This post is the final part of our five-part series based on our Smart Building Journey maturity model (download the white paper). Previously we had focused on the occupant experience, energy and resource management, facilities and operations, and analytics, real estate data, and the promise of AI.
We are at a critical juncture.
Smart building technologies have created a seamless interaction of people, systems, and spaces that dictates property value, occupant satisfaction, and productivity. Yet, as more systems and software flood both new and existing constructions, the opportunity for truly intelligent and autonomous operations is overshadowed by an escalating threat landscape.
With advanced connectivity has come additional vulnerability that if left unaddressed could result in catastrophe consequences.
Is your connected building a wide-open target for devastating cyberattacks?
If your team isn't making cybersecurity a top priority, your smart building can go from a valuable asset to a ticking time bomb.
Why You Can't Afford to Wait
The convergence of information and operational networks in today's smart buildings has opened a Pandora's Box of sophisticated cyberattacks. These aren't hypothetical threats; they target your building management systems (BMS), BACnets, HVAC, access control, and even security cameras.
The damage from a successful attack is immediate, devastating, and far-reaching:
Total Operational Shutdown & Physical Chaos: Imagine the entire building locked down, people are trapped inside or unable to enter, and critical systems like HVAC and lighting are rendered useless. A cyberattack targeting your building's systems can instantly cripple operations and hand over control of your physical space to an adversary.
Massive Data Breaches & Crippling Fines: Every smart building collects a wide variety of sensitive data, including occupant PII. A data breach isn't just an abstract concept; it means hefty fines, irreversible reputational damage, and crippling legal liabilities.
Life-Threatening Safety & Comfort Risks: Compromised fire suppression systems, hijacked elevators, or manipulated environmental controls don't just cause discomfort – they can directly endanger lives.
Devastating Financial Fallout: Beyond regulatory fines, you're looking at astronomical remediation costs, prolonged business interruption, and a direct hit to your bottom line. Smart buildings only command higher ROI when cybersecurity is paramount – neglecting it is a direct path to financial ruin.
Traditional IT cybersecurity and network measures are not enough to prevent this threat. Operational networks in buildings operate on unique, often outdated protocols. Systems have incredibly long lifecycles. Patching these systems can be its own nightmare without disrupting operations. Most organizations have terrifyingly little visibility into their building network assets and vulnerabilities.
Real-World Examples: Lack of Enforcement is the Real Vulnerability
These breaches didn't happen because the systems were complex. They happened because no one enforced accountability, segmented networks, or validated vendor security. Just two examples:
American retail giant Target suffered an attack when hackers entered critical systems through an HVAC vendor's credentials—exploiting a weak link in a connected system. They installed malware in POS systems to steal credit card data. 110 million customers were affected and over $200 million in damages plus a nationwide class action lawsuit.
Bad actors attacked apparel brand Victoria's Secret taking advantage of exposed building systems that revealed the retailer's floor layouts and access schedules of flagship stores—showing how easily physical safety can be compromised through digital means. Operations were at a standstill for days at corporate offices, their ecommerce site, and retails locations - even earnings reports were delayed.
These breaches didn't happen because the systems were complex. These attacks were succcessful because no one enforced accountability, segmented networks, or validated vendor security.
Your Mandate: Cybersecurity First. Right Now.
To prevent these outcomes, a "cybersecurity first" mentality is an absolute mandate. This mindset has to be meticulously woven into every phase of planning, design, and construction. Waiting to address after a property launch or system activation means you're already behind.
The first step in securing your future is understanding where your organization stands on preparedness and planning.
The Smart Building Maturity Model: Where Do You Stand?
Cohesion's Smart Building Maturity Model reveals a clear path but also highlights the perilous stages where many organizations linger. Where do your properties fall?
Zero: Low Visibility (High Risk!)
At this stage, you're flying blind. There's virtually no visibility into the cybersecurity of your building systems. Awareness of assets and vulnerabilities is absent, and no policies or response procedures are in place. Disaster recovery plans and vendor coordination are non-existent, leaving your organization vulnerable to immediate security threats. You are a prime target.
Good: Manual Processes (Playing Catch-Up, But Barely!)
Most companies are stuck here, struggling with basic, reactive cybersecurity procedures. Processes are manual, requiring hands-on execution across systems, and security actions are only taken after a problem is detected. Training is irregular and incomplete, and you're constantly addressing issues after they've already happened. You're reactive, not proactive, and still incredibly exposed.
Better: Early Detection (Getting Ahead, But Don't Stop Here!)
Organizations at this stage are finally starting to be proactive. Automated systems detect vulnerabilities and threats. Occupants and vendors are involved, and continuous threat monitoring is in place. Crucially, an incident response plan ensures quick and effective action when needed. You're improving, but the threat evolves constantly.
Best: Compliant and Complete (Your Objective!)
This is where you need to be. Organizations at this level are fully compliant with industry data standards. Cybersecurity systems are comprehensive and accessible, empowering occupants to use the space safely. Regular risk assessments and training ensure continuous adherence to evolving standards and best practices. You've built a true fortress, but vigilance remains key.
An Unavoidable Responsibility in an Over-Connected World
As heads of physical security, your role has expanded dramatically. You are now on the front lines of cyber defense for your physical assets. Bridging the gap between IT and OT security is a critical necessity. With physical security systems becoming more and more digitally networked and IP-enabled, this collaboration is more important than ever.
Immediate Actions You MUST Take:
- Demand Comprehensive Cybersecurity Assessments: Know your enemy. Identify every asset, every vulnerability, and every potential threat across all of your building systems.
- Implement Drastic Network Segmentation: Isolate critical OT systems from IT networks to limit the blast radius of any attack.
- Enforce Ironclad Authentication & Access Controls: Multi-factor authentication is non-negotiable for all building system access. No exceptions.
- Develop and Continuously Test Incident Response Plans: When (not if) an attack hits, every second counts. Your plan must be flawless and your team properly rehearsed.
- Rigorous Vendor Vetting: Every third-party smart building technology provider must meet stringent cybersecurity standards. Your weakest link is their weakest link.
- Invest in Relentless Training: Your team and even building occupants need to be part of your human firewall.
- Embrace Continuous Monitoring as Your Lifeline: Proactive monitoring isn't a luxury; it's the only way to detect suspicious activity before it escalates into a catastrophic breach.
The security of your smart building is paramount. By understanding the intricate dance between physical and digital security, you can proactively identify risks, implement unyielding defenses, and ensure the safety, privacy, and operational continuity of your smart building environment. The journey to smart building excellence isn't just about efficiency; it's about sheer survival in a digitally threatened world. Act now, or face the consequences.
Need a Partner Who's Done This Before?
If you're reading this and wondering where to start - or worried you're already behind - you're not alone. Smart buildings don't secure themselves. It takes strategic planning, systems expertise, and relentless execution. Our advisory team is at the ready, working with you before, during, and after construction, and post-launch to assess vulnerabilities, modernize building systems, and implement secure, future-ready strategies. Whether you're planning a new development, upgrading access control, or untangling OT and IT networks, we'll help you move forward with clarity, confidence—and no blind spots.
Contact us today to talk about securing your building, your people, and your reputation.
