infoTECH Feature

April 14, 2014

InsideIQ Looks to Safeguard Companies' BAS from Hackers

Hackers are smart enough to know they can easily gain entry into corporate networks through building automation systems (BAS)—used to control the lights, heating and cooling, access controls and even elevators. As these systems have only minimal security in place, they are very vulnerable, making it easy for cyberattackers to launch into action. Hence, the InsideIQ Building Automation Alliance has taken the initiative to safeguard companies’ BAS.

This alliance, which consists of leading building automation and security companies representing common automation and security system platforms, has recently formed a cybersecurity committee to protect member firms from cyberattacks. The committee will provide education and support in order to promote best practices in cybersecurity, with the focus on safeguarding BAS.

"Inside IQ is taking a stand as a group to educate its members, assist members in the event of a breach with a solid list of first responders, work with cybersecurity experts to evaluate products and practices, and support each other over all,” observed  Frank Rotello, president of the InsideIQ Building Automation Alliance.

He emphasized the importance of sharing knowledge between firms, and given that objective- noted that the creation of a cybersecurity committee was a logical step.

According to Fred Gordy, chair of the cybersecurity committee at InsideIQ, almost every week there is a report of a breach and hackers use the control systems as an entry point to gain access to corporate networks.

"Cybersecurity, or the lack of it, will affect each member company in one way or the other and it's important that we evaluate our practices and technologies so we know how to keep our customer's systems secure," observed Rotello.

The collective experience of the independent contractors is dedicated to protecting member firms and also their customers by keeping cyberattackers at bay. The international alliance thus seeks to maximize every customers' investment while perfecting the inside working environment.




Edited by Maurice Nagle
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