Abstract
The rapid development of smart cities has transformed urban living, enhancing efficiency and sustainability through interconnected systems and IoT-driven solutions. However, the increased connectivity and reliance on digital infrastructure expose these cities to a growing array of cybersecurity threats. Cyberattacks on critical services such as energy grids, transportation systems, healthcare, and public services can cause widespread disruption, economic damage, and compromise public safety. This paper explores the key cybersecurity challenges facing smart cities, focusing on the evolving threat landscape and vulnerabilities within urban digital ecosystems. It also presents strategies for building resilient cyber defenses, including risk management frameworks, advanced threat detection using artificial intelligence, and the adoption of blockchain for secure data management. The role of policy, regulatory frameworks, and public-private collaboration is emphasized as essential for mitigating risks and ensuring a secure smart city environment. By adopting proactive and adaptive security measures, smart cities can overcome cyber threats and safeguard the future of urban innovation.
Keywords: Artificial Intelligence (AI) in security, Blockchain for smart cities, Critical infrastructure protection, Cyber resilience, Cybersecurity, Cyber threats, Data privacy, Internet of Things (IoT)
View PDF