Cybersecurity Threats and Mitigations Related to Smart Cities Operation

Smart cities are managed and controlled through comprehensive and complex information systems. The main characteristics of smart cities are expressed in the massive reliance on computerized systems, which comprise large, distributed databases, integrated complex software systems, WAN with a vast number of terminals connected to the Internet and cloud computing, and physical systems fully computerized and remotely controlled. Smart cities are more likely to be sophisticated and more affluent than common cities, making them attractive to cybersecurity attackers motivated by theft and benefits stealing, such as ransom. The concept of smart cities is catching attention across the globe, and it is important in per context of emerging economies. It is inevitable to assume that smart cities incorporate all kinds of system vulnerabilities, which are more likely to be known and exploited by malicious cybersecurity attackers. This chapter elaborates on the leading cybersecurity risks more likely to be encountered in smart cities. We present current concepts and technologies available for mitigating them and provide a comprehensive solution for safe, smart cities.