The digital revolution has ushered in an era where buildings are no longer mere structures but intelligent ecosystems.
Smart buildings with interconnected systems and IoT devices promise unparalleled efficiency and convenience. However, this technological marvel comes with its own set of challenges.
A 2020 report revealed that 57% of IoT devices are susceptible to medium- or high-severity attacks, with 41% of these attacks exploiting device vulnerabilities. Such statistics underscore the critical importance of fortifying our smart buildings against cyber threats.
The first step for building owners and their facility teams is to understand the magnitude of these vulnerabilities. Smart buildings are repositories of sensitive data—ranging from occupant information to operational metrics.
Ensuring data security isn’t just about protecting information; it’s about preserving the trust and safety of every individual interacting with these intelligent environments.
8 best practices to protect sensitive information and prevent cyber threats.
- Adopt a Zero Trust Approach
It’s prudent to “never trust, always verify.” The Zero Trust model mandates that all users, devices, and applications—regardless of their origin—must undergo stringent verification before access is granted. This approach minimises potential breaches by ensuring that every access request is legitimate.
- Implement Network Segmentation
Cybercriminals often exploit the interconnectedness of devices within a network. By dividing the smart building network into isolated segments, one can restrict the lateral movement of threats. This compartmentalisation ensures that even if one segment is compromised, the breach doesn’t cascade throughout the entire system.
- Enforce Least Privilege Access
Not everyone requires unrestricted access. Grant users only the permissions essential for their roles, and the attack surface diminishes significantly. This principle ensures that even if a user’s credentials are compromised, the potential damage remains contained.
- Monitor Network Traffic Diligently
Regularly monitoring both front-end servers and device-to-device communications can help identify anomalies indicative of cyber threats. Aggregating and reviewing IoT log data in a centralised location simplifies the detection of irregularities, enabling swift responses to potential breaches.
- Prioritise Data Encryption
Data, whether stationary or in transit, remains a prime target for cyber adversaries. In 2022, the main threats to IoT devices were: 1. Unencrypted data storage; 2. Unencrypted financial information; 3. Physical access through the IoT device; 4. Weak password and authentication; 5. Botnet and infected IoT devices.
Implementing strong encryption protocols safeguards this data from prying eyes. Ensure that software updates and patches are transmitted via encrypted channels to prevent malicious alterations during the update process.
- Maintain Up-to-date Systems
Cyber threats evolve rapidly, exploiting vulnerabilities in outdated software and hardware. Regularly updating all components ensures that they benefit from the latest security patches and enhancements. Additionally, employing a secure boot process verifies the integrity of devices during start-up, establishing a trusted operational environment.
- Develop Comprehensive Response & Recovery Plans
Preparedness is the best defence. Crafting well-documented response plans delineates clear roles and responsibilities, ensuring swift action during cyber incidents. Equally vital is a robust recovery strategy, emphasising regular data backups to facilitate rapid restoration post-breach.
8. Regular Security Audits and Assessments
Conduct regular security audits and assessments to identify vulnerabilities and areas for improvement. Regular testing ensures that security measures remain effective against evolving cyber threats.
While these practices lay a robust foundation, the dynamic nature of cyber threats necessitates continuous adaptation. It’s also essential to recognise that the strength of a building’s cybersecurity isn’t solely dependent on internal measures.
Collaboration is a key component.
Commercial building owners and facility managers should partner with vendors prioritising cybersecurity and offering products designed for easy integration and following industry best security practices.