GIS and Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity has become a key issue for administrations, especially as more strong incidents become public. While most of the attention in the headlines is on strengthening cybersecurity and preventing such potentially catastrophic assaults, GIS can play an essential role in guaranteeing the protection of critical infrastructure and data networks.

GIS technologies are increasingly being used to operate massive networks like power systems, while also networks of Internet of Things (IoT) equipment are used to monitor activities like detectors and indicators required to make financial decisions. These systems are all subject to cybersecurity risks, such as data theft and system interruption, which can reduce capabilities or lead to false information. If they detect certain companies being assaulted in a given region, professionals may respond rapidly by enhancing security for the corporations that have been attacked while anticipating potential next victims based on attack patterns. 

The creation of smart city tools and resources is such area where cybersecurity and GIS will constantly need to cooperate alongside. In this context, such are detectors and screens used by municipal governments, often in combination with IoT, to make policy or action decisions, such as when it comes to traffic or delivering city services.

GIS offers that management and data overview, allowing other systems, such as cameras or monitoring tools, to analyze damage and fragility on the ground, such as traffic disruptions or other effects on infrastructural facilities. Furthermore, municipal managers are proactively utilizing GIS to plan how to enhance their systems and create means for data to be disseminated as well as better secured so that cyberattacks may be avoided.

Illustration: Androjna, A., Brcko, T., Pavic, I., & Greidanus, H. (2020). Assessing cyber challenges of maritime navigation. Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, 8(10), 776.