AT&T Beefs Up its D.C. Smart City with Facilities Management Partners. Here’s Why Smart City Cybersecurity Should Be its Next Investment.

 

AT&T’s recent partnership with Fortress Solutions for its ambitious 5G smart city project in Washington, D.C., is a significant step forward in the race to build smarter and more efficient urban centers. Many believe that this partnership is a promising development for the Internet of Things (IoT) technologies that will be integrated into the project, adding more support for ultra-low latency 5G communications and the necessary fiber connections to support carrier networks in the smart city. As innovative smart city projects get closer to fruition and project runners determine the necessary investments to support their web of networks and devices, what sorts of smart city cybersecurity strategies need to be deployed in tandem?

Back in 2021, AT&T along with JBG Smith set out to create National Landing, the first “5G smart city at scale.” As part of the new alliance, Fortress Solutions will operate and maintain JBG Smith’s edge data center facilities as well as provide design and implementation services. The project aims to deliver cutting-edge facilities management services for fiber optics, edge data centers, and 5G infrastructure, laying the foundation for a more connected and innovative city.

These facility oversight updates are encouraging for the coming wave of connected cities and urban services, but when weighing the scope of smart city facilities management, smart city cybersecurity is also a critical piece of the puzzle. As of now, National Landing hasn’t announced any external partners or specific strategies surrounding its cybersecurity strategy. Fred Chang, operations director at high-speed zero-trust network access solutions company Dispel, shares her thoughts on the importance of the cybersecurity layer in smarty city infrastructure and facilities management, as well as some specific cyber safety strategies that will prove useful for smart cities.

Fred’s Thoughts:

“As smart cities grow with more sensors and IoT networks, the two goals are going to be to stay, one, connected and two, secure. All the increased data flows and connectivity will need to be supported with an increased security posture using network-level moving target defense.

Moving target defense allows wide-scale deployments of infrastructure while minimizing target work and risk. And at scale, moving target defense significantly increases security while lowering costs when compared to traditional static defense methods. Looking forward, it’s going to be exciting to see that important quality-of-life improvements will get from enhanced data and cyber physical integrations when properly backed by network security.”

Follow us on social media for the latest updates in B2B!

Image

Latest

visitor management solution
Reinventing Visitor Management Solution with Symmetry GUEST
April 2, 2025

In an age where speed and security are paramount, the traditional paper logbook is becoming a relic of the past. AMAG Technology’s Symmetry Guest system offers a modern, digital solution that redefines the way organizations welcome and manage visitors. Gone are the days of long lines and confusion at the front desk—Symmetry Guest empowers hosts…

Read More
AMAG
Driven by Customers, Defined by Innovation: Inside AMAG’s Customer-Obsessed Approach
April 2, 2025

AMAG Technology continues to strengthen its customer-obsessed culture by actively listening to both internal and external voices. As shared by Kyle Gordon, Executive Vice President of Global Sales, Marketing, & Commercial Excellence, the company is focused on improving processes, responding with speed, and driving innovation—while honoring its legacy and delivering unique value within the industry.

Read More
biotech
Biotech Moves Smarter: IDDI Powers Data-Driven Drug Innovation
April 2, 2025

As biotech innovation accelerates, small and mid-size pharmaceutical companies are becoming key players in bringing new treatments to market. Yet many of these organizations face steep challenges when navigating clinical trial design, regulatory approval, and data integrity. According to a McKinsey Global Institute report, industries like biotech could help generate up to $50 trillion…

Read More
AMAG Technology
AMAG Technology Drives Positive Change, Product Innovation, and Stronger Partnerships with the Customer in Mind
April 2, 2025

At AMAG Technology, customer obsession is at the heart of everything the company does. Customer Relationship Manager Aimee Walsh shares how AMAG embraces positive change, enhances its products, and strengthens partnerships—all with the customer in mind. Her insights reflect AMAG’s ongoing commitment to evolving alongside customer needs and delivering meaningful solutions.

Read More