The ETSI ZSM group has released specifications defining a zero-touch automation framework for end-to-end network slicing, enabling autonomous self-management and optimization without human intervention. Key documents include GS ZSM 003, which outlines an architecture for cross-domain slicing, and GS ZSM 009-1, which establishes governance services for closed-loop operations enhanced by AI and machine learning. To address the expanded threat surface inherent in these open, cloud-native environments, the group has published GR ZSM 010 to identify security risks and propose mitigation strategies, with a related normative specification currently in development. These efforts aim to align with industry bodies like 3GPP and O-RAN to ensure interoperable, secure, and consistent automated network management.
Keywords: zero-touch automation, network slicing, closed loops, AI/ML orchestration, security threats