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With the relentless advancement of 6G technology, the future landscape of mobile communication networks is poised to witness a seamless integration between terrestrial cellular networks and non-terrestrial networks. This integration aims to establish a globally extensive air-space-ground-maritime network to meet the expanding application demands of next-generation mobile communication. Its service coverage extends from the traditional, limited two-dimensional terrestrial space to the vast three-dimensional expanse near the Earth's surface, facilitating comprehensive and volumetric network connectivity. In addition, the exponential growth in demand for 6G networks in the future makes network security more important than ever. However, due to the broadcasting nature of wireless transmission, wireless links are susceptible to security threats such as interference attacks and information leakage. Therefore, research on information security technologies, such as covert communication, is essential for the future development of air-space-ground-maritime networks.

Against the backdrop of 6G advancements, the integration of the air-space-ground-maritime network presents formidable challenges in the realm of information security. The amalgamation of terrestrial, aerospace and maritime networks introduces vulnerabilities at the intersection, requiring innovative solutions to secure the seamless fusion of these disparate communication domains. Moreover, expanding communication networks into the three-dimensional space near the Earth's surface brings forth unique security concerns. Addressing these challenges necessitates a thorough exploration of encryption, authentication, and intrusion detection mechanisms tailored to the specific characteristics of this volumetric communication landscape. The covert communication aspect within this integrated framework adds an additional layer of complexity. Exploring techniques and protocols for covert communications demands attention to balance security and privacy concerns while harnessing the benefits of concealed data transmission. Lastly, as 6G networks evolve, so do the threats to information security. Establishing resilient mechanisms to counteract emerging threats is vital. 

Consequently, this Special Issue (SI) aims to offer a platform for researchers from both academia and industry to publish recent research findings and to discuss opportunities, challenges, and solutions related to air-space-ground-maritime Networks. Potential topics of interest include but are not limited to the following.

• Global Air-space-Ground-Maritime Network: A Paradigm Shift in Mobile Communication
• Security Challenges in Air-space-Ground-Maritime Networks
• Resilience Against Emerging Threats in Integrated Air-Space-Ground-Maritime Networks
• Innovative Approaches to Mitigate Interference Attacks in Integrated Air-Space-Ground-Maritime Networks
• Information Leakage Prevention for Air-space-Ground-Maritime Network 
• Proactive Security Measures for the Exponential Growth for Air-space-Ground-Maritime Network
• Three-Dimensional Security Concerns in Near-Earth Communication
• Encryption Strategies for Volumetric Communication Landscape
• Key technologies to enhance the resilience for the Air-space-Ground-Maritime integrated network
• Traffic control technologies in the Air-space-Ground-Maritime integrated network
• Intrusion Detection in Three-Dimensional Network Space
• Secure Communication in Air-space-Ground-Maritime Networks
• Covert Communication Techniques in Air-space-Ground-Maritime Networks

Submission Guidelines

Manuscripts should conform to the standard format as indicated in the Information for Authors section of the Manuscript Submission Guidelines. Please, check these guidelines carefully before submitting since submissions not complying with them will be administratively rejected without review.

All manuscripts to be considered for publication must be submitted by the deadline through Author Portal. Select the “SI-2401 / Advancing Secure Communication in the Era of 6G through the Air-Space-Ground-Maritime Networks）” topic from the drop-down menu of Topic/Series titles. Please observe the dates specified here below noting that there will be no extension of submission deadline.

Important Dates

Manuscript Submission: 20 December 2024 (Deadline Extended)
Acceptance Notification: 31 January 2025 
Final Manuscript Due: 28 March 2025 
Publication: Third Quarter 2025

Guest Editors

Wen Tian (Lead Guest Editor)
Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, China

Zhu Han
University of Houston, USA

Ángeles Vazquez Castro
The Autonomous University of Barcelona, Spain         

Mohsen Guizani
Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, UAE