The Risk Assessment of Cyber-Attacks Targeting Smart City Technologies

Abstract

This paper talks about how the advancement of smart city technologies promises transformative improvements in urban management, encompassing transportation, energy, healthcare, and public safety. However, this digital integration also introduces significant cybersecurity risks. This paper comprehensively examines the vulnerabilities within smart city ecosystems, emphasizing the susceptibility of IoT devices, critical infrastructure interdependencies, and cloud computing systems. The study identifies key threat actors, including state-sponsored groups, cybercriminals, and insider threats, and explores their methodologies and attack vectors. The paper quantifies cyber-attack risks through a detailed risk assessment framework, including threat modeling, vulnerability analysis, and impact evaluation. Case studies, such as the 2018 Atlanta ransomware attack and traffic signal manipulation incidents, highlight the real-world implications of such threats. Finally, the research outlines mitigation strategies, including security-by-design principles, continuous monitoring, and public-private partnerships, offering a robust roadmap for enhancing the resilience of smart cities against cyber threats.