Cybersecurity in a scalable smart city framework using blockchain and federated learning for internet of things (IoT)

Smart cities increasingly rely on the Internet of Things (IoT) to enhance infrastructure and public services. However, many existing IoT frameworks face challenges related to security, privacy, scalability, efficiency, and low latency. This paper introduces the Blockchain and Federated Learning for IoT (BFLIoT) framework as a solution to these issues. In the proposed method, the framework first collects real-time data, such as traffic flow and environmental conditions, then normalizes, encrypts, and securely stores it on a blockchain to ensure tamper-proof data management. In the second phase, the Data Authorization Center (DAC) uses advanced cryptographic techniques to manage secure data access and control through key generation. Additionally, edge computing devices process data locally, reducing the load on central servers, while federated learning enables distributed model training, ensuring data privacy. This approach provides a scalable, secure, efficient, and low-latency solution for IoT applications in smart cities. A comprehensive security proof demonstrates BFLIoT’s resilience against advanced cyber threats, while performance simulations validate its effectiveness, showing significant improvements in throughput, reliability, energy efficiency, and reduced delay for smart city applications.