Check Point discusses how “smart cities” can build resilience against cyber attacks
[datensicherheit.de, 01.11.2024] Check Point® Software Technologies Ltd. warns in a current statement that the digital transformation – i.e. the increasing digitalization and networking – Cities are an increasingly attractive target for cyber criminals who could threaten critical infrastructures (KRITIS). As cities around the world become smart cities and integrate advanced technologies such as IoT, AI and 5G to improve urban life, new cybersecurity risks are emerging. “These technologies provide improved services such as efficient traffic management and water supply, but also expose critical infrastructure to cyber threats.” With a forecast global market value of $72.52 billion by 2024, “smart cities” are at the forefront of innovation, sustainability and digital growth. However, governments and organizations must remain vigilant to minimize the growing attack surface associated with connected urban infrastructures. Check Point® Software Technologies Ltd. therefore takes a look at both sides of the coin: “What threats do cyber criminals pose to ‘smart cities’ and how can they be stopped using modern IT security concepts?”
Expansion of “smart cities” expected
Studies showed “that investments in smart city technologies will increase exponentially to $327 billion by 2025”. “Smart cities” combined advanced technologies such as the so-called Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI) and “5G”to make traffic management, water supply and emergency systems more efficient.
For example, intelligent transportation systems reduced congestion, and smart water meters saved resources by detecting leaks. However, the networking of these systems also makes them closed attractive targets for cyber attackswhich could lead to disruptions to essential services such as healthcare, transport and energy. “But unfortunately these are not all the sources of danger that ‘smart cities’ will be exposed to.”
Key cyber security threats in “smart cities” according to Check Point:
Ransomware attacks on critical infrastructure
Ransomware attacks are increasing, targeting municipalities and threatening business continuity. They paralyze important services and force cities to either pay ransoms for the release of their data or to accept longer outages, which means serious economic and social damage.
Attacks on public security systems
Cyber criminals are increasingly targeting emergency systems such as video surveillance and firearm detection technologies. A gap in these systems could lead to false alarms, cause panic or delay important emergency response, increasing a city’s vulnerability in times of crisis.
„Data Breaches“
Smart cities collect large amounts of personal data via IoT devices, which poses a significant risk of data breaches. Successful cyber attacks could leak sensitive information, leading to identity theft, financial fraud and a loss of trust in the city’s digital infrastructure.
Weak points in the water supply
Cyber attacks on water treatment plants pose a great risk. A frightening example comes from the USA: “In 2021, hackers attempted to poison Oldsmar, Florida’s water supply by manipulating chemical levels in the treatment process.” In “smart cities”, such vulnerabilities could not only interrupt important services and affect water quality and supply: “There are significant, possibly life-threatening health risks for the residents if malicious unauthorized access occurs.”
Global impact of cyber attacks on “smart cities”
With the increasing networking of “smart cities”, the effects of cyber attacks would extend beyond national borders – in other words, they would become globalized. A successful cyber attack on a city’s energy grid could affect hospitals, businesses and schools, while disruptions to transport networks delayed international deliveries and the affect world trade could.
In addition, the financial costs of cybercrime would increase by 2025 $10.5 trillion per year estimated – a significant burden on the city’s economy and a huge risk to the data of all residents.
Urgently prepare “smart cities” for cyber security of the future!
To protect the cities of the future, governments, companies and citizens must work together implement robust cyber security measures. A multi-faceted approach is needed to protect critical infrastructure, secure personal data and maintain resilience against growing cyber threats:
Secure-by-Design-Prinzipien
Cyber security must be integrated into smart city technologies from the outset “by making encryption, multi-factor authentication and continuous software updates standard practice”.
Cross-sector collaboration
An effective cybersecurity framework requires collaboration between the public and private sectors, with information sharing and clear protocols for responding to security-related incidents.
Investing in cybersecurity professionals
Cities would have to invest in training cyber security professionals, “that are able to address the unique challenges of smart city infrastructures”.
Raising public awareness
Citizens also need to play a role in protecting so-called smart cities by carefully practicing cyber hygiene. Public awareness campaigns could educate individuals about “How to protect your personal devices, identify phishing attempts, and report suspicious activity to local authorities.”. Encouraging citizens to take an active role in cyber security could create a safer digital environment for everyone.
Developing incident response plans
Robust security incident plans ensured that “smart cities” could recover quickly from cyber attacks. These plans should include procedures for isolating affected systems, communicating with the public, and coordinating with law enforcement and cybersecurity experts to mitigate the impact of the attack.
Building “Smart Cities” that are both innovative and safe!
“’Smart cities’ have the potential to transform urban life through innovation and sustainability.” However, without addressing cybersecurity challenges, these advances could fail significant risks be undermined.
“By introducing Principles for safe design“By fostering collaboration and investing in talent, we can build ‘smart cities’ that are both innovative and safe, ensuring a secure urban future.”
Further information on the topic:
statesman
Smart Cities – Worldwide
UC BERKELEYCENTER FOR LONG-TERM CYBERSECURITY, Februar 2021
CLTC WHITEPAPER SERIES / The Cybersecurity Risks of Smart City Technologies / What Do The Experts Think?
WIREDAndy Greenberg, 08.02.2021
A Hacker Tried to Poison a Florida City’s Water Supply, Officials Say / The attacker upped sodium hydroxide levels in the Oldsmar, Florida, water supply to extremely dangerous levels
FROST & SULLIVAN29.10.2020
Smart Cities to Create Business Opportunities Worth $2.46 Trillion by 2025, says Frost & Sullivan / More than 70% of global smart city spending by 2030 will be from the United States, Western Europe, and China
datensicherheit.de22.07.2021
German smart city market: eco sees cyber security as a central driver / findings of the study “The Smart City Market in Germany, 2021-2026” by eco – Association of the Internet Industry eV and Arthur D. Little
