Analysing cybersecurity challenges: a case of Indian smart city context

What the paper says

Purpose This research aims to discover the cybersecurity challenges in smart city scenario and explore the causal and effect relationships among them. To explore the relationships, the authors propose an integrated best-worst method (BWM)-Grey-Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) framework. The framework is validated in the context of Indian smart cities. Design/methodology/approach The authors analysed the cyber security literature, and mined X (formerly Twitter), and extracted 19 cybersecurity challenges. The authors further refined and categorized them based on the discussion with the domain expert. The BWM is applied to prioritize the critical challenges. Furthermore, grey theory is combined with DEMATEL to explore interdependence and understand the cause-effect relationship among the selected challenges. Findings The findings revealed that lack of network privatization and lack of trust with the technology are the most critical cybersecurity challenges, which need to be urgently considered for successful adoption and implementation of smart cities in India. Research limitations/implications The study possesses two major limitations. Firstly, the results of this study were derived from experts’ inputs, which were solely based on their knowledge and experience. Secondly, this study has neglected the influence of regional biases. Originality/value Although previous research has focused on the enablers of smart city adoption, there remains a scarcity of studies comprehending the challenges, specifically cybersecurity, that impede the successful smart city implementation. Using the integrated multi-criteria decision making approach, this study examines the various challenges that hinder the implementation of smart cities in India.