NextGen Day

MANILA – A cybersecurity firm has encouraged city planners to include cybersecurity investments in smart city designs to avoid attacks on the operational technology infrastructure of the country’s future smart cities.

According to Cyfirma president for delivery and operations Saurabh Lal, it is vital to integrate cybersecurity investments during the design stage of a smart city, rather than after all digital technologies have been implemented.

“If you don’t consider them during the planning stage—this is what we call the shift-left approach—considering all of these elements while you’re developing, not later,” he said. “If you don’t do that, I believe you will be in for a rude awakening.”

With the pandemic hastening the adoption of digital technology and the government’s aim to construct smart cities across the country, such as New Clark City in Central Luzon, cybersecurity investment in the Philippines is expected to rise at a faster rate, according to Lal.

The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) mentioned at least six smart city projects last year, in addition to the New Clark City project, which is the country’s largest smart city project.

These projects include the City of Manila’s Command Center Upgrade and E-government Services, Cebu City’s Bus Rapid Transit System and Digital Traffic System, and Davao City’s Converged Command and Control Center and Intelligent Transportation and Traffic Systems with Security.

“If I can merely change the chemical composition of the water being delivered and target the smart city’s operational technology infrastructure.” Consider the impact if I could simply go about tinkering with health data from the entire population. Consider what would happen if I shut down the ATM networks or the energy grid from afar. Because of the external threat picture, cybersecurity worries are serious,” Lal said.

With the advent of smart cities in the region, he believes the government and businesses should consider investing in cybersecurity that addresses both internal and external risks.

“Remember, the weakest link in the chain is the one that breaks the chain,” Lal warned. “That’s why we constantly emphasize the importance of the external danger landscape. Look outwards rather than inwards. That is crucial.”

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