Information Security Forum Examines Security Risks of Smart Cities

NEW YORK - July 28, 2015 - PRLog -- The Information Security Forum (http://www.securityforum.org/) (ISF), a global, independent information security body considered the world's leading authority on cyber security and information risk management, today announced the release of“Information Security in Smart Cities: Learning from the Past – Building for the Future”. The organizations latest briefing paper explores the impending evolution of smart cities, provides insight into what smart cities will mean to businesses and recommendations on how information security professionals can avoid potential pitfalls.

Cities have always been ‘smart’ to a greater or lesser degree, using technologies to encourage productivity and efficiency. However, growing digital connectivity and a proliferation of data is creating new possibilities with benefits for a wide range of sectors. These factors also bring risks including data breaches and compromise of personal information, disruption to critical infrastructure and reduced public trust in the security of the networks they are increasingly dependent upon.

“Smart cities are presenting organizations with new opportunities, while at the same time bringing information security challenges to the forefront,” said Steve Durbin, Managing Director, ISF. “The steady explosion of data, growing connectivity between sectors and fast paced change is underpinning the manifestation of new business opportunities. Organizations that prepare now will be in a much better situation to exploit these opportunities with confidence.”

Information Security in Smart Cities: Learning from the Past – Building for the Futurereflects on what's in place today, anticipates some of what the future might hold, and recommends responses to the associated challenges information security professionals will face. The paper, which is available to ISF Member companies via the ISF website (http://www.securityforum.org/), focuses on three main areas for organizations to consider over the next 3-5 years, including:

Balancing Risk and Reward

Complex factors and numerous actors will shape smart cities. While lucrative opportunities are being uncovered, the risks often remain hidden or opaque, challenging organizations to make prudent strategic decisions.

Prioritizing Data Security

Data sits at the center of the smart city, enabling new political, environmental, social and commercial insights and possibilities. It is essential to consider the security of this data as it is collected, processed and exchanged.

Maintaining Safety, Reliability and Availability

Physical networks are increasingly linked with digital networks, creating cyber-physical systems (CPS) that are more efficient, yet also more vulnerable to attack and disruption.

“Organizations of all sizes need to proceed with caution as there is still a good degree of uncertainty around interdependency in smart cities as well as shifting social norms for the use of personal data,” continued Durbin. “Without a larger focus on security, smart cities are creating greater targets for nation states and cyber-terrorists. Our latest briefing paper will help ISF Members better prepare for the challenges they are likely to face over the next few years as smart cities continue to mature on a global scale.”

About the Information Security Forum

Founded in 1989, the Information Security Forum (ISF) is an independent, not-for-profit association of leading organizations from around the world. It is dedicated to investigating, clarifying and resolving key issues in cyber, information security and risk management and developing best practice methodologies, processes and solutions that meet the business needs of its Members.

ISF Members benefit from harnessing and sharing in-depth knowledge and practical experience drawn from within their organizations and developed through an extensive research and work program. The ISF provides a confidential forum and framework, which ensures that Members adopt leading-edge information security strategies and solutions. And by working together, Members avoid the major expenditure required to reach the same goals on their own.

Further information about ISF research and membership is available from www.securityforum.org