Smart Cities Are Vulnerable To Cyber Attacks

This post is also available in: עברית (Hebrew)

A new set of guidelines issued by the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) warns the public of the security risks posed by the widespread use of 5G technology in smart cities.

These guidelines remind us that as technology, and smart cities in particular, become more advanced, we must be able to adapt to the changing cyber landscape in order to protect ourselves from emerging threats.

The ASD’s concerns align with those of the Five Eyes security alliance, which has warned that the interconnected nature of a fully connected city makes it vulnerable to cyberattacks.

While smart cities offer benefits such as increased efficiency and data-driven decision-making, the downside is that they may expose national and economic security, public health and safety, and critical infrastructure operations to potential vulnerabilities.

The risks associated with smart cities are not new. In 2020, the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA) warned that 5G technology used in smart cities could create new attack vectors for hackers, including the potential to disrupt critical infrastructure. The UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has also highlighted the risks of smart city technology, including the potential for attacks on autonomous vehicles and the use of data to target individuals.

To address these risks, the ASD’s guidelines recommend that smart cities adopt a risk management approach that includes identifying potential vulnerabilities and implementing appropriate security measures.

As reported by independentaustralia.net.