Overview
As urban development embraces smart technologies, securing large-scale construction projects is no longer optional—it is a necessity. A South American government sought Cerberus to secure the digital infrastructure of a multi-billion-dollar smart city initiative, ensuring resilience against cyber threats, data breaches, and infrastructure sabotage.
The project required comprehensive cybersecurity for IoT devices, building management systems (BMS), and autonomous vehicle networks, all of which demanded real-time threat detection, zero-trust security models, and AI-driven response mechanisms. Leveraging our proprietary XDR (Extended Detection & Response), EDR (Endpoint Detection & Response), and AI-powered security models, Cerberus delivered a custom-tailored cybersecurity framework to protect critical assets.
Challenges
- Protecting a Vast IoT Network
The smart city relied on millions of interconnected IoT devices, including sensors for traffic control, waste management, water distribution, and smart lighting. These devices, while essential for efficiency, presented a massive attack surface vulnerable to remote exploitation, botnet takeovers, and ransomware attacks.
- Securing Building Management Systems (BMS)
A fully automated BMS controlled HVAC, energy distribution, and security systems across skyscrapers, residential buildings, and commercial spaces. Cyber threats targeting BMS could disrupt power grids, disable emergency response systems, or cause widespread service failures.
- Autonomous Vehicle & Smart Transportation Security
With a network of autonomous buses, smart traffic lights, and connected EV charging stations, any breach in the smart transportation system could lead to traffic paralysis, vehicle hijacking, or disruption of emergency response services.
- Vulnerabilities in Construction Software & Supply Chain Risks
A penetration test on the city’s digital infrastructure revealed major security flaws in construction planning software, potentially allowing hackers to alter blueprints, manipulate material orders, or compromise logistics.
- Compliance with Cybersecurity & Data Protection Standards
Ensuring compliance with ISO 27001, NIST Cybersecurity Framework, and GDPR-like South American data protection regulations was crucial to avoid legal penalties and protect sensitive citizen data.
Cerberus’ Approach & Proprietary Solutions
AI-Powered XDR & EDR for Proactive Threat Defense
Cerberus deployed its proprietary XDR and EDR platforms, specifically designed to handle smart city-scale infrastructures.
- AI-Driven Anomaly Detection: Machine learning models, tailored for urban environments, analyzed traffic patterns, energy consumption, and network behavior to detect and respond to threats in real time.
- Endpoint Security Across Millions of Devices: Our EDR secured endpoints, ensuring no IoT device or building system could be hijacked for botnet attacks or unauthorized access.
Zero-Trust Security Framework for IoT & BMS
- Micro-Segmentation: Implemented to prevent lateral movement of malware across IoT networks.
- Identity-Based Access Control (IBAC): Ensured that only verified devices and users could interact with core infrastructure.
- Proprietary Secure Communication Protocols: Developed encryption mechanisms patented by Cerberus to safeguard smart city data exchanges.
Penetration Testing & Vulnerability Management
Cerberus conducted extensive penetration testing on construction management software, identifying critical security gaps that could have compromised blueprints, logistics, and procurement operations.
- 89% of high-risk vulnerabilities patched before deployment.
- Over 10,000 attempted exploits simulated, resulting in a 99.2% success rate in automated threat detection and response.
Securing Autonomous Vehicle Networks & Smart Traffic Control
- AI-Based Predictive Threat Modeling: Simulated potential cyber-attacks on autonomous bus routes and smart intersections, preventing GPS spoofing and remote takeovers.
- Blockchain-Powered Data Integrity: Ensured that vehicle firmware updates were tamper-proof and resistant to unauthorized modifications.
24/7 Smart City Cybersecurity Operations Center (SOC)
- Real-Time Security Event Correlation: Over 3.5 million security events processed daily.
- Automated Incident Response: Reduced mean time to detect (MTTD) cyber threats to under 3 seconds and mean time to respond (MTTR) to under 10 seconds.
- Cybersecurity Training for City Administrators: Over 200 personnel trained in cyber hygiene and threat response.
Results & Impact
Smart City Infrastructure Secured Against Cyber Threats
- 100% coverage of network endpoints and IoT devices with XDR-based security.
- 98.7% of cyber threats detected and neutralized before causing impact.
- Zero recorded ransomware incidents post-deployment.
AI-Powered Efficiency & Cost Reduction
- 40% reduction in cybersecurity operational costs due to AI-driven automation.
- Reduction of false-positive alerts by 73%, allowing faster decision-making for security teams.
Increased Resilience & Legal Compliance
- Achieved full compliance with ISO 27001, NIST, and local data protection regulations.
- Prevented potential financial losses exceeding $750 million in infrastructure sabotage risks.
Scalable, Future-Proof Security Framework
- Designed a modular security framework, ensuring future scalability as new technologies are integrated.
- Enabled digital twin cybersecurity simulations to continuously test and enhance defenses.
Conclusion
By integrating Cerberus' proprietary XDR, EDR, AI-powered cybersecurity solutions, and patented encryption protocols, the South American smart city achieved unprecedented security resilience against modern cyber threats. Our zero-trust architecture, AI-driven threat intelligence, and 24/7 SOC operations ensured that the city’s digital infrastructure remains protected today and for the future.
Cerberus continues to partner with global smart city initiatives, providing tailored cybersecurity solutions to future-proof urban environments against emerging threats.
Are you looking to secure a large-scale infrastructure project? Contact Cerberus today.
