Challenges in network security for smart cities: a short narrative review

Abstract

It is estimated that smart cities invest in the development of new technologies to improve the quality of life for citizens. By implementing these new technologies, issues of security and privacy have become a relevant challenge for the development of smart cities. Implementing traditional cybersecurity strategies to address these issues becomes obsolete, as contemporary threats are more complex. Motivated by these factors, we examine the current challenges, vulnerabilities, and threats present in smart cities regarding privacy and data protection to determine how these issues affect smart cities and their citizens. We begin this article with a description of the current situation of smart cities. Next, a compilation and selection of literature were carried out for the completion of this work, following certain selection criteria to obtain 20 articles. We then analyze the most recent challenges and threats regarding privacy and security present in smart cities. Subsequently, threats and challenges were compiled with a focus on how they affect smart cities and their citizens. Finally, we present gaps for future research and identify directions for future investigations.