Imagine a world where your ATM, your smart phone, your coffee shop or your airline were no longer connected to the internet. Do you know anyone who would want to go back to that world? Of course not! The benefits of instant communication, real-time weather and scheduling updates, financial transactions and e-commerce are far too valuable to just give up.
From the way the media portrays the dangers of IoT, it seems there’s only one legitimate way to protect your buildings from cybersecurity breaches – don’t connect to the internet. No internet means no smart sensor technology in your buildings however, cutting them off from almost all the benefits associated with a successful smart building journey. These include improved occupant comfort, the use of analytics for predictive maintenance and new revenue models, and cutting costs through improved building performance and process efficiency. Moreover, the mass adoption of smart building and IoT technology is already well underway in CRE; does this hardline approach really warrant being left behind by industry competitors, all for the sake of better cybersecurity?
The reality is that maintaining buildings offline was never really an effective way to protect them against data leaks, network breaches or remote tampering. The risk doesn’t lie in the smart building technology of the present and near future, but in the past three decades of outsourced maintenance and obsolete technology.
Unfortunately, it’s impossible to know how secure both smart and non-smart buildings are without a strategic and comprehensive site audit. This is for two reasons.
Smart buildings and IoT technology aren’t entirely to blame for the recent onslaught of CRE cybersecurity breaches, as these vulnerabilities are often pre-existing and undetected. If you’re not sure how vulnerable your organization is to cyberattacks, the first step should be to consider a comprehensive site audit of your building network and all systems. To find out how progressing your smart building journey can deliver airtight portfolio cybersecurity, check out part 2 of our ‘CRE cybersecurity’ series.
Talk to a smart building expert to learn more about how Switch helps portfolio managers reach their sustainability goals.
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Global crises demand streamlined operations as property value comes under pressure. Find out how smart building functionality is essential.
These days, a number of green certifications and programs exist, each with its own focus area and sustainability goals. Learn about the top 5.
In this final installment of the series we discuss how a well-executed smart building program can ensure airtight CRE cybersecurity.
The GRESB Data Quality Assessment is paving the path to digital facilities management for the CRE industry. Switch Automation VP Patti Mason weighs in.
Welcome to Switch Spotlight, where we share our journeys in the smart building industry and what it’s like working at Switch!
With increasing reliance on artificial intelligence to support businesses, data science is key in turning data into actionable insights to optimize operations and impact risk management and decision-making. Artificial intelligence (AI) techniques and solutions often operate like ‘black boxes’, leaving organizations open to new AI risks.
As climate change intensifies, the urgency to act on one of our biggest levers—energy use in commercial and retail buildings—has never been clearer. Every kilowatt saved is a step closer to sustainability, slashing greenhouse gas emissions while moving us toward essential climate goals. Whether you’re overseeing a retail portfolio or managing a single commercial space, boosting energy efficiency doesn’t just cut costs—it creates healthier, more comfortable spaces for everyone. Now is the time to act.
Smart building technology is constantly evolving and improving, and there are several trends that are expected to take center stage in 2023.
When it comes to being a building owner or operator, you have a lot to balance.
