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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