The reliance on digital technologies in smart cities has spontaneously improved essential services such as transportation, energy management, and public safety (A. Gharaibeh et al., 2017a; Habibzadeh et al., 2018a; M. Sookhak et al., 2019) [1, 6, 11]. However, this rapid digital transformation has also introduced substantial cybersecurity threats. Cyberattacks, including hacking, data breaches, and service disruptions, pose risks to public safety, economic stability, and critical infrastructure (A. Gharaibeh et al., 2017b; Habibzadeh et al., 2018b) [1, 6]. The inter- connected nature of smart city systems, where digital networks integrate with physical infrastructure, creates vulnerabilities that cybercriminals can exploit (Hashem et al., 2015; Panahi Rizi & Hosseini Seno, 2022; Roman et al., 2013a) [7, 12, 15]. This paper examines key cybersecurity challenges affecting smart cities and discusses strategies to strengthen network security. It explores policies and system designs that enhance data protection, improve network resilience, and ensure the uninterrupted operation of public services. Adequate security measures include segmenting networks, enforcing strict access controls, conducting continuous security audits, and implementing well-defined incident response plans (Heidari et al., 2022; Vitunskaite et al., 2019) [8, 21]. Additionally, this study emphasizes the importance of compliance with national cybersecurity frameworks, collaboration between the public and private sectors, and increased public awareness of cybersecurity risks (A. Gharaibeh et al., 2017b; R. O. Andrade et al., 2020) [1, 13]. As we address these challenges with this review, it will help contribute to developing safer and more resilient smart cities in the United States. Adopting comprehensive security strategies will help protect critical urban infrastructure from evolving cyber threats, ensuring sustainable and secure technological growth (Heidari et al., 2022; Panahi Rizi & Hosseini Seno, 2022; Vitunskaite et al., 2019) [8, 12, 21].