Building Resilience: Exploring Smart Infrastructure and Its Security

Smart infrastructure, which converges the cyber and the physical aspect of a system, is revolutionizing the way that people, technology, and infrastructure function together. Integrating digital technologies into physical infrastructure can enhance efficiency, sustainability, and quality of life through results like traffic-reduced congestion, lower energy consumption, and improved community services.

However, as connected sensors, equipment, and data become more prevalent in the cyber-physical landscape, they create additional entry points for potential security threats. These vulnerabilities extend beyond just manufacturers and include inadequately trained operators, inaccurate processes, and even compromised equipment deliberately inserted in the supply chain at low prices to attract budget-strapped buyers. How can adopters of smart infrastructure, from individual providers to cities that depend on multiple smart systems, recognize and mitigate risk while still driving innovation?