# ZSM Framework for Autonomous Security Service Level Agreement Life-Cycle Management in B5G Networks
## 7 Discussions  
As we move into the era of 6G networks, the expectations for always-on, uninterrupted service are higher than ever. In this fast-paced environment, relying on humans to manage and intervene in every aspect of network operations is not sustainable. Instead, we are aiming for \"zero-touch management\"--an ideal where networks can manage and secure themselves with minimal human input. However, even with automation, we must remember that networks are ultimately built and used by people. This means that while machines can handle much of the work, human guidance in the form of clear policies and security standards will remain critical. In this paper, we explored a new way of managing and securing these next-generation networks, focusing on integrating security into every part of the process. We aligned our work with ETSI standards, but what makes our approach stand out is how it works across different domains. Essentially, it can manage multiple sections of the network at the same time, even when those sections are run by different entities. The framework we proposed ensures that security is not something you add later; it is built into the very core of how the network operates. Whether we are preventing potential attacks or reacting to ongoing threats, the system responds quickly and automatically to maintain security. One of our key contributions is the definition and development of an intent-driven security management, with different models for intents within the Zero-touch Service Management (ZSM) framework. This model management allows network administrators to define high-level security goals in the form of intents, which are then translated into specific policies and eventually into configurations by the system. By leveraging this model, we enable a clear, human-readable way to guide the autonomous management of networks while minimizing manual intervention. This intent-driven approach ensures that complex, multi-domain networks remain aligned with overarching security and operational objectives, even as they dynamically adapt to evolving conditions. Another significant contribution is the creation and management of E2E security slices upon the intent-driven security management. This technology brings together several innovative security measures, such as tools to analyze threats, ensure data integrity, and monitor network traffic to prevent attacks and maintain security requirements. These tools work in real time to detect and respond to threats, maintaining trust and security across the network, even when different domains are involved. We also made sure our approach is flexible, meaning it can adapt to various types of networks and infrastructures, and scale up as needed. In simple terms, our framework empowers networks to defend themselves in a more dynamic, human-like way--anticipating potential threats and responding instantly when something goes wrong. It also makes it easier for security administrators to manage, as they can set broad policies and let the network handle the details, without needing to micromanage every step. In conclusion, the results of our research demonstrate the potential for autonomous security management in beyond 5G networks. By integrating advanced technologies and real-time monitoring, we have addressed some of the biggest challenges in securing these complex, multi-domain systems. As networks continue to evolve, we believe that our approach will help lay the foundation for even more innovative solutions, bringing together the strengths of automation and human oversight to ensure safer, smarter networks for the future. **Author Contributions:** Conceptualization, R.A.-G., A.M.Z., A.P. and A.S.; methodology, R.A.-G., A.M.Z., A.P. ; software, R.A.-G., A.M.Z., H.R.P. ; validation, R.A.-G., H.R.P., A.M.Z. ; investigation, R.A.-G., A.M.Z., J.O., A.H., H.R.P., A.P. and A.S.; resources, A.H., H.R.P. ; data curation, R.A.-G.; writing--original draft preparation, R.A.-G., A.H., A.M.Z., J.O., A.P., H.R.P. and A.S.; writing--review and editing, R.A.-G., A.H., A.M.Z., J.O.