New Tools and Approaches for Facilities Managers to Battle Cybersecurity Threats

New tools and approaches have entered the market that help smart buildings thwart cybersecurity threats. This should bring some comfort and perhaps fewer restless nights to facilities managers, who are constantly tasked with battling ongoing threats in an increasingly connected digital environment.

Upgraded Methods to Fight Back 

Honeywell has signaled to clients that the company is not only taking the threats seriously but also providing enhanced methods to fight back. Honeywell has introduced upgrades to its Honeywell Forge Internet of Things (IoT) platform for buildings. The new enhancements for keeping people safe and protecting vital data include updates to several product suites. These come specifically to the Enterprise Building Integration (EBI), Digital Video Manager (DVM), and Command and Control Suite (CCS) options:

• EBI R600 offers integration with numerous third-party systems, hardware, cloud, and mobile applications. The product is designed to manage building functions related to safety, comfort, and security systems.
• DVM R700 features improved camera servers to more efficiently use storage and save on hardware costs.
• CCS R300 introduces a new facility visualization interface, featuring new map navigation and editing tools for analyzing building data.

Synchronoss Technologies is another vendor focusing on smart building technologies to help clients better manage and secure their facilities. Synchronoss recently partnered with Microsoft’s Azure IoT solutions program to deliver a smart building service for Rackspace, a managed cloud solutions provider. The partners anticipate deployment of a combined IoT smart buildings platform at Rackspace’s San Antonio headquarters, which covers more than 1 million square feet. The platform was designed based on industry best practices and to ensure optimal energy efficiency, scalability, and security.

A Coordinated Effort Is Necessary to Reduce Operational Risk

On the IoT device front, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has taken the next step in ensuring these products are secure, which is important for buildings of all types, commercial or otherwise. NIST has announced a draft publication that “defines a core baseline of cybersecurity features that manufacturers may voluntarily adopt for IoT devices they produce. It also provides information on how manufacturers can identify and implement features beyond the core baseline most appropriate for their customers.”

No single tool can halt cyber attackers, but the aforementioned moves by market stakeholders offer some comfort to building managers. However, the struggle is ongoing and takes coordinated effort to reduce the risks of operating buildings in a hyper-connected world. For added insight about preventing cybersecurity attacks in intelligent buildings, check out Guidehouse Insights’ report, Cybersecurity Will Define Market Leaders in the Intelligent Buildings Market.