Cybersecurity for Smart Buildings
While the push towards smart building connectivity has greatly improved operational efficiency, enabling managers to better control systems like HVAC, lighting, energy management, and security, it also introduces significant cybersecurity risks. Without proper safeguards, these systems make attractive targets for hackers and other cyberthreats.
According to new research, 75% of companies have vulnerable building management systems at risk of hacking and cyberattacks. Most of these systems are outdated; over half connect to the internet insecurely, having been implemented without internet connectivity in mind. The risk is further compounded by insecure communication protocols like BACnet and Modbus, which lack encryption unless upgraded and leave systems open to manipulation by bad actors.
Challenges and Solutions
Some key potential cybersecurity challenges in real estate include legacy systems, IoT vulnerabilities, lack of awareness, and skills gap. These can be addressed through regular security audits, updates and patches, network segmentation, employee training, and incident response plans.
Upgrading smart buildings is not easy, but it is essential. Developing a clear roadmap, through scoping, discovery, prioritization, validation, and mobilization, ensures full visibility of assets, their respective exposure, and steps to minimize risk and disruption while remaining practical.
By proactively addressing these issues and implementing solutions, organizations can protect their assets, maintain operational continuity, and build a secure, resilient future for their smart building.
Solutions in Action: Tridium Niagara Framework
A notable example is the Tridium Niagara Framework, where recent vulnerabilities highlighted the risks of improperly secured systems. If left unaddressed, flaws in such widely adopted platforms can create serious entry points for cyberattacks. Fortunately, with the right safeguards and continuous monitoring, these risks can be identified, mitigated, and remediated before they result in business disruption.
Take Action with DYNICS ICS360
Securing today’s smart buildings requires layered defenses and continuous monitoring. The DYNICS suite of ICS360 OT Network Control and Protection solutions is designed to help organizations harden their environments, gain real-time visibility, enforce zero-trust principles, and remediate risks across building and industrial systems.
Learn more about how ICS360 can protect your connected infrastructure and keep your operations resilient: https://dynics.com/cybersecurity/.
Sources:
- “Most building management systems exposed to cyber vulnerabilities, experts warn” – Joe Burns, Facilities Dive
- “The Cybersecurity Bomb Ticking in Smart Buildings” – Prajeet Nair, Bank Info Security
https://www.bankinfosecurity.com/cybersecurity-bomb-ticking-in-smart-buildings-a-28889
- “Critical Flaws in Niagara Framework Threaten Smart Buildings and Industrial Systems Worldwide” – Ravie Lakshmanan, The Hacker News
https://thehackernews.com/2025/07/critical-flaws-in-niagara-framework.html
- “Cybersecurity challenges and solutions for integrated facility management systems” – Nellie Samuel, Jll
