The Trust Anchor Client (TAC) is a built-in security component in 6G data controllers that initiates authentication, authorization, and access control, and enables data source tracing and auditing.
Definition
In 6G networks, the Data Controller (DC) may include a built-in Trust Anchor Client (TAC). The TAC is responsible for initiating security mechanism requests such as authentication, authorization, and access control to a Trust Anchor Agent (TAA).
TAC also applies for source tracing and auditing services for data access, ensuring that data operations are secure, compliant, and accountable. It enables fine-grained orchestration of data apparatus and supports secure management of distributed data pipelines.
By integrating security requests and audit capabilities, the TAC ensures that both local and network-wide data operations comply with 6G trust and security requirements. This makes it a key enabler for secure and reliable 6G services, particularly for sensitive or mission-critical applications.
Examples
A DC with TAC can implement fine-grained orchestration of data apparatus, combining data pipelines in a local domain based on capabilities of each apparatus and incoming service requests. TAC initiates security requests to the TAA to authorize access and perform authentication, ensuring that only legitimate users and processes can access resources.
For instance, TAC may request access control for a new data task, trace the origin of requested data, and apply auditing for regulatory compliance. It also monitors the heartbeat and status of data agents to implement real-time supervision.
By combining these functions, TAC helps the 6G network maintain high levels of security, accountability, and operational efficiency, particularly in distributed and task-centric architectures.
In summary, the Trust Anchor Client is a critical 6G network component that ensures secure, traceable, and auditable data access while supporting authentication, authorization, and fine-grained orchestration.
References
6G Security Architecture and Trust Anchor Concepts
(Trust Anchor Client (TAC) and Trust Anchor Agent (TAA) Integration for Secure Data Access)