The 21st century time is absolutely the best time to be alive. Technology has shaped everything and life has become very smooth. Those who were born around 50 years ago cannot believe how things they thought to be dreams are becoming realities. The dreams of having smart cities where technology and automation are the order of the day are now becoming a reality.
Various government has started these projects of ensuring most of the services rendered in smart cities are eased up through the use of technology. The transport sector in smart cities has been modernized, and we have seen the development of solar cars, and as time flies we now have self-driven cars. Amazing right? But that’s the kind of world we are living in. Other projects that have been developed by the smart city ideas are the business sectors and the healthcare sector.
With such a milestone development, the only worry has been about the security of the smart city ideas as a whole. Smart city ideas cannot be implemented and remain maintained without proper security. The dimension of security varies from the security of tangible projects and the security of the computerized and automated systems from a new breed of crime known as cybercrime. Smart city technology has been facing such security challenges as mentioned above. The cyber-crimes, in particular, are security problems that are faced by companies, governments, media outlets, and businesses in smart cities.
Common technologies in smart city security
The technologies that have been enhanced to tackle security issues have brought relief in this sector that was almost being consumed with security threats. As a way of counteracting these challenges, the flourished and advanced internet of things has brought up some of solutions in these sectors. World-class infrastructures in smart cities can now use the latest information and communication technology to set up barriers and systems that can secure businesses both from external and internal harm.
Among the common technologies being used in securing the various sections in the smart city technology include the use of smartphone technology. Mobile app developers have made use of these available technologies in coming up with more efficient systems that can be used by the residents of smart cities to keep them secure. Mobile app developers have developed various mobile applications that can be used to pass sensitive information and security concerns from the people living in the cities to the administration. The applications can also be used in giving citizens crucial information about their security. The buildings in smart cities can also use the embedded sensors that are woven into the buildings’ fabric infrastructure to detect any breakage or intrusion by force. The buildings and different areas in smart cities such as train stations and bus stops can be mounted with CCTV cameras that can help in monitoring the movements of the crowds. For the security of the data in the cities, the residents and the administration can now use modern cyber security models that future-proof the networks and stronger firewalls.
How smart city security impacts citizens
Positive impact
The citizens in the smart city are happy of being in safer environments free from the crimes such as burglary and robbery with violence since modern security systems such as embedded sensors can detect security loopholes, and they can be rectified as soon as they are identified. As a result of these the security of the smart city has been improved and the lifestyle of the people has been greatly promoted. Data is now well preserved as there are risk assessment tools and procedures that ensure they are safe.
Negative impact
The main challenge the citizens in smart cities face from smart city security is the higher prices that are incurred or needed to make these cities safe. As much as security is a right of every citizen, it has to come with a cost. The citizens the majority are middle class face challenges in improving their security systems to match modern technology. The systems are also complex to be comprehended by the common citizens. As such, most of them see new technology as a waste of money and resources. They also feel marginalized by technology users. This results in unequal development in smart cities.
Applications of smart city security
Smart city security can be applied by being close to all the projects in the smart city. The homes and residential places of all people in the smart city locations need to be secure from cybercriminals and other criminals such as robbers. Smart city security systems can be applied in business areas to monitor products and offer surveillance. Offices cannot be left behind as well as banks and hospitals. Securing these sectors will help in the development of smart cities.
