As our world becomes ever more connected – from smart factories and self-driving cars to telemedicine and AI-powered devices, the security of the networks behind this connectivity becomes a critical concern. Recognizing this, researchers at the CNIT National Laboratory of Smart and Secure Networks (S2N) in Genoa, Italy, have developed a state-of-the-art testbed to explore, test and strengthen cybersecurity in Beyond 5G (B5G) and 6G communication technologies. This advanced facility, described in a recent publication by Alessandro Carrega, Franco Davoli and Ramin Rabbani, is a step towards ensuring that the next generation of wireless networks are both powerful and secure. The testbed serves as a controlled environment where experts can safely simulate cyberattacks and test solutions before they are deployed in the real world. A testbed for a safer digital future The Genoa testbed combines advanced hardware and software to recreate realistic next-generation network scenarios. It can simulate entire communication systems – from antennas and base stations to user devices, within isolated “islands,” allowing researchers to run experiments without affecting other projects. What is novel in this setup, is its ability to model and test cybersecurity threats in a safe and realistic manner. Using this environment, researchers can study how attacks such as Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) or API exposure (when software interfaces are exploited by hackers) could disrupt services, and it also allows researchers examine how they can be stopped. Supporting European collaboration: MARE in action The testbed is the work of several European Horizon projects, including MARE, where the testbed helps partners across Europe design and evaluate security frameworks that will make 6G networks more resilient, adaptive and trustworthy. As an example, one project tested how Artificial Intelligence could detect abnormal traffic patterns during a simulated DDoS attack. When the system detected malicious activity, it automatically reduced the impact, allowing normal network operations to continue smoothly. This kind of intelligent, automated response will be needed in defending the hyperconnected networks of the future. The physical infrastructure of the Cyber Security Testbed Real-world applications: From classrooms to hospitals Beyond research, the testbed also plays an educational and societal role. Students and industry professionals can use it to learn hands-on cybersecurity techniques for modern networks. As an example, in healthcare, the platform can help test secure communication systems for telemedicine or remote surgery, where even a brief network disruption could have serious consequences. Building trust in 6G As we move toward a future powered by 6G, ensuring that our digital infrastructure is secure, reliable and resilient is essential. The Genoa testbed, supported by MARE and other European initiatives, is not just a research tool, it is a blueprint for how Europe is leading the charge in developing trustworthy communication technologies. By simulating, studying and mitigating tomorrow’s cyber threats today, MARE and its partners are building the foundations for a safer, smarter and more connected world. Publication Details B5G/6G Cyber Security Testbed Authors: Carrega, Alessandro, Franco Davoli, and Ramin Rabbani. MARE Partner: Consorzio Nazionale Interuniversitario per le Telecomunicazioni (CNIT) Publication: Way to 6G Workshop (WT6G) on 33rd International Symposium on the Modeling, Analysis, and Simulation of Computer and Telecommunication System (MASCOTS). Paris, France: IEEE, 2025. Workshop website. Abstract: The evolution of mobile communication technologies to Beyond 5G (B5G) and Sixth-Generation (6G) introduces significant advancements but also new cybersecurity vulnerabilities. This paper details the National Inter-university Consortium for Telecommunications (CNIT) National Laboratory of Smart and Secure Networks (S2N) testbed in Genoa, Italy, a state-of-the-art facility for research and development in B5G/6G technologies with a focus on cybersecurity. The testbed’s modular architecture, including isolated “islands” and advanced HardWare/SoftWare (HW/SW), enables the simulation and analysis of cyber threats like Application Programming Interface (API) exposure, and Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks. It supports the testing of security measures, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) / Machine Learning (ML)-based solutions, and facilitates comprehensive vulnerability assessments and penetration testing for next-generation networks. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17393071 Access Publication