Privacy and Security Vulnerabilities in 6G and Beyond Networks

Dear Colleagues,

As intelligent systems become increasingly embedded in modern infrastructure, the development of robust, scalable, and trustworthy software becomes more critical than ever. Emerging technologies such as 6G, blockchain, and artificial intelligence are transforming sectors like transportation, healthcare, and manufacturing, posing new challenges and opportunities for software engineering. In particular, the rise of Intelligent Transport Systems (ITSs) demands innovative software solutions that can support distributed architectures, real-time analytics, high mobility, and stringent security requirements.

This Special Issue, titled “Privacy and Security Vulnerabilities in 6G and Beyond Networks”, invites high-quality research contributions that address foundational theories, practical methodologies, and real-world applications of software engineering in the context of next-generation systems. We are especially interested in submissions that explore the intersection of software engineering with cutting-edge technologies such as 6G communications, blockchain-based trust frameworks, and AI-driven automation. Case studies and prototypes demonstrating applications in Intelligent Transport Systems and similar domains are highly encouraged.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Software architecture and engineering methods for 6G-enabled systems;
• Blockchain-based software frameworks for trust, identity, and privacy;
• Reconfigurable and intelligent software for connected vehicles and ITSs;
• AI and machine learning integration in software development lifecycles;
• Federated learning and distributed computing in software applications;
• Model-driven engineering for real-time, adaptive systems;
• Verification, validation, and testing of safety-critical software;
• Quantum-safe and resilient software security protocols.

Dr. Mahmoud A. Shawky
Dr. Syed Tariq Shah
Dr. Rana Muhammad Sohaib
Guest Editors

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