Demonstration & Validation
The XTRUST-6G project will validate its advanced security solutions through five large-scale pilots, each designed to integrate physical infrastructures and simulation environments (digital twins) to assess resilience against sophisticated cyber threats. These pilots will showcase the key tools and solutions developed for securing the next generation of 6G networks. Each pilot addresses specific challenges in different areas of the 6G ecosystem, demonstrating the project’s potential to provide effective and scalable security measures.
Pilot 1: 6G-enabled EV Charging Infrastructure Resilience
It deploys 5G/6G solutions to facilitate high-speed data exchange, real-time communication, and robust cybersecurity within the EV charging ecosystem. The objective is to prevent cyberattacks, improve operational efficiency, and ensure network availability. The infrastructure, primarily in Greece, will support these resilience goals across the EV charging network.
This pilot focuses on enhancing the security and reliability of electric vehicle (EV) charging systems.
Pilot 2:Safeguarding 6G-connected Autonomous Vehicles
By employing zero-trust security frameworks, it secures communication between vehicles and control systems, aiming to reduce cyber risks and enhance the performance and safety of smart mobility services. This pilot will be conducted in urban environments in Estonia, emphasizing real-world testing of 6G connectivity for autonomous transportation.
This pilot addresses vulnerabilities specific to 5G+/6G networks used by autonomous vehicles.
Pilot 3: Quantum Key Distribution for End-to-End 6G Security
This pilot integrates Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) with 6G networks to provide quantum-resistant encryption for end-to-end communications. It aims to manage the key rate and encryption flow across various 6G components, maintaining performance without compromising security. The pilot will take place at the University of Luxembourg’s campuses (Belval and Kirchberg), testing these technologies within a secure academic infrastructure.
With the advent of quantum computing, traditional encryption methods are becoming increasingly vulnerable.
Pilot 4: Securing UAV-assisted 6G Communications
This pilot focuses on mitigating cybersecurity risks such as jamming, eavesdropping, and unauthorized access, using physical layer security (PLS) to protect UAV communications. Testing will occur in varied outdoor environments across Europe, where UAVs will be deployed in scenarios such as border inspection and environmental monitoring.
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) require secure, low-latency 5G+/6G communications for critical tasks like inspection and live broadcasts.
Pilot 5: Thwarting Attacks Against O-RAN and Virtualized 6G Infrastructure
This pilot examines the security of O-RAN architecture and virtualized 6G infrastructures, addressing challenges such as securing cloud and edge applications, preventing lateral movement of attackers, safeguarding software supply chains, and mitigating denial-of-service (DoS) attacks. The goal is to ensure comprehensive protection for the virtualized 6G infrastructure in a dynamic, highly distributed environment.
O-RAN architecture and virtualized 6G infrastructures
Each pilot will provide invaluable insights and practical solutions for safeguarding the next generation of 6G networks against evolving cyber threats
The outcomes will contribute to global efforts to standardize secure 6G technologies and practices, helping to shape a secure, resilient, and scalable 6G ecosystem. These pilots are strategically located in key regions, including Greece, Estonia, and Luxembourg, ensuring diverse testing environments and robust validation across different real-world scenarios.