Cybersecurity and Smart Cities
As information and communication technologies are being advanced and developed, there has been an emergence and growth of smart cities around the world that support the demands of urbanization. Modern internet and computerized systems aim to fulfill people’s needs across several facets, including economic areas and social sustainability, which work to increase overall well-being. Smart cities are marked by the widespread digitization of services. Therefore, smart cities are synonymous with the future and the demands of urban development and serve as a means to effectively organize communication between systems. However, the growing interconnectivity of devices and integration of network systems also increases potential vulnerabilities and threats to various structures and organizations. To fully understand the connectivity of cybersecurity and smart cities, it is important to consider the correct implications of technological services, potential threats and the best practices to mitigate future attacks.
Employment of Technology and Digital Networks Enhance City Capabilities
In terms of the triple bottom line (achieving social, environmental and financial objectives), the integration of technology and digital networks serves as an effective solution to fulfill smart cities’ objectives. Implementing modern information and communication techniques allows for the expansion of the data supply, which in turn can broaden services and options that cities can offer. Through data processing and connectivity between various devices and systems, the development of IT technologies provides an effective and efficient process to support the demands of urbanization. Creating innovative options to integrate developed technologies into infrastructure will allow cities to efficiently manage complex processes and interactions between systems. As a result, various systems can augment services throughout the supply chain and organize production. Although smart cities work to meet the demands of urbanization and fulfill citizens’ needs, the increased connectivity and digitalization of systems and services generates new threats.
Interconnectivity Heightens Potential Threats
Increased implementation of digitalization and technology within systems serves to fulfill people’s needs in urbanized areas. The range of services and activities that are impacted by the implementation of technology increases every day because data applications are synonymous with urban development. The internet serves to create a connection between physical components and cyberspace which, in turn, opens billions of Internet of Things devices to security vulnerabilities. When an additional access point is added, this increases a system’s exposure to various cyberthreats. Cyberattackers target vulnerable networks and are successful in stealing funds, breaching infrastructure and capturing valuable intellectual property. As a result, there is a growing call to implement cybersecurity strategies to improve the management of and then curtail challenges that arise from cyberthreats.
Best Practices to Mitigate Cybersecurity Attacks
Given the increased presence of cyberthreats, it is important to learn the best practices to approach the design, improvement and sustainment of connected systems to include their life cycle. In order to mitigate the effects of potential threats within smart cities, it is valuable to discover and learn skills to manage people and processes more effectively. Tangible actions to manage cyberthreats facing smart cities include assessing risks, evaluating the management of ongoing processes, making continuous process improvements and implementing continuous learning techniques. Additionally, educating city leaders and individuals on primary principles to help manage priorities and digitized systems will boost leadership development and critical thinking in order to prevent cyberthreats and increase smart cities’ capabilities in cybersecurity.
Enrollment in Specific IDB Programs to Manage Cybersecurity
The Institute for Defense and Business offers specific programs that teach best practices and techniques to avoid the threats and potential risks that arise from a digitized world. Specifically, the IU-IDB Cyber Risk Management Program is designed to introduce participants to the multifaceted cyber risks with a focus on harnessing the benefits while mitigating the risks of emerging technologies. The benefits of the program include being equipped with a toolbox of cybersecurity best practices to manage cyber risk exposure, developing confidence to work well on cybersecurity solutions and learning cutting-edge technology to expand your understanding of key functional areas relating to cybersecurity. Additionally, the LOGTECH Advanced program will transform your organization’s approach to technology and innovation in logistics, providing new tools and techniques to help better manage potential threats.
About IDB
The Institute for Defense and Business (IDB) delivers educational programs and research to teach, challenge and inspire leaders who work with and within the defense enterprise to achieve next-level results for their organization. IDB features curriculum in Logistics, Supply Chain and Life Cycle Management, Complex Industrial Leadership, Strategic Studies, Global Business and Defense Studies, Continuous Process Improvement, and Stabilization and Economic Reconstruction. Visit www.IDB.org or contact us on our website for more information.