Comprehensive Vulnerability Analysis and Penetration Testing Approaches in Smart City Ecosystems

In times of digital transformation, when cities are rapidly deploying IoT devices, sensors, intelligent transportation and energy management systems, wireless networks are becoming a central link that enables efficient interaction between all components of digital ecosystems. The interconnected nature of wireless networks makes them vulnerable, posing a serious threat to data privacy and the overall functioning of the urban environment. This paper presents a systematic review and comparative analysis of intelligence testing and vulnerability assessment methods specifically designed for wireless networks in ten smart cities. The study aims to identify the most effective methods to detect and mitigate security vulnerabilities in this complex environment. A comprehensive literature review was conducted using VOSviewer to analyze key studies and identify research gaps. Our results indicate that despite the use of tools and methodologies to improve learning, more robust approaches are needed to address the complex issues arising in smart city environments. The article concludes by discussing the implications of these findings for practitioners and observations, and identifying directions for future research, including the development of tailored security frameworks and the exploration of new threat vectors.