Will Buildings be the next Cyber Threat? 

Facility Performance Consulting’s (FPC) resident expert in Cyber Security, Austin King, sat down to share his valued thoughts on why he thinks that buildings are going to be the next big cyber threat.

We are in a new digital age, and building systems are slowly becoming increasingly sophisticated and a lot more automated making buildings more efficient, cost-effective, and user-friendly. However, this reliance on technology also brings about new types of vulnerabilities. Building systems are now considered a prime target for various types of cyber-attacks.

But what is a Building System? Building systems consist of interconnected devices, such as HVAC Systems, Lighting Control Systems, Access control systems, Fire Life Safety Systems, and various types of security systems. The list keeps growing every year. But why are these a security concern? These types of systems can be remotely accessed and controlled, which makes them a very attractive target for cybercriminals. Once attackers gain access to a building system, they can cause significant damage, or disruption, steal sensitive data, or even compromise the safety and well-being of building occupants.

The risks of building system cyber-attacks grow every year, and the consequences can be severe. For example, an attacker could remotely disable the building's HVAC system in the middle of summer causing it to overheat, leading to unsafe indoor temperatures and possible equipment failure. They could also gain access to sensitive data, such as confidential tenant information or financial records, that could lead to a data breach. In the worst-case scenario, an attacker could compromise building occupants' safety and security systems by remotely accessing and controlling fire safety or security systems.

To mitigate these types of cyber risks, building owners and operators need to be able to take a proactive approach to cybersecurity. This involves partnering with a trusted digital consultant company like Facility Performance Consulting, which has the expertise to help identify and remediate vulnerabilities in these various building systems.

We offer a range of services to help secure building systems and can help conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing to identify vulnerabilities in the system. FPC can also provide recommendations for security controls and best practices to mitigate the identified risks.

In addition, we offer ongoing support and monitoring to ensure that building systems remain secure over time. This includes implementing and monitoring access controls, applying regular software updates and patches, and conducting comprehensive employee training to promote cybersecurity awareness.

By partnering with FPC, building owners, and operators can take a proactive approach to cybersecurity and protect against cyber-attacks. It is essential to recognize the increasing threat of cyber-attacks on building systems and take the necessary steps to mitigate these risks. With the help of FPC, building owners and operators can ensure that their building systems remain secure, resilient, and most importantly safe in the face of emerging cyber threats.

For more information on how we can help your projects, please get in touch with us info@fpc-global.com