As sixth-generation (6G) wireless communication networks evolve, privacy concerns are expected due to the transmission of vast amounts of security-sensitive private information. In this context, a reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) emerges as a promising technology capable of enhancing transmission efficiency and strengthening information security. This study demonstrates how RISs can play a crucial role in making 6G networks more secure against eavesdropping attacks. We discuss the fundamentals, and standardization aspects of RISs, along with an in-depth analysis of physical-layer security (PLS). Our discussion centers on PLS design using RIS, highlighting aspects like beamforming, resource allocation, artificial noise, and cooperative communications. We also identify the research issues, propose potential solutions, and explore future perspectives. Finally, numerical results are provided to support our discussions and demonstrate the enhanced security enabled by RIS.

翻译：随着第六代（6G）无线通信网络的发展，大量敏感隐私信息的传输将引发隐私担忧。在此背景下，可重构智能表面（RIS）作为一种能提升传输效率并增强信息安全的前沿技术应运而生。本研究展示了RIS如何在抵御窃听攻击方面助力6G网络实现更高安全性。我们探讨了RIS的基本原理和标准化进展，并深入分析了物理层安全（PLS）技术。重点讨论基于RIS的PLS设计，涵盖波束赋形、资源分配、人工噪声和协作通信等关键环节。同时，本研究识别了当前研究难题，提出了潜在解决方案，并展望了未来发展方向。最后，通过数值结果佐证相关讨论，验证了RIS所增强的安全性能。