Cybersecurity/ Smart systems in danger

According to HomeLand Security News Wire, while most cybersecurity threats against government agencies tend to focus on network and computer systems, a growing number of access control systems, responsible for regulating electricity use, heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC), and the operation of secured doors and elevators are also vulnerable to hacking.

As more federal facilities subscribe to the Internet of Things – the connection of critical devices to the Web – those tasked with securing government buildings must be at the forefront of cybersecurity.

According to a 12 December 2014 report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO), attacks on access control systems could “compromise security measures, hamper agencies’ ability to carry out their missions or cause physical harm to the facilities or their occupants.” GAO warns that despite the seriousness of the vulnerabilities, agencies tasked with securing federal facilities have not been proactive.

The weak areas of US federal facilities’ Cyber protection