What are the concerns?

Due to the amount of technology that intelligent building systems utilise, some people fear that they are less safe than other properties. And, sadly, some facilities do suffer from vulnerabilities. This is because installing smart devices across a building without securing them effectively can increase the danger of a breach, especially with cyber-attacks on the rise.

However, so long as building automation is implemented properly, intelligent buildings are in no way less safe than standard facilities. The main factor is simply how much attention is put on smart building security.

How does intelligent building design improve security?

Whilst early building controls were not designed with security at the forefront, technology has now developed dramatically in recent years with safety a far higher priority, says Johnson Controls. For instance, intelligent building design now incorporates cyber solutions, which offer a full lifecycle approach to network security. Thus, smart building systems are now protected from a range of security threats.

Additionally, the inter-connected nature of intelligent buildings can improve safety when installed correctly. Smart buildings integrate every building control, which means they can identify threats faster. As a result of the improved communication between different building systems, they can often take immediate action to mitigate danger, protecting occupants and data more effectively.

What’s the solution?

Ultimately, Johnson Controls concludes that intelligent buildings are often safer as well as more efficient facilities. They protect people by responding to threats quicker and reduce downtime through improved system integration. The key is finding the right provider so that building controls are implemented successfully.

Johnson Controls' approach is to aim to allow the user to make faster, safer, more data driven decisions when it comes to a building. The company combines building operational technology, including security, with external information in a way that is designed to create the most optimised and best protected systems for a facility.