Digital Threats in HVAC, HVACR Leaders magazine, Nov2019

E D I T O R ‘ S N O T E
With the high energy
and cost savings
Heating,
Ventilation,
Air Conditioning, and
Refrigeration (HVACR)
systems bring to the table, it is
no longer surprising that such
technology is becoming more
commonplace in buildings,
both for residential and
commercial use.
This energy management
system offers users the
capability to control and
manage their systems in the
most convenient and most
cost-efficient way possible.
Digital Threats in the
HVACR industry
Today, the technology is of
significant use in the industry,
mainly because it increases
the value of the building and
provides a more ambient and
comfortable environment for
the residents and guests of the
building.
Automation in HVACR
While the benefits of
automation of HVACR is
hugely visible and has
significantly improved the
overall value of the building,
the automation system itself
poses a considerable risk in
terms of data security.
Wireless Connectivity
Wireless devices are taking
over the market. They have
been produced at a rather
exponential rate, especially
now that the number of
internet users has increased
4
dramatically in the last decade
as well.
HVACR Security Problem
Although this is generally
good news as it opens up an
opportunity for smart cities, it
also poses a significant data
security problem.
As it turns out, being
connected to the internet
means being connected to the
people who could possibly
exploit these devices for
criminal uses.
HVACR Distributors
Nowadays, major retailers
and building owners are
making use of third-party
HVACR companies to manage
their heating systems. This
mere fact alone proves to be a
weak link in the data network.
Once you let a third-party to
access your network, you are
basically opening to them a
considerable part of your
business data, most of which
are sensitive and confidential.
To help eliminate the risk, plan
your HVACR security even
before the installation of the
third-party HVACR. Restrict
access to virtually anywhere
possible. Train internal support
groups to manage the HVACR,
thus limiting outsiders in your
network.