Top 5 IoT Security Risks when Installing Smart Buildings

Smart buildings have revolutionised the way we live. From operational efficiencies to reduced energy consumption and overall improved quality of living, it has changed the way properties are managed and controlled.

The advent of the Internet of Things (IoT) has automated and interconnected critical building management systems such as lighting, heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), safety, and security, offering much more in terms of management and control. This network of interconnected devices enables centralised control and automation and is becoming a popular choice for property owners all over the UK.

However, as the potential for smart systems grows, so does the need to address emerging risks and the cybersecurity implications that follow. The increased reliance on the Internet of Things (IoT) has made smart buildings vulnerable to cyberattacks and exposed them to a number of risks.

Read on to find out all about IoT security vulnerabilities in smart buildings, smart alarm cybersecurity, smart home cyber threats, and the top 5 IoT security risks when installing smart buildings:

IoT SECURITY VULNERABILITIES

While the widespread implementation of IoT devices and the rise of smart buildings have brought with them immense benefits in terms of convenience, sustainability, and efficiency, it has also highlighted substantial security risks and cyber threats.

IoT devices such as smart security systems, IP cameras, alarm systems, thermostats, lighting systems, and smart home assistants like Google Home and Alexa can be susceptible to security gaps and vulnerabilities due to issues such as weak credentials, firmware issues, and network security problems.

The growing popularity of smart home setups has increased exposure to cybersecurity risks. Standalone systems that are controlled locally, such as room-based motion sensors for controlling lights, are not at risk, but systems that are connected over a network and are a part of a smart buildings connected system pose a serious safety and security threat.

Sadly, most of the users of these smart devices remain unaware and uninformed of the associated security risks and how they can expose the entire smart building to serious cyberattacks. Some of the most common smart home cyberattacks include:

• Data breaches
• Hacking security systems
• Tampering with and damaging equipment
• Disabling life safety systems
• Manipulating the lighting and HVAC systems
• Disabling security and safety alarms and notifications

SMART ALARM CYBERSECURITY

A smart alarm is a modern security solution that uses advanced technology to allow you to protect and monitor your home and business. With round-the-clock monitoring and flexibility to manage, control, and customise the system according to your needs, it is fast replacing traditional alarm systems.

With advanced sensors and live video streaming, smart alarms provide a robust security solution that integrates with other smart devices for a comprehensive and powerful setup that protects your property 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Other standout features include controlling and managing the system using a smartphone app and receiving alerts in the form of notifications on your phone whenever any suspicious activity is detected.

When integrated with other smart systems such as CCTV cameras, access control, and smart lighting, the smart alarm systems on your property can proactively detect threats, respond to emergency incidents, and streamline the overall security process.

With more and more property owners investing in smart security systems and alarm systems to protect their homes and businesses from safety and security risks, they need to simultaneously stay informed on the emerging importance of cybersecurity and measures taken to safeguard the security systems from system vulnerabilities.

The risks to smart alarm systems include:

• Unauthorised access where hackers gain control of the alarm system to disarm it or cause false alarms.
• Data breaches where personal data stored on the system can be stolen, causing privacy issues.
• Network intrusions where hackers can attempt to access other security devices on the network once they have access to one device.

These cybersecurity risks can put the safety and security of the occupants of the smart building at risk. They could lead to serious safety concerns, compromise the integrity of the building, result in significant financial losses, and also lead to legal consequences as the inability to provide a safe space for the occupants of a building is a direct violation of safety and security laws.

TOP 5 IOT SECURITY RISKS WHEN INSTALLING SMART BUILDINGS

Weak Authentication

By now, everyone should know the importance of a strong password. Whether it is your email account, online banking portal, or smart building control system, using a weak password can make them vulnerable to cyberattacks such as hacking.

Most smart systems come with a default password such as ‘admin’, ‘1234’, or ‘0000’. These are generally known to all, including hackers, which makes it easy to gain access to the systems. The first order of business once you install a smart system in your building should be to change the password to one that is strong and difficult to guess.

Keep in mind that, oftentimes, despite using a strong password, it may still be compromised. Seasoned hackers surely know their way around these things, which is why, in addition to using a strong password, smart buildings should use multi-factor authentication to recognise unauthorised login attempts and take preventive measures to up your smart building’s security.

Outdated Firmware and Software

Since smart devices rely heavily on software to function, keeping it updated is critical to system security. IoT devices running on outdared firmware and software exposes them to risks and creates vulnerabilities in the system that can be manipulated by system attackers to gain unauthorised access.

The frequency of firmware and software updates depends on the manufacturers, with some taking days to roll out security patches while others not supporting old devices at all. Tracking these updates and deploying them systemically is important for managing the security risks when using smart devices for smart buildings.

Routine updates also enable smart device manufacturers to fix bugs in the software that may not only affect the performance of the system but also make it vulnerable to cyberattacks. For instance, a bug in a smart alarm’s communication pathway may prevent it from transmitting signals to the Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) or allow attackers to intercept and manipulate the data and system.

Unencrypted Data Transmission

Many IoT devices such as smart alarms, CCTV cameras, and access control systems send sensitive data between devices, components, and networks. This data transmission poses a significant security risk, especially if it is unencrypted.

