Securing the Future: A Survey on Smart Home Security in IoT-Integrated Smart Cities

The rapid growth of urbanization and technological advancements have led to the rise of smart cities and smart homes, where the Internet of Things (IoT) plays a pivotal role. Smart homes enhance energy efficiency, security, and convenience through automated systems and interconnected devices. This survey provides a comprehensive review of smart home architectures, communication technologies, and applications, emphasizing their integration within smart city infrastructures. It explores key components such as sensors, controllers, and cloud-based platforms that enable seamless automation. Additionally, this paper discusses major challenges in smart home security, including privacy risks, cyber threats, and interoperability issues among IoT devices. Security concerns such as unauthorized access, data breaches, and denial-of-service attacks are analyzed, alongside strategies to mitigate these risks. The study also highlights the importance of secure communication protocols, authentication mechanisms, and encryption techniques to ensure the resilience of smart home systems. Furthermore, this survey examines emerging research directions in smart home technology, including AI-driven automation, energy-efficient systems, and blockchain-based security solutions. As smart homes continue to evolve, addressing these challenges will be crucial for their widespread adoption. This paper aims to serve as a valuable resource for researchers, developers, and policymakers seeking to enhance the security and functionality of smart homes within the broader framework of smart cities.