Real-Time Cyber Situational Awareness for 6G Networks Leveraging Spatial Metrics

Abstract

The dynamic and heterogeneous nature of 6G networks demands continuous, real-time cyber situational awareness (CSA) to support cognitive security operations such as behavior analysis, threat hunting, and adaptive defense. Traditional CSA frameworks like CRUSOE capture structural and mission-level data but cannot process the dynamic, high-frequency telemetry typical of 6G environments. This paper presents the Extended Infrastructure and Service Information Model (EISIM) and its implementation within a Cyber Situational Awareness Platform (CSAP) designed for real-time, context-aware security management. CSAP aggregates and models data from diverse sources into a unified graph representing assets, flows, services, and vulnerabilities, enabling continuous assessment of operational and security posture. The platform introduces novel spatial risk metrics, including Flow Load Centrality and Operational Risk Centrality, which integrate topological position, traffic intensity, vulnerability exposure, and resource capacity to quantify risk, exposure, and criticality. By combining workflow-driven data collection with real-time spatial analytics, CSAP enhances situational awareness and decision-making within 6G Security Operation Centers (6G-SOCs), enabling proactive identification of critical network elements and improved resilience through cognitive, data-driven management.