NATWORK: Innovation in Security for 6G Networks
The NATWORK alliance, comprising partners from ten EU countries, is developing an artificial system inspired by the biological immune system
The initiative focuses on adaptive protection and energy efficiency in 6G infrastructures.
The European project NATWORK aims to develop an adaptive security system for 6G networks, inspired by the biological immune system. This approach, called an “Artificial Immune System,” allows for a flexible and efficient response to threats and cyberattacks. Additionally, it addresses network-wide security with an emphasis on energy efficiency, contributing to Net-Zero networks, which refers to the balance between the amount of greenhouse gas (GHG) that’s produced and the amount that’s removed from the atmosphere. and advanced user protection.
NATWORK began in 2024 and spans three years. Its goal is to create an AI-based environment that integrates adaptive security mechanisms, reliable microservices orchestration, and end-to-end (E2E) protection. This will enable the challenges of 6G networks to be met with solutions that combine efficiency and resilience. The project aims to enhance the resilience of telecommunications infrastructure and is funded by the European Commission, Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking (SNS-JU).
“A key aspect of the project for Gradiant is to implement advanced protection in terms of cybersecurity for mobile users, while maintaining a balance between the amount of greenhouse gases (GHG) produced and the amount removed from the atmosphere, with a focus on the radio segment of the 6G network,” says José Joaquín Escudero, project leader of NATWORK at Gradiant.
Progress and Current Status of the Project
In the first seven months of the project, the consortium has conducted an analysis of the state of the art and best practices in 6G security, identifying emerging challenges and opportunities. Progress has also been made in defining the system architecture and the 15 use cases that will validate the technological developments.
In the coming months, the project’s focus will be on implementing and validating the planned use cases and full definition of the architecture and security services. These tests proofs of concept will demonstrate the capability of the new mechanisms developed and optimize the security and energy efficiency of 6G networks in both controlled and real-world environments.
NATWORK is expected not only to strengthen the protection of 6G infrastructures but also to foster the creation of new applications and markets. This will encourage the growth of SMEs and innovation in the European cybersecurity field. Furthermore, it is anticipated to contribute to job creation within the tech industry, research centers, and universities, positioning Europe as a leader in smart connectivity and security.
Natwork project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programm under Grant Agreement No 101139285, as well as from the Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking (SNS JU).