Encryption refers to the process of converting data into an encoded format that can only be accessed by authorised users with a decryption key. This ensures that the transmitted data remains protected and inaccessible to attackers and unauthorised individuals.

Unencrypted data exposes several security risks, such as data breaches, data tampering, and data theft. It can be exploited by hackers to gain access to sensitive information and use it for nefarious purposes such as identity theft and data manipulation.

Unsecured Network

IoT devices connected using an unsecure network service exposes vulnerabilities and creates entry points for attackers to infiltrate the system. Network services usually operate with the default configurations and excessive permissions, both of which can be misused ny attackers to gain access to the device.

The security of the network which the smart systems are connected on is of critical importance. Services that are unnecessary and pose a security risk must be disabled from the get-go and as they may serve no purpose other than creating security vulnerabilities.

Another issue is shared network access, where all the IoT devices are connected to the same network. While this is easy to set up and very convenient, it also makes the entire system vulnerable. Gaining unauthorised access to one IoT device means gaining access to all the devices and all data stored on the shared network.

Inadequate Device Management

The inability to properly manage IoT devices is a serious security risk that leaves the systems susceptible to attacks. Keeping a check on the devices as well as the network they are on is a crucial step in protecting IoT devices from cyber threats.

Monitoring the system and scanning the network regularly for unusual activity and traffic could signal potential attacks and help you take preventive measures before things get out of hand. Doing so is considered standard security practice in safeguarding IoT devices.

HOW TO SECURE DEVICES FROM NETWORK-LEVEL THREATS?

The increasing number of smart buildings and smart devices has raised privacy and security concerns at an unprecedented scale. In addition to providing a great level of comfort and convenience, it has also exposed smart homes and businesses to cyberattacks that lead to spying, data theft, and unauthorised use and control of important smart building systems including that of safety and security.

The best way to secure IoT devices from network-level threats is to educate yourself on the importance of network security and employ a variety of strategies and tools that can enable smart building owners to safeguard their and their property’s security and privacy.

Here are some of the best practices for securing IoT devices from network-level threats:

Security Assessment

The best way to assess any vulnerabilities in the system is by conducting a security vulnerability assessment. It will help you find any weaknesses within the smart building infrastructure, assess the level of risk present, and help you understand the best way to overcome said weaknesses and vulnerabilities.

Investing in Quality Equipment

Investing in cheap knock-off devices for your smart building may save you some money in the short run, but it would mean risking the safety, security, and integrity of the system. Always purchase smart IoT devices from a trusted source and have them installed by a certified and experienced professional.

Secure Device Configuration

Make sure to change and update the default device settings and implement a secure configuration from the start. This includes changing the default passwords, setting up encryption for data storage and transmission, configuring secure protocols, and maintaining standard security configurations for all IoT devices.

Network Security

IoT devices require special network security protocols for protecting them against attacks and misuse. Network segmentation helps minimise the risk of security breaches as every IoT device is either on a separate network or has a security gateway or firewall. This way, even if there is a security breach on a device, the attack remains isolated, and the exposure is limited.

Software Updates

Updating management processes that include keeping the system software up-to-date is an important part of the safety and security of IoT devices. Software and firmware updates are typically rolled out to enhance performance, fix bugs, and address system vulnerabilities, which is why it becomes incredibly important for all smart buildings to adopt systematic update management.

Security Monitoring and Response

Keeping an eye on and constantly monitoring security in a smart building can help mitigate all types of security threats, including network-level threats in IoT devices. There should be proper monitoring and incident response practices to facilitate the detection of potential security issues.  This includes centralised logging and conducting regular security assessments to monitor the devices and the network that the devices are connected to.

Hire a Security Expert

When installing smart buildings, the first step is to hire a security expert who understands smart devices and their associated IoT security risks. You may go the DIY route but if you truly want to secure your system and get your smart building to reach its true potential, hiring a professional is the recommended way to go about it.

Not only would a security expert help you choose the best devices for your smart building to maximise efficiency, control, and convenience, but also install and maintain the smart devices in accordance with safety and security laws and regulations. They can guide you on the best practices for securing devices from network-level threats and how to manage the system to prevent any potential issues from happening.

CONTACT CALDER SECURITY

At Calder Security, we provide a comprehensive range of security solutions that include not just professional installation but also monitoring, maintenance, and repair services.

We are members of the Master Locksmith Association (MLA), approved members of the Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board (SSAIB), and also conform to all the relevant British and EU Standards. We follow all the best practices in the industry and install only high-quality, state-of-the-art security systems.

We offer various levels of monitoring via a 24-hour monitoring centre using Dualcom and BT Redcare signalling, which is the most secure alarm monitoring system and the largest supplier of intelligent alarm signalling services in the UK.

We understand the importance of having to regularly maintain security systems since the inability to do so might result in serious faults and consequent vulnerabilities in your property’s security.

We provide professional maintenance checks and reminders for when the checks are due to help you stay compliant with the law and work fast to restore your security systems to excellent condition.

We offer a 24-hour call-out service for customers and can also repair systems not installed by us. Our engineers are highly skilled and can restore faulty systems to full working order in one visit.

Contact us here or call us at 0800 612 9799 to talk to our experts right away for more information on IoT security risks when installing smart buildings and how to secure devices from network-level threats.

Photo by Sebastian Scholz (Nuki) on Unsplash