Last month, WiredScore attended and presented at NexusCon in Denver, Colorado. The conference brought together professionals across smart building technology and operational technology, creating space for meaningful conversations about data, AI, and the future of smart buildings.
Across the sessions and side conversations, one theme remained prominent: cybersecurity. Here are our thoughts on how the industry is responding to this rapidly escalating challenge.
Cyber attacks on buildings are rising at an alarming pace.
Recent industry data reveals:
In 2024, 27 % of buildings experienced a cyber incident. This is a steep increase from 16% in 2023, representing a 69% year-on-year rise.
Phishing attacks have surged by 700% due to the scale and speed enabled by AI-driven tools.
These figures highlight a shift in attacker focus.
Building systems are now recognised as high-value targets, and cyber criminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated.
Companies are facing significant losses, legal claims, and reputational harm when critical systems are compromised.
Several real-world examples shared at NexusCon
illustrate the seriousness of the threat:
A commercial office building had its access control system breached. Workers were unable to use the main entrance for weeks and the landlord spent $65,000 replacing the system.
A major property management firm was hit by ransomware that shut down HVAC, access control, and elevators across more than 40 buildings. Tenants were locked out for three days, resulting in $2 million in losses and litigation.
These incidents reinforce the need for proactive and robust cybersecurity strategies at the building level.
As technology adoption accelerates, so does the need for stronger cyber resilience. Building-level cybersecurity is no longer optional.
It is essential to safeguarding operations, protecting tenants, and maintaining business continuity.
WiredScore has seen this shift firsthand, with a sharp increase in landlords seeking guidance on their cybersecurity posture.
Many of these conversations are triggered by incidents within peer networks, prompting renewed attention on preparedness.
WiredScore helps landlords benchmark, protect,
and communicate their approach to cybersecurity through:
For those looking to navigate the evolving landscape of smart technology and cybersecurity, the WiredScore team is ready to help.