Smart Buildings at Increased Risk of Cyber Attacks, Says Verdantix

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18 July 2022

The operational technology that powers connected devices across building systems is providing more entry points for cyber criminals to exploit, says research and advisory firm Verdantix.

They argue that, as connected operational technology (OT) systems converge with their IT counterparts, traditional lines of responsibility for cybersecurity blur, just as ageing building systems require replacement, and the number of attacks rise. 

Collaboration Between FMs and IT Needed

The popularity of Internet of Things (IoT) sensors and smart devices have resulted in facilities having many devices with “poor inbuilt cyber security controls”, according to Verdantix’s Best Practices: Enhancing Your Smart Building Cyber Security Programme.

The research also found that firms are not aware of the full extent of their risk exposure from their OT, as they often do not keep registers of connected devices, or the level of cybersecurity protection provided.

Just 32 per cent of firms evaluate IoT security risks as part of the onboarding process for third parties and just 54 per cent run penetration tests on their IoT devices.

Facilities managers must collaborate with IT to professionals reboot their building operations security strategies sooner rather than later. Rodolphe D’Arjuzon, Global Head Of Research at Verdantix said: “The first step for rebooting a smart building cybersecurity strategy is defining clear responsibilities and embedding cyber management into facilities operations across procurement, technology management and staff training.

“Facilities managers should not develop a siloed cyber programme on their own, but rather partner with their IT and security peers to integrate cyber security into different building management processes.”

Picture: a photograph of a computer keyboard with a padlock on top of it. Image Credit: Unsplash

Article written by Ella Tansley | Published 18 July 2022

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