As breaches in the telecommunications sector increase and the threat of quantum cyberattacks moves from theoretical to imminent, network security has become a strategic priority for operators, enterprises, and governments worldwide. The SHIELD-6G project aims to develop a comprehensive AI-based cyber threat intelligence (CTI) platform for 6G networks, featuring interoperable security, orchestration, and regulatory compliance. VIAVI will develop digital twins using its TeraVM AI-powered RAN scenario generator (RSG), enabling the development, testing, and validation of AI-based security models before the first commercial 6G signal is activated.
As part of SHIELD-6G, VIAVI will use its AI-based RSG technology to support advanced security testing in 6G network environments, employing AI to simulate, detect, and analyze potential threats across the network. This includes generating realistic network datasets that enable intelligent anomaly detection and the continuous refinement of AI-based security mechanisms, ensuring that vulnerabilities are identified and remediated before they can be exploited in production networks.
“6G network security must be built in from day one, and that requires the ability to simulate, test, and detect threats before a single commercial 6G signal is ever activated,” said Ian Langley, senior vice president of VIAVI’s Wireless Technology, Security, and Applications Business Unit. “Our AI RSG technology is already being used to provide the essential digital twin foundation needed to better understand 6G propagation, improve power efficiency, and reduce FR3 signal interference. SHIELD-6G brings that capability directly into the security arena, where the stakes are even higher. We are thrilled to be part of this latest collaboration at the forefront of global technology innovation.”.
SHIELD-6G is part of the highly competitive "Horizon Europe SNS JU" call, designed to accelerate European research and innovation in 6G, which selected 20 new 6G projects. VIAVI joins a European consortium coordinated by University College Dublin, collaborating with global industry leaders such as Ericsson, Nokia, THALES and THALES SIX, as well as network operators Telefónica and Latvia's LMT, thus bringing together the entire chain of expertise needed to ensure end-to-end security for 6G networks.
