Headlines
Challenges of Cybersecurity in Smart Cities: IoT Vulnerabilities
Challenges of Cybersecurity in Smart Cities: IoT Vulnerabilities
By Abuh Ibrahim Sani
The rapid development of urbanization has brought the innovation of smart cities where digital technology and data-driven systems are been used to improve the services of urban systems to the people. Virtual in our modern home today, IoT devices and appliances are taking centre stage in making lives convenient and easy for citizens. The innovation of IoT systems in urban development has connected millions of devices, sensors and gadgets. However, there is serious concern as regards the security of IoT devices and also the cybersecurity of smart cities.
The Role of the Internet of Things in Smart Cities
The foundation of any smart city lies in its IoT infrastructure. These devices are linked in every angle of the city management, from public transportation and traffic control systems to waste management, medical devices, energy and water supply. They constantly collect, transmit and analyse data, allowing cities to run more efficiently. The connectivity of this device brings a potential entry point for cyber-attacks, the more connected the devices, the greater the increase in attack surface and breaches. In the area of smart cities, the security of these devices becomes even more worrisome because of the many critical infrastructures they control. A single breach could affect the spread and cause chaos.
Inadequate Security of IoT Devices
Securing smart cities is difficult because a large number of IoT devices do not have strong security features. Many IoT devices, especially those mass-produced and sold cheaply, lack built-in security protocols in their hardware. Hackers can take advantage of fundamental weaknesses such as simple passwords, outdated firmware, and absence of encryption. For example, a lot of IoT devices use default or hardcoded passwords that are easily obtainable, making the devices vulnerable to hackers who take advantage of these vulnerabilities to take control. Compromised IoT devices in smart cities can serve as gateways for launching major attacks that could affect power grids, traffic control systems, and emergency services.
The Complexity of IoT Ecosystems
Smart cities operate via a network of interconnected devices that communicate with different systems. Handling such a large and varied ecosystem presents a cybersecurity challenge in its own right. Various devices can use various protocols, which are often from different manufacturers, resulting in fragmented security measures. Coordinating and standardizing security across different platforms and devices is a challenge in the growing IoT landscape. The high quantity of devices in a smart city presents an additional challenge. Keeping track of and protecting numerous, potentially millions, of interconnected devices simultaneously poses a substantial challenge for any urban area. The difficulty further increases with numerous devices placed in public or distant areas, which makes ensuring physical security and timely updates a challenge.
The Risk of Large-Scale Attacks
Smart cities are at risk of facing major cyberattacks due to vulnerabilities in IoT technology, which can have serious impacts on both residents and city functions. Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks have the potential to incapacitate critical services such as traffic control, healthcare, and energy distribution by flooding IoT systems with harmful traffic. Moreover, in smart cities, IoT devices gather extensive data, which includes confidential information such as traffic flow, energy consumption, and even personal data of the residents. If hackers manage to access these systems, they could potentially steal or alter the data, leading to breaches of privacy, fraud, or even blackmail. During the Mirai botnet attack in 2016, compromised IoT devices were used to carry out a large-scale DDoS attack that disrupted key internet services in the United States and Europe. Comparable attack on intelligent city infrastructure may result in disorder, affecting millions of individuals simultaneously.
Lack of Industry-Wide Security Standards
An important challenge in dealing with IoT vulnerabilities in smart cities is the lack of uniform security standards across the industry for IoT devices. Despite the actions taken by different organizations and governments to create rules and structures, the rate of adoption is not keeping up with the fast spread of IoT devices. Without established guidelines, manufacturers might place more importance on ease of use and affordability than on ensuring security. This leads to a broad range of security levels being used on different devices, causing challenges for cities looking to establish common security standards. The absence of uniform security protocols in smart cities can impede collective initiatives to reduce risks as they progress.
Challenges in Patching and Updating Devices
Updating or patching IoT devices is often challenging due to their reputation for being hard to manage. Many IoT devices run on old software that isn’t frequently updated or maintained by manufacturers, unlike computers and smartphones that receive regular updates and security patches. In certain instances, the manufacturers might have ceased operations, resulting in no possibility for further updates. The absence of continuous assistance leaves devices vulnerable to cyber threats in the long run.
Deploying updates to a city’s extensive network of IoT devices can be complex and expensive, even when the updates are readily available. Several devices are situated in areas that are difficult to access, and updating them could lead to interruptions in critical services. The vulnerabilities that cybercriminals can exploit are a result of the delay in securing devices.
