisticated cyberattacks. Traditional security measures, which were designed for older generations of technology, simply will not be able to keep pace with the massive scale and complexity of 6G.
To address this urgent challenge, an international team of expert researchers from Italy, Spain and Greece has proposed a groundbreaking solution. In their newly published paper, they unveil the collaborative vision of two pioneering initiatives supported by The European Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking (SNS JU) – the HORSE and MARE projects. Their goal is to completely reinvent how we protect mobile networks, shifting from rigid, old-school defense methods to a dynamic system built specifically for the 6G era.
The Innovation: Shifting to Programmable Security
The core innovation of this research lies in a concept known as “programmable security”.
Traditionally, network security operated much like a physical brick wall – static, rigid and incredibly difficult to alter once built.
If an entirely new type of cyber threat emerged, modifying that wall took significant time, leaving the network temporarily exposed.
The HORSE and MARE projects replace this outdated wall with a smart, software-driven shield. This digital shield can automatically reshape, reprogram and upgrade itself in real-time to neutralize emerging threats the moment they appear.
A Global Digital Bodyguard to Protect our Daily Lives
What makes this work uniquely novel is the introduction of a dedicated “security plane” within the 6G network architecture. Think of this as an autonomous digital bodyguard focused entirely on network safety. Instead of individual applications or devices scrambling to defend themselves, this centralized bodyguard monitors the entire system.
Furthermore, because future networks will span multiple global operators and service providers, this framework is built to operate transparently across different organizational boundaries. It allows diverse stakeholders to share threat intelligence and deploy defenses seamlessly without compromising user privacy or network performance.
Why this is Essential
Why does this matter to the general public? In the near future, 6G will power critical infrastructure, including automated hospitals, smart energy grids and emergency response systems. A security breach in a 6G network won’t just mean a leaked password.
It could disrupt vital real-world services. By making security proactive, adaptable and deeply embedded into the network’s DNA, the HORSE and MARE projects ensure that our hyper-connected future remains safe, resilient and trustworthy for everyone.
Thanks to this pioneering research, the invisible infrastructure supporting our daily lives will be ready to defend itself against the threats of tomorrow.
Publication Details
Programmable Security for 6G Mobile Networks: The vision of HORSE and MARE projects
Authors: Fabrizio Granelli, Eva Rodriguez, Xavier Masip-Bruin, Ioannis Vasalos, George Xilouris
MARE Partners:
- Consorzio Nazionale Interuniversitario per le Telecomunicazioni (CNIT)
- Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC)
- National Centre For Scientific Research Demokritos (NCSRD)
Publication:
Abstract: In 6G, effective protection mechanisms must be inherently cross-layer and adaptive. In this context, the HORSE and MARE projects align with this vision by proposing an adaptable and extensible approach based on a 6G service provisioning platform. This approach introduces a novel security plane built upon a well-defined set of open and programmable security functions, delivered as enablers within the 6G architecture. It operates transparently across multi-domain and multistakeholder environments, while efficiently handling emerging threats. As such, it enables the dynamic orchestration of security strategies to efficiently address novel and evolving attacks.
