#SmartCity

14 January 2025

Cybersecurity and Smart City : anticipating risks before it's too late

Smart cities rely on a vast network of connected sensors, automated management systems and data analysis platforms. While these technologies enable more efficient management of urban infrastructures, they also expose cities to increased cybersecurity risks.

Anticipating these risks is essential to ensure the resilience and security of smart cities. In this article, we explore the major threats and the best strategies for protecting urban infrastructures.

Les risques majeurs pour la cybersécurité des smart cities

Major cybersecurity risks for smart cities

Increasing number of entry points for cyber attacks

The hyperconnectivity of smart cities means that a flaw in a single device can compromise the entire network. The main points of vulnerability include :

IoT sensors scattered around the city
Communication networks (5G, LoRaWAN, public Wi-Fi)
Centralized management systems (transport, energy, public safety)
Digital applications and platforms available to citizens

For example, an attack on traffic management sensors could cause traffic lights to malfunction, leading to accidents and paralysis of the road network.

Risks associated with ransomware and targeted cyberattacks

Cybercriminals exploit the vulnerabilities of urban infrastructures to :

Take hostage critical systems (e.g. attack on a water or electricity distribution network)
Demand ransom by blocking access to data
Disrupting essential public services

Case in point: in 2020, the American city of Baltimore suffered a ransomware attack that paralyzed several municipal services for several weeks.

Urban data manipulation and espionage

Smart cities collect sensitive data on citizens (movements, consumption habits, video surveillance). Hacking into these databases could :

Compromising the privacy of residents
Be used for espionage or manipulation purposes
Fuelling disinformation campaigns

Best practices for securing smart city infrastructures

Adopt a secure architecture right from the design stage

Cybersecurity by design must be integrated right from the development phase of intelligent infrastructures. This means :

The use of robust encryption protocols to protect data exchanges
Applying the principle of least privilege to limit access to critical systems
Network segmentation to isolate essential services

Securing connected objects and IoT networks

As IoT sensors and devices are prime targets for hackers, it is essential to :

Regular firmware and security updates
Avoid using default passwords
Monitor abnormal connections and detect suspicious behavior

Implement rigorous data governance

To avoid the risks associated with data manipulation, it is essential to :

Anonymize and encrypt sensitive information
Strict control of database access
Establish a policy of transparency in the use of urban data

Deploy threat detection and monitoring tools

Cities must equip themselves with cybersecurity supervision centers (SOCs - Security Operations Centers) capable of :

Real-time monitoring of digital infrastructures
Detect intrusion attempts before they cause damage
Implement rapid response plans in the event of an attack

Training and raising awareness among city players

Municipal employees, partner companies and citizens must be trained in good cybersecurity practices:

Identify phishing and phishing attempts
Securing access to critical systems
Report any suspicious activity to the appropriate authorities

Conclusion : building a smart, resilient city

Smart cities are a technological revolution, but they cannot develop without rigorously securing their infrastructures. Cybersecurity must be seen as a central pillar of any urban transformation strategy.

By anticipating threats, adopting robust architectures and training urban players, cities can take full advantage of innovation while guaranteeing the safety of citizens and essential services.

It's not a question of if, but when. It's best to be prepared before it's too late.