Cybersecurity Challenges in 5G-Enabled Smart Cities: An Analytical Approach

Abstract

As 5G is being rapidly deployed, cities are being turned into smart spaces with objects inter-connected to enhance the transportation, energy, healthcare and public safety services provided by the city. Nevertheless, along with the improvement of connections, there are also difficult-to-address cybersecurity issues, primarily caused by the greater susceptibility of critical infrastructures to attacks. In this case, we talk about cybersecurity challenges that 5G hastens in smart cities as the possible issues emerging due to network slicing, edge computing usage or a large number of IoT devices within a single location. The paper examines various threats including data breaches, denial-of-service attacks and problems that could encounter the 5G network with keen attention. It also examines the steps that are currently in place to curb these risks e.g. tight security policies, new laws and collaboration between relevant teams. The paper next proposes the practices that may strengthen the cybersecurity of 5G smart cities and defend critical assets against emerging cyberthreats.