Conclusion
The emergence of IoT-powered smart cities provides amazing chances to enhance city living. Nevertheless, the security challenges posed by vulnerabilities in IoT devices must be dealt with. The cybersecurity of smart cities remains a continuous concern due to insufficient security measures, the complicated nature of IoT ecosystems, the absence of standardized security practices, and challenges in device maintenance. Cities, manufacturers, and regulators to collaborate to develop stronger security frameworks that tackle the specific obstacles of IoT. Only by doing so we can guarantee that smart cities stay secure and keep providing benefits to residents without risking safety or privacy.
An Ikorodu Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday remanded a 20-year-old man, Samuel Dick, in a correctional centre for allegedly stealing house property valued at N16 million.
Dick, whose residential address was not provided, is facing a two-count charge bordering on conspiracy and stealing, to which he pleaded guilty.
The Prosecutor, ASP Christian Okonofua, alleged that the defendant committed the offences on July 24, 2023 and Dec. 3, at No 1, Abu-Olu Street, Crapeland Estate and No 1, Crapeland Estate, Igbopa area of Ikorodu, Lagos.
Okonofua said that the defendant with others at large conspired among themselves to commit a felony to wit stealing.
The prosecutor said the defendant, along with others at large, stole a Thermocool refrigerator worth N450 000, a Max cooker valued at N450 000, and a Pumping machine valued at N420 000.
Others are 12 window blinds valued at N750 000, four chandeliers valued at N1.2 million, conduit wire valued at N4 Million, Kitchen wire valued at N1.3 million , and an OX ceiling fan valued at N490 000.
12 conduit wire valued N2.5million, three pieces of 6″6 mattress valued N900, 000, and Water tap accessories valued N400, 000 among others.
According to the prosecutor, the offences contravene Sections 411 and 287 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State.
The Magistrate, A.O. Onalaja, remanded the defendant in Kirikiri correctional centre and adjourned the matter till Jan. 16, for facts and sentencing.
Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has backed ongoing calls for the amendment of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TET Fund) to accommodate the Nigerian Law School in its interventions.
Wike announced the support at the inauguration of the construction of 10-unit housing staff quarters for the Nigerian Law School, Bwari, Abuja, on Monday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the minister also handed over seven operation vehicles to the school to improve its operation.
The minister said that the amendment of the TET Fund Act to accommodate the Nigerian Law School was long overdue, considering its contribution to the development of the legal profession.
“This is a professional training school. So, we will give all the necessary support that the Fund be amended for the law school to benefit from its special intervention funds.
“If that happens, I am sure the difference will be clear. The school will have the money it requires to provide critical infrastructure,” he said.
Wile also called for increased budgetary provisions for the Nigerian Law School to enable the school to carry out infrastructural development for quality service delivery.
He explained that the provision of staff quarters and operational vehicles to the law school in Bwari was directed by President Bola Tinubu.
He added that the institution also belongs to the Federal Government, and as such, there was nothing wrong in providing the needed infrastructure to uplift the school.
The minister also promised to build 200-bed male and female hostels for the Nigerian Laws School, Bwari.
According to him, the current hostels are not fit for the training of professional lawyers for the Nigerian legal profession
He said that the funds for the construction of the hostels would be captured in the FCTA’s 2025 budget.
He called on those who might not be happy with the support being given to the judiciary and legal education to wait for their turn.
He said: “If anybody is angry with us, let him wait for his turn. When you become the Minister of FCT, do it for your own profession.
“I am not going to be intimidated by anybody.
“Now that we are in this position, we must contribute to our constituency so that tomorrow, we will be able to say, while we were there, this was our own contribution as far as our constituency, the legal profession is concerned.”
He thanked Tinubu for giving him all the support he needs to succeed as the minister of the FCT.
Also, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, equally frowned at the non-inclusion of the Nigerian Law School as a benefiting institution.
“If you look at the laws setting up TET Fund, the Nigerian Law School is not included, and I think the time has come to amend the Act to include the Nigerian Law School.
“This will enable the school benefit for the TET Fund intervention funds,” he said.
Fagbemi thanked Wike, whom he described as “Mr Project” for all the support to the judiciary and the legal profession.
“Whether or not you like him, you cannot dispute the fact that he is a performer, and one person you will always know where he stands, no matter what, even if you don’t agree with him.
