IoT – the Internet of Things, grown in the meantime to IoE – the Internet of Everything.

The convergence of smart devices and sensors into a cohesive network, commonly known as the Internet of Things (IoT) or the Internet of Everything (IoE), traces its roots back to the early 1980s. According to Cisco Systems, the formal inception of IoT occurred between 2008 and 2009. Categorically, IoT spans across consumer, commercial, industrial, infrastructure, and military domains. Over the years, advancements in non-military IoT have resolved numerous challenges, culminating in the current manifestation—the 5th industrial revolution. This evolution signifies a unified approach from production and distribution to end-consumer engagement. Despite these achievements, the integration of IoT solutions across diverse sectors necessitates collaboration to harness synergies effectively.

Smart cities epitomize the interconnectedness of IoT, reflecting a profound level of sustainability. However, the deeper and broader these connections become, the more intricate the network, rendering it susceptible to malicious attacks. Each category mentioned earlier—consumer, commercial, industrial, infrastructure, and military—faces an increased vulnerability to cyber threats. The primary entry points for hackers are the millions of sensors, smart devices, and cameras distributed across these sectors.

Beyond traditional cyber threats, a new menace looms on the horizon— quantum hacking. As state-sponsored and organized crime hackers invest massively in quantum technologies, the security landscape becomes increasingly complex. Quantum computing offers inherent advantages to hackers, making it easier to exploit the defense mechanisms based on the same or hybrid systems. In the face of this evolving threat, a critical imperative arises: the establishment of two interwoven networks—traditional and quantum.

To safeguard against quantum hacking, we propose the implementation of two coexistent networks. The first involves the classic network equipped with traditional sensors, ensuring the continuity of standard operations. Simultaneously, the second network employs quantum sensors, specifically vital for securing the most sensitive categories such as banking, power plants, energy conversion, storage, and distribution.

Security is paramount for unlocking the true potential of IoT. In light of recent announcements regarding the 5th industrial revolution, the urgency to address quantum threats prompts the suggestion to leap into the 6th industrial revolution. Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered robots and applications demand a level of safety unprecedented in previous technological advancements, emphasizing the imperative need for quantum networks to fortify our digital infrastructure.

In the ever-evolving landscape of IoT, the assurance of network security is non-negotiable. The transition to a quantum-secure paradigm is not just a necessity; it is the cornerstone for advancing into the future. As we stand on the cusp of the 6th industrial revolution, the fusion of traditional and quantum networks will propel us into an era where the full potential of IoT can be realized, transcending the limitations of a transient illusion.

Now to the practical approach in a complex environment like a smart city:

Smart Cities, with their multifaceted planning considerations, are undeniably complex endeavours. Among these considerations, security stands out as paramount. In guiding policymakers toward the creation of smart cities, security should take precedence over every other aspect. Recent years have witnessed a substantial increase in cyber attacks on infrastructures, companies, and public and private services. These attacks are not only more frequent but also more sophisticated, professional, and costly. State-supported hackers and organized crime now possess unprecedented resources, including access to top universities and supercomputers.

To fully harness the transformative potential of the Internet of Things (IoT) in building future urban cities, we must first develop and implement an impenetrable security solution with a multi-decade horizon. This challenge is further compounded by the impending arrival of quantum computing, which threatens to render traditional defence solutions obsolete within the next five to ten years.

While interconnected and sustainable smart cities are imperative for addressing future challenges such as pollution reduction, energy optimization, and climate change mitigation, the very interconnectedness that makes them powerful also exposes them to heightened security risks. Attacks on a smart city's infrastructure can range from remote assaults to neighborhood-level infiltrations by malicious groups exploiting vulnerabilities in the millions of connected components.

Consider the potential devastation of an attack on a highly interconnected smart city with autonomous vehicles, intelligent energy distribution, advanced industrial production, e-government, and e-public services. Instead of improving citizens' quality of life, such an attack could unleash havoc on an unimaginable scale.

My advice to policymakers is to prioritize security with the utmost care. This translates into several key rules:

1.    Mandate the implementation of a post-quantum cryptographic standard, following NIST's announcement of its completion.
2. Evaluate ongoing smart city conversions to incorporate the above encryption into their planning and deployment.
3. Develop a swift transition plan to a post-quantum cryptographic standard for every smart city.
4. Encrypt every crucial core service using the recommended method.
5. Establish horizontal and vertical security barriers to prevent hackers and malware from breaching connected systems.
6. Quantum network and quantum sensors in the most sensitive fields.
7. Security enhanced classic sensors and other devices.
8. Implement self-learning AI defense solutions pre-trained to monitor, identify, and terminate any smart city attack.
9. Apply ultra-resilient protection mechanisms to sensitive or vital units and services.
10. Enforce defined communication profiles for all devices with real-time monitoring.
11. Provide regular security training to all employees to enhance their security awareness.
12. Implement additional precautions for the interaction between smart cities in case of a successful cyber attack.
13. Enforce posture management by automatically checking the software versions and device integrity before connecting to the smart city network.
14. Continuously review and grant access closely aligned with security requirements for city employees, citizens, and visitors.

Without a robust, intelligent, post-quantum computing-resistant, and AI-enhanced security system, smart cities will remain vulnerable to cyber attacks that could cause unprecedented disruption, destruction, and potential loss of human lives.

In conclusion, Ensuring the integrity of a smart city is crucial for the seamless operation of every interconnected device. To fully unlock the potential of smart cities in enhancing citizens' lives and mitigating environmental impact, robust security measures are indispensable. Prioritizing and fortifying the impregnability of our smart cities should take precedence over the allure of implementing new features. It is only from a position of strength that we can anticipate positive responses from adversaries, fostering an environment of peaceful coexistence.

In all our efforts and endeavours, we position ourselves at the forefront of technological advancements with a human-centric approach. Our vision entails creating pollution-free urban environments with minimal background noise, promoting the health and happiness of the populace. We firmly believe that social safety is intricately tied to citizens' awareness, trusting that the administration prioritizes their well-being. This commitment translates into thriving families facilitated by quality education, a balanced work/leisure time ratio, proper healthcare, and a clean, joyful environment.

Since December 2023, the global population has exceeded 8 billion, with a significant majority residing in cities—a trend projected to continue. Consequently, the establishment of sustainable, smart cities becomes pivotal for elevating living standards and minimizing the consumption of precious resources. At the core of this transformative vision lies the Internet of Things (IoT), serving as the foundational framework upon which our smart cities will be constructed.