Blockchain-Based Security Architecture for Uncrewed Aerial Systems in B5G/6G Services and Beyond: A Comprehensive Approach

Uncrewed aerial systems (UASs) were popularly used by hobbyists in the past, but they have now become critical enablers for managing disasters, handling emergencies, and so on. For example, one of their most critical applications is to provide seamless wireless communication services in remote rural areas. Thus, it is substantial to identify and consider the different security challenges in the research and development associated with advanced UAS-based B5G/6G architectures. Catering to this requirement, this article conducts a comprehensive review of the security aspects of UASs with respect to the 5G/6G system architecture, its enabling technologies, and privacy issues. It exhibits security integration at all the protocol stack layers and analyzes the existing mechanisms to secure UAS-based B5G/6G communications and its energy and power optimization factors. Last, this article also summarizes modern technological trends for establishing security and protecting UAS-based systems, along with the open challenges and strategies for future research work.