FEATURES | TECHNOLOGY
SMART BUILDING SECURITY How Edge Computing is Reshaping Cyber Risk The ascent of smart building technology is revolutionizing the commercial real estate landscape, offering unprecedented levels of efficiency, tenant experience and operational intelligence. However, this digital transformation brings with it a complex web of cybersecurity challenges. As interconnected systems manage everything from HVAC and lighting to access control and surveillance, the attack surface for malicious actors expands significantly. With the number of Internet of Things (IoT) devices projected to skyrocket globally to 40 billion by 2030, up from 16.6 billion in 2023, according to “IoT Analytics,” the urgency to fortify these intelligent infrastructures has never been greater.
Pressing Vulnerabilities in Smart Buildings Modern smart buildings function as intricate digital ecosystems, heavily reliant on a vast network of connected devices and, frequently, cloud-based management systems to achieve efficiency and automation. This deep interconnectivity, while beneficial, harbors significant vulnerabilities. Among the most pressing are outdated firmware, weak or default authentication protocols and a conspicuous lack of robust network segmentation. Many existing buildings still operate on legacy systems that were not engineered to withstand the sophisticated
56 MANN REPORT | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2025
By Fabio Zaniboni, Founder and CEO of BubblyNet
cyber threats of today, leaving sensitive data perilously exposed. Zscaler ThreatLabz reports that cyberattacks targeting IoT devices have surged by a staggering 400% year-over-year, underscoring the pervasive nature of this threat. A case in point involved a North Carolina hotel where hackers gained access to the establishment’s payment system by exploiting a vulnerability in its smart thermostat. Such incidents highlight not only the direct risks to safety and privacy but also the substantial financial and reputational damage that can be inflicted upon property owners
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