Privacy and Security in Ubiquitous Integrated Sensing and Communication: Threats, Challenges and Future Directions

Integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) technology is at the forefront of next-generation communication, enhancing applications from intel-ligent transportation to unmanned aerial vehicle surveillance and healthcare through ubiquitous sensing capability. However, the advent of ISAC brings with it a dual-edged challenge. While it opens up new avenues for application, it also raises significant concerns regarding the privacy of sensitive data and the security of systems in an inherently open environment. To navigate these challenges and unlock ISAC's full potential, this article starts with an analysis of the underlying factors that contribute to privacy and security vulnerabilities. It also identifies the technical obstacles that stand in the way of achieving a secure and private ISAC ecosystem within the confines of conventional network frameworks. As a solution, we introduce a security and privacy-preserving network (SPPN), designed to mitigate these potential threats and tackle the technical challenges through a secure framework for information handling and collaborative efforts among trusted parties, ISAC operators, and users. Central to SPPN's security strategies is an artificial intelligence based system, equipped to detect unauthorized access and coordinate defense mechanisms, including deploying friendly jammers to thwart malicious devices and utilizing reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RISs) to bolster the network's defense mechanisms against potential attacks. Through detailed analysis and case studies, this article demonstrates the effectiveness of the SPPN framework, which not only strengthens the network's defenses but also significantly improves its sensing and communication capabilities.