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BACnet Insight

How to Protect Building Automation –

Today and Tomorrow

Cybersecurity threats are increasing.

Building automation increasingly faces unprecedented As an additional data link layer, BACnet/SC can The protocol uses WebSocket Secure (WSS) with TLS
security challenges – especially in critical be seamlessly integrated through BACnet routers, 1.3 to allow for encrypted, bug and tamper-proof
infrastructure. Fortunately, the BACnet Secure Connect allowing existing systems to be upgraded without any communication of devices. It also implements a hub-
standard (BACnet/SC) addresses both current and extensive infrastructure changes. The protocol supports and-node architecture to ensure high availability in
future cybersecurity needs. Dr. Alina Matyukhina, CSO communication with earlier versions of BACnet, ensuring critical environments. Certificates for authentication
and Global Head of Cybersecurity at Siemens Smart backward compatibility as well as providing enhanced provide multiple protection layers: The first one is an
Infrastructure Buildings, explains how. security features for newer installations. individual so-called Operational Certificate (OC), which

With the increasing digitalization of building systems,
cybersecurity has become a pressing issue for facility
management as operational technology (OT) systems face
a growing number of incidents. According to projections,
cyberattacks on businesses, consumers, governments,
and devices will occur every two seconds by 2031.

This threat is compounded by the rapid growth of Internet
of Things (IoT) devices in smart buildings, which are
expected to reach more than three billion by 2028. Robust
security measures are required, especially for critical
infrastructure, such as hospitals, airports or laboratories.
However, traditional building automation protocols were
not designed to address today’s cybersecurity challenges.

Adding Critical Security Features to the Standard
Protocol

BACnet, which is used in more than 70 percent of the
world’s building automation systems, has adapted to
these challenges with its Secure Connect (SC) upgrade.
Launched in late 2019, the BACnet/SC enhancement
maintains the solution’s open, flexible nature while adding
crucial security features.
© all pictures: Siemens

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