Abstract

The rapid proliferation of Internet of Things (IoT) devices in smart cities has introduced numerous benefits, enhancing urban efficiency, sustainability, and automation. However, these interconnected systems also pose significant cybersecurity challenges, including data breaches, unauthorized access, and cyberattacks that can compromise critical infrastructure. This paper explores various cybersecurity strategies tailored for IoT environments in smart cities, focusing on encryption techniques, secure authentication mechanisms, network security protocols, and blockchain-based security models. Additionally, it discusses machine learningbased anomaly detection systems to identify potential cyber threats in real time. By analyzing existing security frameworks and emerging solutions, this study provides a comprehensive approach to safeguarding IoT devices in smart urban ecosystems. The findings emphasize the need for a multi-layered security model and proactive threat mitigation strategies to ensure the resilience and integrity of smart city infrastructures.