Cyber-Physical Threats in Smart Cities: Security Risks and Criminal Exploitation of IoT and Wireless Sensor Networks

• In Event: Cybercrime Risks in Emerging Wireless Networks

Abstract

The rapid expansion of smart cities has introduced new paradigms in urban living, where embedded systems, IoT devices, and wireless sensor networks play pivotal roles in managing infrastructure and public services. However, the increasing reliance on interconnected technologies brings significant cybersecurity risks that challenge both law enforcement and policymakers. This paper explores how vulnerabilities in IoT systems can be exploited to facilitate cybercrime, including unauthorised surveillance, sabotage, and attacks on critical smart infrastructure. By drawing on expertise in wireless sensor networks, machine learning-based topology creation, and signal propagation analysis, the study highlights potential threat scenarios and their implications for urban security. Additionally, the work examines the dual-use nature of IoT technologies, which can both enhance security and serve as vectors for criminal activity. The findings underscore the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration between cybersecurity experts, criminologists, and policymakers to develop comprehensive strategies for safeguarding smart cities. This research contributes to a growing discourse on the intersection of cybersecurity and law, offering practical insights for enhancing the resilience of future urban environments.

Author

• Ibrahim Ozturk, Osmaniye Korkut Ata University