Page 17 - CT Issue 21

Keys to the Smart City 16

Security expertise
Analysts have indicated that security issues are a significant
inhibitor to the deployment of many new IoT services. Whilst
many service providers to smart cities may see their particular
security requirements as being unique to their market, this is
generally not the case. Almost all smart cities and IoT services
are built using device and service platform components that
contain similar technologies to many other communications and IT
solutions.

Mobile operators have a long history of providing secure products
and services to their customers. To help ensure that the new IoT
services coming to market are secure, the network operators
together with their network, service and device equipment
partners have built up significant security expertise that they
can share with cities and service providers who are looking to
develop IoT services. The GSMA has published a comprehensive
set of IoT Security Guidelines, which can be applied in smart cities
implementations. The guidelines can be found at:
www.gsma.com/iotsecurity

Robust authentication and identification
Developed by the GSMA and its mobile operator members, Mobile
Connect is a secure universal log-in solution. Simply by matching
the user to their mobile phone, Mobile Connect enables a user
to log-in to websites and applications quickly without the need
to remember passwords and usernames. It’s safe, secure and no
personal information is shared without permission.

Smart cities can benefit from the secure log-in offered by
Mobile Connect in a number of ways. It’s an ideal way for local
governments to control access to their services, whether it be
through a local portal or in-person at government offices. Citizens
can use Mobile Connect on their mobile phone to authenticate
themselves to access a variety of services from healthcare
provision to the use of municipal facilities, such as recycling
centres.