India has taken a significant step towards fortifying its smart city infrastructure against cyber threats with the release of new cybersecurity guidelines by the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) in collaboration with global cybersecurity firm Kaspersky. As urban centres increasingly integrate digital technologies to enhance governance, security, and operational efficiency, the risk of cyberattacks targeting these interconnected systems has surged. Recognising the urgent need for robust security mechanisms, the newly formulated guidelines provide a comprehensive roadmap to safeguard critical urban infrastructure from digital vulnerabilities.
The rise of smart cities across India has brought with it an unparalleled reliance on digital networks, IoT devices, and artificial intelligence-driven systems. While these advancements promise greater efficiency in managing urban services, they also expose essential infrastructure to malicious cyber threats such as data breaches, ransomware attacks, and service disruptions. The guidelines set forth by CERT-In and Kaspersky advocate a security-by-design approach, embedding cybersecurity principles at the core of smart city development. By integrating Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) and multi-layered defence strategies, the framework ensures resilience against evolving cyber threats while aligning with global best practices.
With cybercriminals increasingly targeting city networks, the protection of citizen data has become paramount. The guidelines prioritise data security through encryption techniques, data minimisation strategies, and adherence to India’s Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act. They also stress the importance of real-time network monitoring and segmented security protocols to prevent unauthorised access to urban digital systems. As smart cities incorporate AI and IoT-driven applications to manage utilities, transportation, and governance, the framework highlights the necessity of preemptive security measures to address potential vulnerabilities before they can be exploited. Additionally, the document outlines a structured incident response plan to swiftly detect, contain, and mitigate cyber incidents, ensuring minimal disruption to urban services.
Industry experts have lauded the collaborative effort, noting that a well-defined cybersecurity framework is indispensable in today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape. Dr. Sanjay Bahl, Director General of CERT-In, emphasised that these guidelines would strengthen India’s cyber resilience and bolster the security posture of smart cities. Meanwhile, Kaspersky’s Heng Lee highlighted the global applicability of these recommendations, stating that the insights drawn from India’s digital security initiatives could serve as a reference model for smart cities worldwide. With over 100 connected cities expected to emerge across India in the near future, the implementation of these cybersecurity measures is set to play a crucial role in ensuring the sustainability and safety of urban digital ecosystems. The newly issued guidelines offer a strategic foundation for urban policymakers, technology providers, and cybersecurity professionals, reinforcing the vision of secure, inclusive, and future-ready smart cities.
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Quelle/Source: Urban Acres, 12.03.2025
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