The hidden entry point: Is your building automation system a cyber risk? 

When you think about cybersecurity, you likely think about laptops, emails, and financial data. But today, cybercriminals are targeting a different asset: your building infrastructure. 

These systems are increasingly connected to building and corporate networks. While this connectivity creates efficiencies, it also introduces another layer of cybersecurity risk that property owners and facility managers cannot afford to overlook. 

Your building's technology infrastructure may be one of the least understood entry points into your network. 

Why property managers and facility directors are the new targets:

Building Management Systems (BMS) and Building Automation Systems (BAS) are examples of operational technology (OT). Unlike traditional IT systems, which primarily manage information, OT interacts with the physical environment. 

A compromised laptop might expose business information. A compromised building system could potentially disrupt heating, cooling, access control or other essential building operations. 

The risks are becoming increasingly evident. 

A 2025 study by cybersecurity company Claroty examined more than 467,000 building management devices across 529 organizations. Its findings included: 

• 75% of organizations had BMS devices affected by known exploited vulnerabilities.
• 69% had devices affected by vulnerabilities associated with confirmed ransomware attacks.
• 51% had BMS devices affected by ransomware-linked vulnerabilities that were also insecurely connected to the internet. 

These findings demonstrate that building infrastructure is not separate from cybersecurity concerns. As more building systems become connected, vulnerabilities can create opportunities for unauthorized access, operational disruption and potentially wider network compromise. 

Where are the vulnerabilities? 

Several common practices can leave building networks exposed: 

1. Outdated equipment and software 

Building systems often remain in service for years. Without regular maintenance, firmware updates and security reviews, older devices can retain known vulnerabilities that attackers actively exploit. 

2. Unsecured remote access 

HVAC contractors, security integrators and other maintenance vendors often require remote access to equipment. Without appropriate access controls, authentication and monitoring, these connections can become entry points for unauthorized users. 

3. Limited network visibility 

Organizations may know which computers and servers are connected to their corporate network but have less visibility into building controllers, sensors, gateways and other connected devices. 

4. Insufficient network separation 

Building systems and corporate IT networks should not automatically have unrestricted access to one another. In fact, individual building systems should not have direct access to each other. Network segmentation helps limit communication between systems, reducing the potential for an incident in one area to spread into another. 

The challenge is that responsibility for these systems is often divided between IT departments, property management teams and individual equipment vendors. 

What can organizations do to reduce the risk? 

Protecting building infrastructure requires more than installing a firewall. Organizations need to understand what is connected, who has access and how systems communicate. 

A proactive approach should include: 

• Device discovery and inventory: Identify connected controllers, sensors, gateways and other network devices.
• Network segmentation: Separate building infrastructure from corporate and tenant networks where appropriate.
• Access management: Review vendor connections, remote access permissions and authentication practices. 
• Ongoing monitoring: Watch for devices going offline, unexpected network activity and potential security issues.
• Maintenance and updates: Identify outdated equipment and prioritize remediation of known vulnerabilities. 
  The Canadian Centre for Cyber Security recommends network zoning, controlled remote access and restricting OT access to authorized users. These measures help reduce the risk of unauthorized access and limit the potential impact of a compromised device. 

Ultimately, organizations need visibility into their building networks and a plan for responding when something goes wrong. 

Looking beyond traditional IT support 

This is where building network management becomes increasingly important. 

Traditional IT support often focuses on computers, servers, business applications and user connectivity. Building infrastructure introduces another layer of technology that requires coordination between facilities, IT teams and third-party system providers. 

Having a resource that understands how these environments connect can help organizations identify issues, maintain visibility and coordinate the appropriate response. 

Spectech provides independent technology consulting, project management and managed services, including Building Network Management and PC/Server Managed Services. 

Through 24/7 Building Network Management, Spectech monitors connected building networks, provides notifications when devices stop reporting or potential network compromises are detected, and coordinates troubleshooting with on-site teams and third-party vendors. 

For business technology, its vendor-independent PC and server managed services provide ongoing monitoring, maintenance, updates and user support without tying clients to specific hardware or software products. 

Spectech also provides technology design, project management and Building Technology Integration Management (BTIM), helping connect the requirements of IT, facilities and individual building system integrators. 

Established in 2005, Spectech brings these disciplines together to help organizations manage technology throughout its lifecycle, from initial design and implementation to ongoing operation and support. 

Is your building network being overlooked? 

Consider asking your facility and IT teams: 

• Do we have an accurate inventory of all devices connected to our building network?
• Who has remote access to our building automation and security systems?
• Are building networks appropriately separated from corporate and tenant networks?
• Are connected devices monitored, maintained and updated?
• Who is responsible for investigating network issues involving multiple vendors?
• If you don't know the answers, it may be time to take a closer look. 

Protect your physical space and your digital assets

Technology should not simply be installed and left behind. It needs ongoing attention, coordination and support. 

Contact Spectech to learn more about Building Network Management, PC/Server Managed Services and technology consulting. Ask about our 2027 New Year Managed Services Promotion. 

Email: hsaqlain@spectech.ca 

Phone: 416-529-4520 

Spectech | Design. Manage. Monitor.