“Another thing is, he does not embark on any project he has no money to complete,” he said.
He appealed to other public office holders to extend a similar gesture to the Nigerian Law School to enable the school to maintain high standards in the training of legal professionals.
On his part, the Director-General, Nigerian Law School, Prof. Isah Chiroma, recalled that he had appealed to Wike for infrastructural support when he assumed office in August 2023.
“This project, is therefore, a promise made and a promise kept. The housing and operational vehicles will go a long way in assisting the school to achieve its mandate,” he said.
Earlier, Mr Richard Dauda, acting Executive Secretary, said that staff quarters would consist of a fully furnished four-bedroom bungalow, and expected to be completed in nine months.
The Alumni Association, Usmanu Danfodiyo University (UDUS) has commended President Bola Tinubu for establishing the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) also known as Students Loan Fund.
The association’s National President, Mr Buhari Kware, made the commendation at the Annual Reunion and Awards 2024 organised by UDUS Alumni Association (UDUSAA), in Lagos on Sunday night.
Kware said that the NELFUND was breaking barriers in tertiary education and saving lives.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that President Bola Tinubu on July 2024 launched the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFund) in the council chamber of the State House.
Kware described the scheme as a “saving grace”, saying it had gone a long way in supporting students in furthering their education with ease.
He added that it had also broken the financial barriers in approaching higher education in the country.
“I urge the Federal Government to sustain this remarkable programme. It is the best any government can do to improve human capacity in the country,” the UDUSAA national president said.
He acknowledged the ongoing challenge of funding in federal institutions and acknowledged that the loan scheme was a significant step forward.
“Well, it is a remarkable effort and has given a solution to an age-long problem of funding education because previously, those that cannot fund their education will have to go home and abandon the issue of pursuing education.
“However, with this scheme, you know, the underprivileged people of the society can now afford to pursue higher education and that has alleviated the sufferings of both the students and their parents.
“So it is a great idea and a very laudable idea. I would say kudos to the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for initiating that very laudable programme,” he said.
Kware, therefore, encouraged students to take advantage of the scheme to upgrade their academic career, while they used the loan wisely.
Speaking on the reunion, Kware said he was excited about the programme, adding that it showed that the alumni were proud of the university and wanted to improve its situation.
He noted that through the reunion, members had been able to contribute their time, energies and resources for the improvement of the university.
In his opening remark, the association’s Chairman, Lagos State Chapter, Mr Ganiu Lawal, said the programme was organised as part of activities to reconnect with the institution and with friends and schoolmates.
“Some of us left school about 30 years, 20 years, we have people who even left the institution about 40 years, 50 years ago and then the basic thing is that we want to give back to our school.
“We, as a body have been observing events for over 10 years, before coming together as an alumni association and deciding to do the best for ourselves and for the university.
“The idea and significance of this gathering is to remind us of the positive impact of this great institution to our lives which have also made us who we are today and we will always be proud products of UDUS,” Lawal added.
The chairman noted that the association’s award to deserving members and distinguished lecturers was part of measures to appreciate their contributions towards the development of the association and the institution.
Man, 20, remanded over alleged theft of property worth N16m
Wike backs amendment of TET Fund Act to accommodate Nigerian Law School
NELFUND breaks financial barrier to tertiary education – UDUS Alumni
Facebook, Instagram Temporarily Allow Posts on Ukraine War Calling for Violence Against Invading Russians or Putin’s Death
Nigeria, Other West African Countries Facing Worst Food Crisis in 10 Years, Aid Groups Say
New York Consulate installs machines for 10-year passport
-
Business3 years ago
Facebook, Instagram Temporarily Allow Posts on Ukraine War Calling for Violence Against Invading Russians or Putin’s Death
-
Headlines3 years ago
Nigeria, Other West African Countries Facing Worst Food Crisis in 10 Years, Aid Groups Say
-
Foreign3 years ago
New York Consulate installs machines for 10-year passport
-
Technology3 months agoZero Trust Architecture in a Remote World: Securing the New Normal
-
Entertainment2 years agoPhyna emerges winner of Big Brother Naija Season 7
-
Business6 months agoNigeria Customs modernisation project to check extortion of traders
-
Business8 months agoWe generated N30.2 bn revenue in three months – Kano NCS Comptroller
-
Headlines6 months agoPhilippines’ Vice President Sara Duterte resigns from Cabinet
