T Security Becomes Mission-Critical – Also in Waste Management and Municipal Technology

As municipal infrastructures continue to digitalize and vehicle fleets, machinery, and administrative processes become increasingly interconnected, the attack surface for cyber threats is expanding rapidly. Municipal vehicles today are rolling IT systems: they communicate via telematics, access cloud platforms, receive remote software updates – and are therefore increasingly in the focus of potential attackers.

This panel discussion explores what cybersecurity means in a municipal context today – beyond traditional IT. The threat no longer affects only administrative networks, but also operational technology in the field: from smart waste bins and GPS-controlled sweepers to fully networked charging infrastructure.

Topics for discussion include, among others:

• What concrete risks do municipalities, waste management operators, and manufacturers face?
• How can data security be ensured in connected vehicles and equipment?
• What role do new regulations such as UNECE R155 and ISO/SAE 21434 play in vehicle approval and compliance?
• What does “security by design” mean in the development of municipal machinery?
• How can responsibilities be meaningfully distributed between manufacturers, operators, and public authorities?
• Which preventive measures are realistic – and affordable?

The discussion will also address how cybersecurity contributes to site security and continuity of public services, as well as the role of training, awareness campaigns, and internal processes in strengthening the resilience of municipal systems.

A topic of growing urgency – equally relevant for IT managers, technical directors, manufacturers, data protection officers, and procurement departments.