Search results for: zero trust
The Cost of a Cyber Breach in Smart Buildings: Beyond Data Loss
Quick Summary A cyber breach in building automation can inflict far greater damage than lost data. Beyond IT, BAS attacks can bring down HVAC, disable access control, spike utility costs, disrupt tenant operations, and tarnish reputation. Real-world data shows that breaches cost millions — and when smart buildings are involved, that number can skyrocket. Introduction…
Read MoreTop BAS/BMS Protocol Vulnerabilities
Quick Summary Legacy BAS/BMS protocols share common vulnerabilities, including no encryption, weak authentication, spoofing risks, replay attacks, and weak access controls. These flaws expose HVAC, lighting, and access systems to manipulation and disruption. Zero Trust, encryption, and device-level authentication can secure even legacy systems without costly replacement. Introduction Building automation systems (BAS) connect and control…
Read MoreFrom Air Gaps to Always Connected: The Evolution of Smart Building Cyber Threats
Quick Summary Smart building cyber threats have evolved alongside the shift from isolated, air-gapped BAS to always-connected systems. While connectivity boosts efficiency, it also exposes HVAC, lighting, and access controls to ransomware, weak protocols, and IT/OT convergence risks. To defend against these threats, facility managers must adopt Zero Trust and device-level security to ensure resilience.…
Read MoreThe Hidden Cyber Risks Inside HVAC, Lighting, and Access Control Systems
Quick Summary HVAC, lighting, and access control systems may appear harmless but can be exploited to cause serious operational, financial, and safety issues. These “hidden” risks arise from insecure protocols, lack of authentication, and poor segmentation. By adopting Zero Trust principles and device-level protection, facility managers and building operators can turn vulnerable systems into secure…
Read MoreWhy Building Automation Systems Are the New Cybersecurity Target
Quick Summary Building Automation Systems (BAS) are increasingly targeted by cybercriminals because they manage critical building functions such as HVAC, lighting, elevators, and access controls. Once considered safe due to isolation, BAS are now internet-connected and often insecure by design, making them gateways to both operational disruption and corporate IT networks. As cyberattacks on smart…
Read MoreOvercoming Niagara Framework Cyber Vulnerabilities
Key Points Comprehensive Vulnerability Mitigation: DOME encrypts all device communications, enforces unique cryptographic identities, blocks unauthorized actions, and prevents lateral movement even on flat networks—addressing risks like unencrypted data, credential hijacking, privilege escalation, and insecure configurations. Zero Trust at the Endpoint: Every enrolled device must authenticate and follow strict, policy-based access rules, ensuring only explicitly…
Read MoreFuture-Proofing OT Cybersecurity
Key Points OT Cybersecurity Faces Unique Challenges: Operational technology networks are often outdated, lack operating systems, span wide geographies, and weren’t designed for connectivity—making them vulnerable and hard to secure. Existing IT-Based Solutions Fall Short: Current cybersecurity tools focus on monitoring and alerting rather than proactive protection, leading to alert fatigue and leaving OT…
Read MoreBenefits of Encryption for OT Networks
Key Points Why OT Needs Encryption Now: Historically air-gapped OT systems avoided encryption due to isolation, performance concerns, and device limitations, but modern connectivity and remote access have made unprotected communications a major cyber risk. Key Security Benefits: Encryption prevents unauthorized access, stops man-in-the-middle attacks, protects sensitive operational data, supports regulatory compliance, and maintains system…
Read MoreProtecting Airport Baggage Handling Systems from Cyberattack
Key Points Growing Cyber Risk for BHS: Airport baggage handling systems, running on legacy OT hardware and insecure protocols like Modbus and BACnet, are increasingly vulnerable to ransomware, insider threats, and state-sponsored cyberattacks. High Impact of Disruption: A BHS outage can cause major operational delays, lost luggage, passenger frustration, and even compromise sensitive passenger data.…
Read MoreCybersecurity Challenges in Retrofitted Smart Buildings
Key Points Legacy Systems Are Inherently Vulnerable: Most retrofitted buildings rely on outdated OT devices and insecure protocols (like BACnet and Modbus) that lack basic cybersecurity features such as encryption and authentication. Integration Increases Risk: Retrofitting often connects legacy OT systems to modern IT networks without proper segmentation, exposing buildings to lateral movement and cyberattacks.…
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