FEATURE ARTICLES
PROTECTING CYBER NETWORKS IN BUILDINGS By Cameron Exley, Cybersecurity & OT Networks Manager at Grosvenor Cyber Solutions
The need to protect buildings with a cyber security system can be correlated to the increasing profile and volume of attacks against these assets. It is no longer possible to remain blissfully unaware that buildings are valuable targets for cyber criminals. One of the first high-profile attacks in 2014 was targeted at a large US retailer. A malicious outsider gained access to the Point-of-Sales systems through the Operation Technology (OT) networks. They exfiltrated millions of credit card numbers and access went unnoticed for several months. The initial point of access for this attack was the HVAC remote access system – left wide open by the contractor for the convenience of remote monitoring and service.
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rime Minister Scott Morrison also recently warned that spy agencies have witnessed increased hacking activity targeting a wide range of assets. Foreign state-backed attackers appear to be targeting buildings, public infrastructure and private OT systems.
INTEREST IN CYBER NETWORKS IS ON THE INCREASE For proactive customers, interest is usually driven from fear. Customer conversations are now often led with ‘I don’t understand any of this but I don’t want to be in the
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news either’. The amount of fear mongering across the property industry amongst building owners is increasing. Businesses need to have sensible conversations with a trusted partner to understand why they are purchasing a cyber security solution – rather than just ticking a compliance box. Most corporate compliance policies now require a cyber solution to safeguard against an attack. Fully understanding the threats will help building owners formulate a plan to prevent or minimise the damage caused from a future cyber attack.
