A Novel Framework for Attack Detection and Localization in Smart Cities
Mehdi Houichi, Faouzi Jaïdi, Adel Bouhoula · 2024
As smart cities evolve, they integrate various applications such as intelligent transportation systems, energy management, healthcare, and public safety, all of which depend on interconnected networks. These applications rely on massive data exchanges between sensors, devices, and cloud services, making the system more efficient but also exposing it to cybersecurity challenges. Cyber threats, including data breaches, denial of service (DoS) attacks, and malware, can disrupt essential services, compromise privacy, and endanger lives. The complexity of smart city infrastructure amplifies vulnerabilities, making real-time detection and localization of attacks a critical necessity. In this paper, we propose a novel framework for attack detection and localization specifically designed for smart city environments. The framework integrates machine learning-based intrusion detection systems (IDS) with packet analysis techniques. Upon detection of an anomaly, detailed packet analysis is performed to extract crucial information, such as IP addresses, GPS coordinates, and other metadata. This enables precise localization of the attack's source, facilitating rapid response and mitigation. The combination of machine learning for anomaly detection with packet-level analysis ensures a comprehensive approach, significantly improving detection accuracy and localization precision. Extensive evaluations on real-world datasets demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed method in enhancing the security of smart city networks, while reducing false positives and improving real-time response capabilities. This framework represents a critical advancement in protecting smart cities from evolving cyber threats.