Security Orchestration in 5G and Beyond Smart Network Technologies

Security Orchestration (SCO) represents a pivotal element in achieving intelligent and automated security monitoring and management within intricate and dynamic network environments, notably the 5th Generation (5G) and Beyond 5G (B5G) networks. The seamless integration of SCO into emerging 5G/B5G technologies, such as Open Radio Access Networks (ORAN), Zero-touch network and Service Management (ZSM), Software-Defined Networking (SDN), Network Function Virtualization (NFV), Multi-access Edge Computing (MEC), cloud computing, and Network Slicing (NS), is of paramount importance for realizing the vision of zero-touch, self-repair, self-healing, and secure networks. Furthermore, these advanced technologies offer opportunities to enhance SCO's functionalities. This article offers an in-depth exploration of SCO's evolution, significance, functionalities, and critical components, considering its potential within the realm of 5G and B5G network technologies. The primary objective of this specify is to provide an informative analysis of the integration of SCO into 5G and B5G network technologies and how these implementations can be harmoniously combined within a unified framework. Lastly, we present valuable insights, remaining research problems, and future directions toward achieving the goal of zero-touch security and networks.