6 Steps to Enhance Cybersecurity in Your Building Management System

In today's digital age, building management systems are increasingly connected and automated. While this brings numerous benefits, it also exposes our facilities to new cybersecurity risks. As those responsible for managing these systems, we must adapt our skills and strategies to protect our buildings and their occupants from digital threats.

Gone are the days when building management was solely about bricks and mortar. Now, we’re dealing with a complex web of digital systems, including building automation systems and automation systems, controlling everything from HVAC to access control. This shift brings efficiency and comfort but also new vulnerabilities.

Building management systems are increasingly connected and automated. While this brings numerous benefits, it also exposes our facilities to new cybersecurity risks. As those responsible for managing these systems, we must adapt our skills and strategies to protect our buildings and their occupants from digital threats.

What are the risks of an integrated building management system?

A Building Management System (BMS) is a sophisticated computer-based system designed to integrate and control various building systems from a centralized point. These systems include HVAC, lighting, energy management, fire safety, and security systems. By automating and streamlining building operations, a BMS allows facility managers to oversee and manage every aspect of the building’s infrastructure efficiently.

The BMS acts as the brain of the building, collecting data from different subsystems and providing real-time insights and control. This integration not only enhances operational efficiency but also improves the overall safety and comfort of the building’s occupants. With a BMS, facility managers can monitor energy usage, optimize HVAC systems, and ensure that security protocols are consistently maintained, all from a single interface.

Before we can defend our systems, we need to understand what we're up against. Here are the key vulnerabilities in modern building systems:

• Building Management Systems (BMS): These central hubs are prime targets for hackers.

• IoT Devices: Smart thermostats and security cameras often have weak default settings.

• Legacy Systems: Older equipment may lack modern security features.

• Third-party Vendors: External partners might not follow best security practices.

A breach in any of these areas can lead to service disruptions, financial losses, and reputational damage.

6 Steps to Enhance Building Cybersecurity in Building Management Systems

1. Conduct Regular Security Audits

Building managers must prioritize conducting regular security audits to identify vulnerabilities in their building management systems (BMS). By systematically reviewing integrated building management systems, facility managers can assess potential threats across various building systems, such as HVAC systems, lighting systems, and electrical systems. These audits reveal flaws in communication networks, access control mechanisms, and control systems that cybercriminals might exploit.

Security audits also evaluate how well other building systems, including alarm systems and energy management systems, are integrated. With BMS software gathering data from core systems, any breach can compromise air quality control, energy usage optimization, and even power systems. A thorough audit ensures optimal building performance while safeguarding the automation systems crucial to smart building solutions.

2. Implement Network Segmentation

Network segmentation is a critical strategy for securing building automation systems. By isolating control systems, such as HVAC, lighting controls, and energy management systems, building managers can minimize the risk of a cyberattack spreading across integrated networks. This practice enhances the safety of automation control systems while protecting other security systems, like surveillance cameras and alarm systems.

In a well-segmented network, various building systems operate within separate, secured zones. For example, building automation control systems managing energy consumption in office buildings or data centers can function independently of the building’s general communication network. This separation ensures that if one segment is compromised, others remain secure, preserving optimal building performance and protecting the substantial energy savings achieved through advanced BMS systems.

3. Strengthen Access Control and Authentication

Access control is a cornerstone of cybersecurity in building management systems. Facility managers should deploy robust authentication methods, such as multi-factor authentication (MFA) and role-based access controls, to restrict unauthorized access to building management software. By limiting access to essential personnel only, building managers can enhance energy efficiency and the secure operation of automation systems.

Strong access control measures are particularly important in smart buildings and commercial buildings with integrated building management systems. These systems often manage sensitive data on energy usage, air conditioning systems, and other building functions. Ensuring that only authorized users can access control systems not only enhances security but also optimizes performance and reduces the risk of costly disruptions in building operations.

4. Keep Systems Updated

Regularly updating BMS software and other technology systems is vital to maintaining cybersecurity. Outdated systems often have vulnerabilities that can be exploited by cyberattacks. Building managers should prioritize software patches, firmware updates, and hardware replacements to ensure that control systems remain secure and efficient.

Keeping systems updated also enhances the performance of energy management systems and integrated building management systems. Updates often introduce improvements to energy monitoring, lighting controls, and HVAC systems, optimizing energy usage and reducing operating costs. In smart buildings, where automation systems are central to optimizing energy consumption and building performance, consistent updates ensure that such systems remain both efficient and secure.

5. Educate Your Team

Facility managers must educate their teams about best practices for safeguarding building automation systems. Training programs should focus on recognizing phishing attempts, maintaining strong passwords, and following protocols for accessing building control systems.

