NATWORK: Net-Zero self-adaptive activation of distributed self-resilient augmented services

NATWORK project has focused on developing self-adaptive, resilient, and energy-efficient networks for the next-generation 6G ecosystem. The project emphasizes bio-inspired and AI-powered solutions to ensure cybersecurity, trust, and energy efficiency across a diverse range of interconnected devices and services. These innovations are designed to support a vast and diverse array of interconnected devices and services, crucial for the next-generation networks. The combination of AI and biological models ensures that the networks can dynamically adapt to changing conditions while maintaining optimal performance, security, and sustainability.

NATWORK seeks to deliver a pioneering cybersecurity and resilience framework for 6G networks by combining AI, bio-inspired technologies, and advanced network management strategies. The project’s goal is to create a secure, self-regulating, and energy-efficient infrastructure that addresses the complex challenges posed by the highly dynamic and pervasive 6G ecosystem.

By leveraging machine learning, artificial intelligence, and bio-inspired defense mechanisms, NATWORK aims to build intelligent networks that autonomously detect, adapt, and respond to cyber threats in real-time. The project also emphasizes a net-zero approach, integrating energy-efficient operations to minimize the environmental impact of 6G systems.

The CSG plays a pivotal role in the NATWORK project, leading and actively contributing to several key tasks and work packages. CSG heads Task 1.3 and contributes to the state-of-the-art analysis (T2.1) and the development of the project architecture in WP2. In WP4, CSG focuses on researching cyber-attacks and dataset formulation (Task 4.1), while also playing a key role in developing mitigation strategies and enhancing system explainability (Tasks T4.2, T4.3, T4.4). In WP6, CSG leads the integration of components developed in WP4 to ensure seamless system functionality. Additionally, CSG is integral to disseminating project results (Task 7.1) and collaborating on business case development (Task 7.2) within WP7. Through its extensive involvement, CSG is a cornerstone of the project, advancing the development of secure, adaptive, and energy-efficient 6G networks in Europe.

2024

• [Full Paper] Alberto Huertas Celdrán, Jan von der Assen, Chao Feng, Sandro Padovan, Gérôme Bovet, Burkhard Stiller: Next Generation of AI-based Ransomware, 2024 IEEE Global Communications Conference: Communication & Information Systems Security, Cape Town, South Africa, December, 2024 (To appear)
• [Full Paper] Nasim Nezhadsistani, Burkhard Stiller: ML-based Anomaly Detection in 6G Networks: A Survey on the Current Status, Challenges, and Future Directions, 3rd edition of the International Conference on 6G Networking (6GNet 2024), Paris, French, December, 2024 (To appear)

• University of Zurich, IFI, CSG
• Full partner list: https://natwork-project.eu/consortium

• Prof. Dr. Burkhard Stiller
• Nasim Nezhadsistani
• Anderson Rocha