Cyber-resilient smart water management in the Dniester Basin: integrating AI and transboundary infrastructure within EU climate missions

Abstract

This paper aims to explore how cybersecurity can be systemically integrated into smart water management systems in transboundary river basins to support the development of climate-neutral and smart cities. Objectives: This paper aims to explore how cybersecurity can be systematically integrated into smart water management systems in transboundary river basins to support the development of climate-neutral and intelligent cities. It addresses the growing reliance on ICT, including IoT, big data, and artificial intelligence (AI), and the associated cyber risks affecting critical water infrastructure. Prior work: Existing studies highlight the role of digital technologies in smart water management and urban sustainability; however, insufficient attention has been paid to cybersecurity challenges, particularly in cross-border contexts characterized by fragmented data management and complex data exchange. This paper builds upon smart water and smart city research by incorporating cyber resilience and secure data governance principles. Approach: A qualitative case study approach is adopted, focusing on the Dniester River basin as a representative transboundary system. The research combines analysis of institutional frameworks and technological trends with the development of a conceptual model for secure and resilient water management architecture. Results: The study identifies key vulnerabilities, including risks related to data integrity, sensor networks, and communication systems, and demonstrates the necessity of integrating cybersecurity-by-design into digital water infrastructures. A conceptual framework, “EU Green Dniester–Black Sea Corridor,” is proposed, combining AI-driven monitoring, secure data exchange, and multi-level administration mechanisms. Implications: The findings are relevant for policymakers, researchers, and practitioners involved in smart cities, environmental management, and critical infrastructure protection, emphasizing the need for coordinated cybersecurity strategies. Value: The paper provides an original interdisciplinary contribution by linking cybersecurity, water management, and EU policy frameworks, and by proposing a novel model for cyber-resilient transboundary water systems.