Cesar Cerrudo , a professional hacker, published a paper a few years ago about the looming dangers of hackers attempting to disrupt the city’s technology. Cerrudo writes about the fact that cities around the world are implementing technology into their systems at a rapid rate without backing it up with the right security systems. Although these new technologies are helping the public save money and time, is our security really a good compromise?
You might look at your city and not really call it “smart,” even though even the smallest towns manage their water supply through computerized programs in which levels of chlorine and other cleaning chemicals are carefully monitored to ensure safe consumption. In fact, in March 2016, a group of hackers managed to bypass the security systems of a disused municipal water facility, resulting in the manipulation of the water chemicals that affected over 2.5 million people!
Lack of supervision and manpower in our city network
As the saying goes, nothing happens as a result of anything, there are always layers of events leading to a bad outcome. As cities are pressured to increase security, balance a budget, and keep that city’s citizens happy, many local governments are turning to companies looking for a quick sale. A city shows how innovative these new technological devices work. However, what is not presented at both ends is whether the city has enough staff to maintain and secure these systems when threats arise. A large number of new technologies should be equipped with a large number of CERTS (Computer Emergency Readiness Team). These are highly effective individuals who have years of experience in computer security prevention and can advise the military at any time as to where and where the threat lies. Additional security measures such as street corner cameras,Retractable bollards and energy-saving lamps, everything is constantly tested but hardly ever questioned.
What big cities are doing to prevent physical injuries from technology.
In 2018, terrorists hit large public areas such as markets and festivals with vehicles. Although this has happened in the past, the growing number of these types of attacks have become more common. Governments want protection for their citizens, but care should be taken that we don’t lead ourselves into a closed society, says Joaquim Forn. Rob Reiter, the chief security adviser for Calpipe Security, installed bollards in New York City’s Times Square that would end up eclipsing attacks by insane citizens. He is a strong proponent of bollards, arguing that bollards are not terrorist prevention, they are everyday accident prevention.
In the end, cities will continue to become “smarter”, the demand will be there and the risk will come with it. So what’s the solution? Effective security measures with hired CERTS, drills, continuous testing and most importantly a group plan to keep us an open society.
