As smart devices begin to become a norm in commercial buildings, data security risks do as well. All systems are gradually moving to the cloud, and as they transition there, the dangers that face them are different. You must consider the systems that protect your building to combat these new risks.
Poor and outdated cyber security technology can be hazardous as it places your building and tenants at risk of losing data, money, and time without awareness. Hackers can gain unauthorized access through building systems like Wi-Fi and HVAC, which could hugely impact your and your tenants’ lives.
In 2020, there were 1001 data breaches reported in the US, with the data of 155.8 million people revealed as a result. You can prevent and protect your assets from cyber attacks by assessing where you are vulnerable. With new and advanced technology, you can protect your building better without the burden of excess workload.
However, the ultimate way to address the cyber security risks in your building is to implement this technology alongside physical security technology. Managing your physical and cyber security with one team on one platform is far easier and reaps better results.
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Where Is Your Building Vulnerable?
Before you can start solving your cyber security risks, you should consider the systems you currently have in place and their vulnerabilities to know where to protect first. Every system poses risks, so you will need to perform a risk evaluation of your building. Ask yourself the following questions:
- How do you store data? Can it be accessed? If you store your data virtually, you must have computer anti-virus systems and protect your files with complex passwords.
- How severely would a security breach impact you? An owner of a large commercial complex or multiple commercial buildings will require a more advanced security system as they will have more sensitive data.
- Would a breach cost you financially? What impact would this have on your company? In 2020, companies lost 8.64 million US dollars on average for each data breach in the US. However, data breaches incur direct and indirect costs that some companies cannot afford, so you must weigh up your resources against your existing security.
- Are there any confidential records in the building? What existing protection do they have? The most sensitive data is at risk, so consider if it is as protected as possible because if it’s crucial to you, its safety should be too.
- Do you have the provisions in place to uncover and prevent a breach? Think over your existing security systems and the protection it offers you. It needs to prevent a breach, find it, and stop it in action.
What Systems Can You Employ To Address Cyber Security Risks?
Now that you are considering where your vulnerabilities are, you should start to think about how you can shield these vulnerabilities and protect your building effectively. Unfortunately, IoT technology creates new risks despite its many advantages, so you need to alter your security approach to achieve the full benefit of these smart systems.
To create a strong defense against cyber security risks, you should consider investing in top-quality security technology that integrates and protects.
Endpoint Security
Endpoints are easy access points for hackers entering the network and releasing malware or stealing data. With endpoint security software, all devices that access the network are secured with encryption and monitored for any strange or dangerous activities. This software protects against data breaches and blocks unauthorized activities to stop new vulnerable access points from forming.
Anti-Virus And Anti-Malware
Anti-virus software detects, stops, and removes malicious software from your network before it can harm you. In addition, anti-malware software protects your system from advanced threats such as spyware and worms that anti-virus doesn’t pick up.
These two software complement each other by addressing the threats that the other does not. Like anti-virus, anti-malware regularly scans your server for threats with a broader scope and eliminates any danger.
Firewalls
A firewall monitors your network traffic and allows access to safe external sources based on predetermined security rules. This blocks suspicious traffic that could enable hackers or viruses to access your system. Essentially, firewalls are the guards between you and a website, and they decide if the site poses a danger or not.
VPNs
VPNs protect your network when it is accessed remotely using public Wi-Fi. They form an encrypted tunnel for you to work within without exposing your IP address and leaving your network vulnerable to hackers. As a result, your online traffic is visible to hackers, allowing you to work comfortably anywhere without worrying.
Cloud-Based Security Systems
They are an ideal choice for a growing business as they are easy to scale as your business needs and threats change over time. Also, one system can manage several buildings to allow more control and visibility over the security of the building. As a result, security responses are faster and more improved.
How Can Physical Security Help?
Updating your cybersecurity systems is a fantastic way to address cyber security risks in your buildings. However, they do not offer complete protection from threats. IoT physical security technology, like access control and video intercoms, is equally important. Addressing cyber security risks with physical security technology and cyber security addresses concerns on all fronts.
Converged Security
By combining your physical and cyber security team to adopt a converged approach, you will gain one team that understands and operates both systems effectively. Together, they can combat threats from physical and cyber access points, allowing for quicker and better quality responses.
Converged security allows you to view the security of your property from one standpoint instead of two to have better visibility of all risks. It also combats new threats that smart buildings pose and allows you to advance your building into the modern era with new technology while staying safe simultaneously.
Access Control And Video Intercoms
Access control has been increasingly growing in popularity. The latest trends in access control have been addressing the need for touchless access technology following the pandemic. Touchless access control uses mobile or physical key cards instead of keys for an easier and safer entry. In addition, this technology ensures that only authorized users can access the building.
As well, access control and different intercom systems can be integrated to give security teams greater visibility of the facility. For example, with a video-enabled intercom, security teams can see who is entering the building on video and the access credentials they use. If a visitor wants to enter, security could verify their identity through the video intercom before providing access.
Physical security measures like access control and video intercoms protect digital assets. They prevent hackers from gaining access to the building and the computer systems. Access control and video intercoms are essential elements of physical security that can strengthen your converged security system and protect your assets.
