@inproceedings{moudoudSecuringORANZero2025,

title = {Securing O-RAN with Zero Trust Architecture and Large Language Models},

author = {H. Moudoud and Z. A. El Houda and B. Brik},

editor = {Iwendi C. and Boulouard Z. and Kryvinska N.},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105011259647?origin=resultslist},

doi = {10.1007/978-3-031-94620-2_31},

isbn = {23673370 (ISSN); 978-303194619-6 (ISBN)},

year  = {2025},

date = {2025-01-01},

booktitle = {Lect. Notes Networks Syst.},

volume = {1312 LNNS},

pages = {357–368},

publisher = {Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH},

abstract = {The Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) architecture is critical for the development of 6G networks, offering flexibility and interoperability through disaggregated components. However, this openness exposes O-RAN to new security vulnerabilities, including unauthorized access, data breaches, and malicious xApp deployments. To address these challenges, we propose DistillORAN, a novel Zero-Trust architecture designed specifically for O-RAN. DistillORAN features two core components: (1) a blockchain-based decentralized trust management system for secure verification, authentication, and dynamic access control of xApps, and (2) a lightweight intrusion detection module powered by DistilBERT, a transformer-based model optimized for resource-constrained environments. DistilBERT’s ability to analyze network activities and detect anomalies in real-time allows it to identify complex security threats and multi-step attack scenarios within the O-RAN ecosystem. Its lightweight nature makes it ideal for O-RAN’s distributed infrastructure, where computational resources may be limited. By combining blockchain technology for trust management with DistilBERT’s powerful pattern recognition for intrusion detection, DistillORAN enforces a Zero-Trust security model, ensuring continuous monitoring and verification of all network components. This comprehensive solution enhances the security and resilience of O-RAN networks, aligning with the dynamic needs of next-generation mobile infrastructures. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2025.},

note = {Journal Abbreviation: Lect. Notes Networks Syst.},

keywords = {Access management, Access Management system, Architecture, Authentication, Block-chain, Blockchain, Computer architecture, Computer crime, Cryptography, Distributed computer systems, Intrusion Detection, Language model, Large language model, Management systems, Mobile security, Mobile telecommunication systems, Network architecture, Network security, O-RAN, Open radio access network, Radio access networks, Security systems, Security vulnerabilities, Trusted computing, Zero Trust},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {inproceedings}

}

@inproceedings{mehrbanBlockchainEnabledMultiLayeredZeroTrust2025,

title = {A Blockchain-Enabled Multi-Layered Zero-Trust Security Framework for O-RAN},

author = {A. Mehrban and Z. A. El Houda and H. Moudoud and B. Brik and L. Khoukhi},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105011345211?origin=resultslist},

doi = {10.1109/IWCMC65282.2025.11059720},

isbn = {979-833150887-6 (ISBN)},

year  = {2025},

date = {2025-01-01},

booktitle = {Int. Wirel. Commun. Mob. Comput. Conf., IWCMC},

pages = {1564–1569},

publisher = {Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.},

abstract = {O-RAN (Open Radio Access Network) is a set of open and interoperable radio access technologies, guided by the O-RAN Alliance, that, despite an open ecosystem, introduces significant security risks, expanding the threat surface in 6G networks. Traditional perimeter-based security approaches are inadequate for O-RAN's highly distributed, multi-vendor environments, where Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) becomes essential for robust security. To address these challenges, we propose a novel blockchain-based, decentralized Zero-Trust Framework specifically designed for O-RAN security. Our proposed framework comprises two key layers: the first layer utilizes Federated Learning (FL) and Transfer Learning (TL) for advanced attack detection, enabling distributed, privacy-preserving threat analysis across O-RAN nodes. The second layer enforces Zero Trust access control through a blockchain-based identity management system, ensuring tamper-resistant, real-time policy updates. This multi-layered framework provides adaptive threat detection and resilient access control, validated through simulations demonstrating high detection accuracy and robust access management with minimal impact on network performance, offering a scalable security solution for next-generation O-RAN deployments. © 2025 IEEE.},

note = {Journal Abbreviation: Int. Wirel. Commun. Mob. Comput. Conf., IWCMC},

keywords = {Access control, Block-chain, Blockchain, Data privacy, Federated learning, federated learning (FL), Internet of thing, Internet of things, Internet of Things (IoT), Interoperability, Learning systems, Mobile telecommunication systems, Multi-layered, Network architecture, Network security, Open access, Open radio access network, open radio access network (O-RAN), Radio, Radio access networks, Radio access technologies, Radio communication, Secure communication, Security, Security frameworks, Security risks, Transfer learning, Trusted computing},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {inproceedings}

}