Reader Response FINAL
According to Lecomte (2019), the real estate industry needs a
proper certification program for innovative technology prone to hacking and
cyberattacks to minimize risks. Lecomte states that a "smart building
should have common standards" and metrics similar to green buildings.
Lecomte states that in the current context, there are no official international
standards for intelligent buildings. Therefore, developers can only rely on the
"Honeywell Smart Building Score (HSBS)" as they are one of the
well-known corporate indicators in this field. In comparison, others would
self-implement a framework that caters to their occupant's needs. Lecomte
mentioned that if an official international standard were to be established,
cyber security in an intelligent building should be considered a framework
factor. In Lecomte's statements, he said that there had been numerous breaches
in recent years. Hackers gained client information through building maintenance
operators (Lecomte, 2019 cited in ANREV, 2013). In my opinion, protecting the
cyber security of a building should be a priority for building developers to
reduce risks in areas such as the loss of confidential data and disruption of
building operations.
One of the risks that building developers might face is the
disruption of building operations. Osburn et. al (2020) states that the usage
of Internet of things (IoT) devices has been increasingly seen in buildings to
help in the management of building processes. IoT refers to objects that are
equipped with sensors, computing power, software and other technologies that
exchange data with other devices and systems over the internet or other
communication networks. Developers often enjoy the level of ease that IoT
brings them as it showcases areas for improvements in a building. However, these
benefits do come with risks as well. Osburn et. Al (2020) mentioned that “These
risks are due to five foundational issues that allow IoT vulnerabilities to
flourish: device production/ supply chain management, device quantity, public
policy, privacy and organizational and cultural dynamics”. Both insiders and
outsiders can easily access the building systems through the IoT devices and
disrupt important building systems and affect main building operations
intentionally or not. Therefore, building developers need to care for the
cybersecurity of a building.
Another risk that building developers might face is the loss of
confidential data. A Business Times (2021) article states that in recent years,
there has been a rise in security violations. It is mainly due to the Covid-19
pandemic where there was a boost in digital technologies being applied to smart
city services. One of the telecom services in Singapore, MyRepublic, lost the
personal information of their telecom subscribers to hackers. Almost 78,900 people
were victims of this incident. Similarly, to the usage of IoT devices, digital
technologies allow data to be exchanged over the internet or other
communication networks. Key facilities such as hospitals and telecom companies
would be desirable targets to obtain confidential data which will be profitable
in the black market. The data being sold in the black market can be sold to
competitors to use be used for marketing or fraud. Hence, the importance of
protecting the cyber security of a building should not be neglected.
Even though the technology used in a building does bring risks, it
does not mean that preventive measures cannot be taken. Bennett (2021)
mentioned that creating a more technologically advanced facility does not
necessarily mean that a facility will be more vulnerable. With proper
engagement regarding the cybersecurity of a building between key stakeholders
such as IT professionals and facility managers, it can make a smart building
safer for everyone.
In conclusion, the cyber security of a building should be a
priority for building developers. With the evolution of technology, risks in
areas such as the loss of confidential data and disruption in operations will
continuously develop as well.
Reference List
Lecomte.P. (2019, 29 Jan). Smart Building: What
Smart Really Means. The Business Times. [Online] Available: https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/opinion/smart-buildings-what-smart-really-means [Accessed:
9-Oct-2021]
Osburn, L., Beyer, J., Dossick, C.,
Benson, C. (2020) Internet of things and cybersecurity risk [Online]
Available: https://cyber.be.uw.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/64/2021/02/Part-I_IoT-and-Cybersecurity-Risk_V2.pdf
[Accessed: 9-Oct-2021]
The Business Times. (2021, 29 Sept). As
hackers get smart, cities need even smarter cybersecurity. [Online]
Available: https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/opinion/as-hackers-get-smart-cities-need-even-smarter-cybersecurity
[Accessed: 9-Oct-2021]
Bennett, B., Brown, S. (2021, 26 July). Can Smart Buildings Outsmart Hackers?. [Online] Available: https://www.facilitiesnet.com/security/article/Can-Smart-Buildings-Outsmart-Hackers--19331 [Accessed: 9-Oct-2021]
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