Networked Devices Increase Cyber Attack Risk for Facility Managers

As a building or facility manager, the use of technology is crucial for day-to-day operations and workflow. However, some of these devices may be putting your company’s sensitive data at risk. 

According to independent research and advisory firm, Verdantix, there has been an increase in threats from cyber-attacks on building systems that have gone unrecognized thus far. The company issued a warning to facility managers that “without sufficient security controls, these systems are introducing significant new risks and more entry points for cyber criminals to exploit.”

“The first step for rebooting a smart building cyber security 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 program on their own, but rather partner with their IT and security peers to integrate cyber security into different building management processes,” said Rodolphe D’Arjuzon, Global Head of Research at Verdantix.

To counteract these threats, facility managers must begin to redefine their security protocols, ensure that their technology and data have no weak points, and work with their IT programs to ward off potential threats before they infiltrate.