Why every installer needs to build cyber resilience into connected automation systems from day one
For years, cybersecurity was seen as someone else’s problem. It was the responsibility of the IT department, while installers concentrated on getting systems up and running, making sure everything worked as it should and handing the project over to the customer.
Today, that approach no longer works.
Whether you’re installing a building management system, smart lighting, access control, HVAC controls, industrial automation or connected sensors, there’s a good chance the system will be connected to a network or the internet. Customers expect to monitor and control their systems remotely, receive alerts on their phones and access real-time data wherever they are.
Connectivity has transformed the automation industry, creating smarter buildings, more efficient factories and better customer experiences. However, it has also created new challenges that every installer needs to understand.
The good news is that cybersecurity doesn’t have to be complicated. In many cases, it’s simply about following good installation practices and building security into every project from day one.
Everything is connected now
There was a time when most automation systems worked in isolation. A controller managed a production line, a building management system looked after heating and ventilation, and access control or CCTV systems did exactly what they were designed to do. Once installed, they often ran for years with very little outside interaction.
Fast forward to today, and the picture is very different.
Modern automation is built around connectivity. Building management systems can be monitored from anywhere in the world, production equipment sends performance data to the cloud, and engineers can diagnose faults remotely without setting foot on site. End users expect to control lighting, heating, security and energy systems from a smartphone or tablet, while manufacturers rely on real-time information to improve productivity and reduce downtime.
For installers and system integrators, this has created exciting new opportunities. Connected systems offer more functionality, better customer service and the ability to provide ongoing support long after the installation has been completed.
But every internet connection, remote login and mobile app also creates another doorway into a system. If that doorway isn’t properly protected, it could allow unauthorised access or disrupt the way a building or factory operates.
Convenience comes with responsibility
Remote access has become one of the biggest selling points of modern automation.
An installer can diagnose a fault without travelling to site. Facilities managers can check building performance while working from home. Manufacturers can monitor production around the clock, and customers can control systems from almost anywhere.
These features save time, reduce costs and improve customer service.
However, remote access also needs to be managed properly. Leaving default passwords in place, sharing login details between multiple users or forgetting to remove old user accounts can leave systems vulnerable.
Most cyber incidents don’t happen because criminals have found some sophisticated way of breaking into a system. They often happen because simple security measures have been overlooked.
Changing default passwords, using strong login credentials and keeping software and firmware up to date can dramatically reduce the risk of problems later on.
Small mistakes can have big consequences
Cybersecurity isn’t just about protecting data. In automation, it is often about protecting the operation of a building or production facility.
Imagine a warehouse where the building management system suddenly stops responding, or a factory where production equipment can no longer communicate across the network. Even a short period of downtime can lead to lost productivity, missed deadlines and frustrated customers.
Fortunately, these situations are rare, but they highlight why security should be considered as part of every installation rather than something that is added afterwards.
As systems become smarter and more connected, installers are increasingly becoming the first line of defence.
Five simple ways to improve security
The good news is that improving cybersecurity doesn’t always require expensive software or specialist knowledge. Often, it’s the simple things that make the biggest difference.
- Change default usernames and passwords. Never leave factory settings in place once a system has been commissioned.
- Keep software and firmware updated. Manufacturers regularly release updates that improve both performance and security.
- Limit remote access. Only enable remote connections where they are genuinely needed and remove access when it is no longer required.
- Use different passwords for different systems. Reusing the same password across multiple installations increases the risk if one account becomes compromised.
- Talk to your customer. Explain why updates, maintenance and good password management are just as important as the original installation.
These simple steps take very little extra time but can significantly improve the long-term security of an installation.
Security is becoming a selling point
Customers are becoming more aware of cybersecurity than ever before.
Whether they’re managing an office building, a school, a manufacturing facility or a retail site, they want reassurance that connected systems have been installed responsibly.
Being able to explain how a system has been secured, why passwords have been changed, how remote access is managed and what maintenance is recommended demonstrates professionalism and helps build trust.
Increasingly, cybersecurity is becoming another way for installers to differentiate themselves from the competition.
Looking ahead
Automation will only become more connected over the coming years. Artificial intelligence, cloud platforms, smart sensors and remote monitoring will continue to deliver new opportunities for installers and end users alike.
With those opportunities comes greater responsibility.
Cybersecurity should no longer be viewed as a separate specialist subject that only concerns IT departments. It has become part of everyday automation, and every installer has a role to play in protecting the systems they design, install and maintain.
The good news is that good cybersecurity doesn’t always require complex technology. It starts with good installation practices, careful planning and attention to detail.
As the industry continues to evolve, customers will increasingly judge an installation not only on how well it performs, but also on how well it is protected.
For today’s automation professionals, building secure systems is no longer an optional extra—it is simply part of doing the job properly.