6G: Cybersecurity and defence implications

While 6G is expected to enable technologies with significant benefits to societies, businesses and individuals, 6G may also introduce new cybersecurity challenges. 6G is expected to connect a vastly larger amount of devices to mobile networks, the attack surface is likely to grow. Further, 6G will likely enable true cyber-physical systems where digital disruptions can cause real-world damage. This paper explores the security implications of 6G through the lens of use-cases where incidents could cause significant damage. Given the importance of mobile networks for military use-cases, the potential impact of 6G on European defence is also briefly being addressed in the paper, with an emphasis on how 6G is poised to enable battlefield command, control and sensing.