As the technological landscape continues to evolve in the modern era, the emergence of so-called Smart Cities has begun. New discoveries in technology open the door to many new innovations, creating social and economic opportunities. However, current notions of privacy and security are being challenged simultaneously by these same innovations. Individuals are becoming increasingly more connected through smart phones, and the same can be said for establishments, which are beginning to use smart appliances, smart security systems, and more. These new products are designed to make workflows easier and make people more accessible, by plugging into the “Internet of Things”. As we begin to incorporate new devices into different aspects of life, the benefits must be considered alongside the potential downfalls of a persistently connected world.
In this paper, we examine the security and privacy issues that arise with the onset of smart devices. These two issues are undeniably intertwined. As citizens become more connected to the Internet of Things, more data can be aggregated about them and their activities, which is a major privacy issue. Similarly, if major institutions, such as the health care system or utility systems begin to automate some functionality with the use of smart devices, it is important to protect these systems and prevent illegal access to information, as well as the physical protection of the systems. Before achieving a fully “Smart City”, these two major issues need to be addressed.
