Risk-Driven QA Frameworks for Cybersecurity in IoT-Enabled Smart Cities

Abstract

The increasing presence of Internet of Things (IoT) systems in smart cities has provided unique opportunities in efficiency, sustainability and citizen participation. Nonetheless, this growth of interconnected devices and services based on data has increased cybersecurity vulnerabilities, making critical urban systems vulnerable on communication networks, cloud platforms, and edge devices. These threats cannot be mitigated by implementing defensive mechanisms based on reacting to them, but through the introduction of systematic, risk-driven quality assurance (QA) systems that incorporate security into the life cycle of IoT-enabled urban services. The research focuses on the implementation of risk-based methods to cybersecurity in smart cities by utilizing previous studies on risk assessment, model-based testing, and digital forensic preparedness. It highlights the possibility of the combination of risk-based development approaches and the use of QA practices to improve resilience by ensuring that the risks identified can be matched to quantifiable security metrics of availability, encryption robustness, and scalability. The given framework includes four dimensions, risk identification and prioritization, risk-to-QA mapping, automation and continuous validation based on intelligent detection systems, and forensic preparedness to comply and be accountable. The applications of the framework are depicted in case applications to smart mobility, utilities, sustainable city services, and a variety of different city situations. This method will create an organized avenue of protecting smart cities in relation to cyber threats that are dynamic, by harmonizing risk management with QA processes. It provides city planners, policymakers and system developers with a scalable, proactive framework that promotes trust, dependability and security in the IoT-enabled cities.