Building managers should also encourage collaboration between IT staff and operations teams to enhance awareness of cybersecurity risks in energy management systems, HVAC systems, and other integrated building systems. A well-informed team helps secure all aspects of the building’s operations, from air conditioning to lighting systems, ensuring the safety and efficiency of the building management solution as a whole.

6. Develop an Incident Response Plan

An effective incident response plan is essential for minimizing the impact of cybersecurity breaches. Facility managers should outline clear procedures for identifying, containing, and mitigating security incidents in building management systems. This plan should include protocols for communicating with stakeholders and accessing backup systems to maintain building functions during a cyberattack.

In modern smart buildings, where automation systems and data centers are critical to daily operations, having a response plan ensures continuity. By integrating renewable energy sources and power systems into the plan, building managers can ensure uninterrupted energy use, even in emergencies. A well-developed response plan safeguards building performance protects substantial energy savings, and maintains the efficiency of building services during disruptions.

Bridging the Gap: IT and Facility Management Collaboration

Effective cybersecurity in building management requires close collaboration between IT and facility management teams. Here's how to foster this partnership:

Regular joint meetings to discuss cybersecurity concerns and strategies

Regular joint meetings between facility managers, IT teams, and other stakeholders are essential for addressing cybersecurity concerns in building management systems (BMS). These meetings provide a structured platform for sharing updates about vulnerabilities in building automation systems, discussing potential threats to integrated building management systems, and aligning on strategies to enhance security.

During these discussions, teams can assess how security measures impact other building systems such as HVAC systems, energy management systems, and lighting controls. By reviewing the performance of core systems like building automation control systems and alarm systems, stakeholders can identify gaps in their existing protocols. These meetings also encourage the adoption of smart building solutions to optimize energy usage and protect integrated networks. Consistent communication fosters proactive decision-making, ensuring optimal building performance and robust cybersecurity defenses.

Cross-training sessions to increase mutual understanding of each team's challenges

Cross-training sessions are a powerful way to bridge the knowledge gap between facility managers, IT professionals, and building operations teams. By participating in hands-on training, team members can develop a deeper understanding of how various building systems, such as energy management systems and automation control systems, are interdependent. This shared knowledge fosters collaboration and minimizes potential conflicts when implementing new security systems or BMS software updates.

For example, IT staff may gain insights into how HVAC systems and lighting controls contribute to energy efficiency while building managers learn the intricacies of securing integrated networks and access control systems. Cross-training also highlights the importance of maintaining cyber-physical security in building automation systems, ensuring that all stakeholders are equipped to address challenges such as data breaches in smart buildings or threats to energy consumption monitoring. This collaborative approach enhances operational efficiency and fortifies cybersecurity measures across the organization.

Collaborative development of cybersecurity policies and procedures

The collaborative development of cybersecurity policies ensures that all teams involved in managing building functions are aligned in their objectives. Facility managers and IT professionals can work together to create protocols tailored to the unique needs of their integrated building management systems. These policies should cover access control measures, update schedules for building management software, and contingency plans for addressing cybersecurity incidents.

By incorporating input from multiple teams, organizations can ensure their policies address the complexities of securing automation systems, electrical systems, and other building services. For instance, protocols for energy management systems should balance security requirements with the need to optimize energy usage and achieve substantial energy savings. Similarly, guidelines for monitoring building automation systems must account for air conditioning systems, lighting controls, and other critical components. Collaborative policy development ensures a comprehensive approach to cybersecurity that supports optimal building performance and reduces operating costs.

Looking to the Future of Building Automation System

Cybersecurity in building management isn’t just an IT issue—it’s crucial for ensuring our buildings are safe, efficient, and resilient. Future building management will increasingly focus on energy efficiency and the integration of energy management systems to optimize resource usage and reduce operational costs.

Remember, cybersecurity is an ongoing process. Stay informed, stay vigilant, and don’t hesitate to seek expert help when needed. Together, we can ensure our buildings are ready for the challenges of the digital age while maintaining the highest standards of safety and efficiency.

Editor's Note:  Rishit Lakhani is a seasoned Solutions Engineering Leader at Nile, with over a decade of experience in enterprise networking and a proven track record in designing and deploying large-scale, high-performance networks. His expertise spans wired and wireless networks, cloud technologies, network security, and SD-WAN solutions. Rishit holds a Master’s degree in Telecommunications Technology from Rochester Institute of Technology and a Bachelor of Engineering in Electronics and Telecommunications from the University of Mumbai.