Physical Layer Security for Integrated Communication Localization and Sensing in 6G Networks

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6G networks are expected to be a combination of the terrestrial network and the non-terrestrial Network (NTN). NTN will be base stations with 3D mobility, such as low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, unmanned autonomous vehicles (UAVs), and high altitude platform station (HAPS) systems. The presence of such NTN elements introduces new features in terms of coverage, computation, localization, and sensing. However, their presence also makes 6G networks vulnerable to new security threats, especially in the physical layer (PHY). The first threat type emerges from the communication attacks that are expected to increase with the presence of wireless backhaul connectivity. In the classical network architecture, the backhaul traffic is routed through either fiber optic cables or highly directional microwave links. Yet, in the emerging 6G network architecture, this connectivity will be provided through a wireless channel. Due to the unguided nature of the wireless communication channel, this link may be subject to active and/or passive attacks in PHY. The larger line-of-sight (LoS) coverage area provided by the NTN elements will further contribute to this security problem. The second major threat type is on the localization systems, especially for NTN elements. The location information of a LEO satellite, a UAV, or a HAPS is an essential network characteristic that will affect the overall network performance. The absence of location information or problems in terms of sensing in an aerial node may be a threat to the overall network operation. Erroneous location information can be a more severe problem as the actions of the network from the perspective of the mobile nodes will be determined based on the instantaneous operational conditions. As localization jamming and spoofing attacks can be encountered in PHY, the appropriate countermeasures should be designed. This project aims to design and develop a PHY security toolset for the integrated wireless communication, localization and sensing systems of 6G networks with NTN elements. The main objective is to propose practically relevant security and privacy-promoting techniques that will not compromise the communication performance as a countermeasure to the possible attacks towards 6G networks. The program will train students and expose them to the expected operational and security challenges of 6G networks, contributing to the growth of Canada's mobile wireless industry and helping to build the R&D workforce that will support 6G development activities. It will also involve technology and knowledge transfer and a secure frame structure and signaling designs that jointly target communication, localization, and sensing performance. The targeted comprehensive PHY security framework can be incorporated into the security solutions of the upper layers as well. Overall, the trustworthiness of the end-to-end communication links will be targeted from secrecy, privacy, and availability aspects.