Strengthen Your Building Controls Security

In an era where building systems are increasingly connected to corporate networks, the challenge for specifiers and IT stakeholders is no longer just about optimizing performance—it's about securing the entire infrastructure. This convergence of operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT) has created a new frontier for cybersecurity, and the stakes are high. According to an IBM report, the global average cost of a data breach is $4.4M, in USD.ⁱ This trend underscores the importance of cybersecurity and a growing recognition that protecting building automation systems is crucial for safeguarding the broader enterprise network.

The integration of building automation systems with IT networks offers significant benefits, but it also introduces a complex set of vulnerabilities. Traditionally, these systems were isolated, but as smart building technologies evolve, modern cybersecurity practices have become essential. The goal is to manage this connectivity securely, ensuring that the benefits of integration don't come at the cost of security.

The Interconnected World of OT & IT

In a secure building design, it's essential to understand the difference between Information Technology (IT), which manages business data, and Operational Technology (OT), which controls physical processes like HVAC and lighting. The convergence of these two systems in modern smart buildings creates new vulnerabilities that can lead to physical damage or business disruption. Therefore, specifiers play a vital role in ensuring these interconnected worlds are segmented and secure to mitigate risk.

The Critical Role of Network Segmentation & Isolation

A fundamental principle of modern cybersecurity is network segmentation. This involves dividing a large network into smaller, isolated segments. In building automation, the most critical segmentation is between the OT network and the IT network. By creating a robust building automation system (BAS) security layer at this connection point, organizations may significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access and help mitigate cyber threats. This isolation is intended to act as a barrier, helping to prevent malicious traffic from the broader corporate network from reaching critical control devices. A router that is designed to meet applicable U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and Canadian Centre for Cyber Security (CCCS) guidelines may help establish a secure zone between these networks. This approach is particularly valuable for building automation because it may help to:

Minimize the Attack Surface: Isolating the automation network can reduce the number of entry points for attackers, which may simplify security policy enforcement for IT teams.
Contain Threats: If one side of the firewall is compromised, the threat is intended to be contained and may not easily spread to the other side. This is critical for data center stakeholders who need to protect both building functions and sensitive corporate data.
Enhance Reliability: Managing and filtering traffic may help ensure that network communication is reliable and that critical operational data is prioritized.

The Isolated Network Router: A Secure Foundation

To achieve this critical isolation, a specialized isolated network router is an important component. This device serves as the gateway between the enterprise network and the building's control network, performing several essential functions to help ensure a robust and secure connection. A high-performance isolated network router should be designed with the specific needs of building automation in mind. Key features include:

Dedicated BAS Security Layer: The router should be designed to act as a robust firewall, providing a critical security layer that isolates the building automation network from external IP traffic.
IT-Friendly Integration: It can simplify IT management by requiring only a single IP address from the corporate network to manage the entire isolated automation segment. This may reduce administrative overhead and help streamline network policies.
Automated Configuration: A built-in DHCP server can automatically assign isolated IP addresses, which may simplify network configuration and help reduce installation time for contractors.
Multi-Media BACnet Routing: The router should be able to route communication across common BACnet media types, including BACnet/IP, BACnet Secure Connect (SC), and MS/TP. For specifiers, this supports a flexible design that can adapt to both existing and future infrastructure.
Advanced Diagnostics & Management: The device should offer advanced diagnostics to capture network data and statistics for efficient troubleshooting. It should also function as a BACnet Broadcast Management Device (BBMD) to manage broadcast communication efficiently on BACnet/IP networks, which may help reduce traffic and potentially improve response times.
Simplified Device Integration: It should support Foreign Device Registration (FDR), enabling the automatic discovery and registration of third-party BACnet devices to streamline communication.
Easy Commissioning: A dedicated USB service port can be used for system setup, troubleshooting, and restoration through a local connection.

Beyond the Hardware: A Holistic Cybersecurity Approach

While the isolated network router is a cornerstone, a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy for building automation requires a broader perspective. It involves designing a system that is secure from the ground up, with a focus on simplicity, ease of use, and ongoing maintenance.

Pre-Engineered Controls: Choosing a system with pre-engineered control programs can help simplify setup and minimize the need for field programming, thereby reducing the risk of human error.
Intuitive User Interface: A graphic-rich user interface is a key tool for keeping facility staff connected to the system from any web-enabled device, enabling them to respond quickly to issues and alarm conditions.
Single-Source Delivery: A single provider for both equipment and controls can help ensure a seamless system that is easy to understand, monitor, and regulate.

Conclusion

In the complex landscape of modern building management, cybersecurity is no longer an afterthought but a foundational requirement. The convergence of IT and building automation systems demands a strategic, proactive approach to BAS security that begins at the network level. By implementing a dedicated isolated network router, specifiers and IT professionals may establish a robust defense that helps protect critical building operations and the entire enterprise. To help ensure a secure, resilient building, select a solution that simplifies network design, helps support compliance through recognized certifications, and may reduce ongoing IT management burden by requiring only a single IP address from the corporate network. This single, deliberate action is an important step towards creating a secure perimeter, simplifying management, and providing the essential tools for troubleshooting and maintaining a reliable system.

References

^[i] Cost of a Data Breach 2025 | IBM. (2025). Ibm.com. https://www.ibm.com/reports/data-breach ‌