With technology permeating many aspects of everyday life, the proliferation of smart technology is reshaping cities worldwide.

From internet of things sensors to artificial intelligence-driven analytics, the landscape of urban living is evolving rapidly. However, with innovation comes risk, and the need for robust cybersecurity measures has never been more pressing. All of this makes it even more important to adopt active strategies for cyber resiliency to safeguard against threats and ensure rapid recovery in the event of attacks or errors.

“There’s a proliferation of smart technology at the edge of nearly everything,” said Dave Vellante, co-CEO of theCUBE and chief analyst at theCUBE Research. “Think about IoT sensors and monitoring and the analysis and application of the massive amount of data collected. And, of course, AI now plays an emerging role in both the active monitoring and the analysis of that data.”

TheCUBE, along with Dell Technologies Inc., delves into the fascinating intersection of smart technology and cyber resilience through the lens of Gilbert, Arizona – a town that has not only embraced the principles of smart-city development, but has also prioritized cybersecurity to safeguard its future. (* Disclosure below.)

Gilbert, Arizona: A beacon of smart-technology success

Nestled in the heart of Arizona, the town of Gilbert, through strategic partnerships with technology providers such as Dell Technologies, has leveraged innovative solutions to thrive and grow into the fifth-largest city in the state.

“We are very selective about the partners that we have,” said Tony Bryson, Gilbert’s chief information security officer. “Dell has proven to be an invaluable partner when it comes to putting in place the Cyber Recovery Vault. They were there from day one to help us understand what we needed.”

In addition to Cyber Recovery Vault, Dell also offers PowerProtect, Professional Services, and other security solutions in the AI arena. “Whether it’s AI involvement, whether it’s just R&D involvement, I think it’s a game changer,” Bryson added.

From IoT sensors to cloud-based infrastructure, Gilbert has embraced technology to enhance its services and communication with residents. With a focus on cybersecurity and resilience, Gilbert has implemented proactive measures to protect its data and infrastructure, ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens.

“One of the things I love about Gilbert is this idea of looking forward,” said Sasan Poureetezadi, chief technology officer of Gilbert, AZ. “Part of that is related to technology and smart city planning. We focused on some key elements. One of those is cybersecurity, which we think is critically important.”

In the journey toward becoming a city of the future, the town of Gilbert, Arizona, stands as a shining example of technological innovation and forward-thinking leadership.

While cutting-edge technology and strategic partnerships are undoubtedly crucial, it is the people behind the scenes who truly drive Gilbert’s smart city initiatives forward. From elected officials to seasoned IT professionals, each plays a vital role in ensuring Gilbert’s success in the digital age.

“Being a smart city means that we’re using the right technology and the right application for the right purpose and … looking for those opportunities to interconnect our applications, our service lines and deliveries so that a resident and or business has as seamless of an experience with the town and our operations as possible,” said Mary Goodman, Gilbert’s assistant town manager. “All of those service lines rely heavily on our technology, on data and operations and making sure that we can best provision those services in a secure way if we’re doing our jobs right.”

IT professionals: Guardians of cyber resilience

In today’s ever-evolving threat landscape, cyber resilience is paramount to the success of any smart city initiative. That’s where Gilbert’s veteran IT professionals come in.

With their expertise and experience, they provide the guidance needed to select, execute and manage Gilbert’s smart city technology securely. From implementing robust cybersecurity measures to ensuring rapid recovery in the face of cyber threats, the IT team works tirelessly to safeguard Gilbert’s digital infrastructure and protect the privacy and security of its residents, according to Bryson.

“An internal threat does not mean a bad actor; it does not mean somebody with an ax to grind,” Bryson said. “It could mean somebody just making a mistake that impacts your data, impacts your system security.”

As the world continues to embrace smart technology, the importance of cyber resiliency cannot be overstated. By investing in modern infrastructure, adopting active strategies for cybersecurity and forging strategic partnerships, cities such as Gilbert are paving the way for a safer, more connected future.

Here’s the complete documentary:

(* Disclosure: This mini documentary was created in partnership with theCUBE and Dell Technologies Inc.)

Image: Beth Jagielko / @b_jagielko