“Do Your Part. #BeCyberSmart.”

Now in its 18th year, Cybersecurity Awareness Month - observed every October, continues to be a collaborative effort between government and industry to ensure both businesses and consumers are aware of the cybersecurity pitfalls and have the resources and knowledge to stay safer and more secure online.

When it comes to the built environment, cybersecurity is paramount. The importance of paying attention to cybersecurity in building management and operating systems can’t be understated.

While we have spoken and written about it for several years now, and it’s front and center daily, do you think we (our industry) has and is taking it seriously yet? Is it part of regular and on-going discussions related to managing and operating facilities and buildings

As this is cybersecurity awareness month, here are some interesting things to keep in mind:

I think we all agree that cybersecurity within the built environment is challenging. What are the top challenges as you see them? Is it an organization culture and mindset? Could it be software, system, and application updates? Perhaps it is poor cyber hygiene when it comes to the OT? Do mobile-based tenant apps represent a new risk? Possibly does it stem from a lack of the same type of policy framework strictly adhered to by IT security? Is it from the lack of an OT cybersecurity incident response plan?

Cybersecurity threats are an unfortunate reality within the built environment. Nowhere is it more important than right now. Buildings and the systems that operate and manage them are cyber targets and part of the threat landscape. Improving cybersecurity control and programs should be a priority for every organization because a successful system intrusion can lead to several issues that directly affect the organization, its business, and its occupants.