BMS systems can now be found controlling, monitoring and securing Industrial buildings, Data centers, Airports, etc. The use of Smart Building Management systems is growing at approximately 15% to 34% annually. The BMS system industry is expected to rise insubstantially, given the need for energy efficient and cyber secure building environments. 

Comparing BMS networks to Industrial Control Systems (ICS) and believing that smart building security can be controlled like ICS security quiet often is easier said than done. Quite the contrary, BMS networks are much more interconnected than ICS networks. Additionally, the Internet of Things (IoT) devices are an important component of smart buildings and are less likely to be found in ICS systems. With BMS Systems, now being implemented increasingly at Industrial Sites, it has a wide range of applications which brings with it both the advantages and the potential for cyber threats. While the initial BMS systems were for heating and cooling, today a huge range of smart devices is being leveraged to increase worker productivity, reduce operational costs, and secure businesses from cyber threats. 

BMS systems are considered Operational Technology (OT), and they differ from standard IT systems primarily because of the variety of devices, protocols, and functionalities of the networks.  Given the BMS-specific protocols and the variety and multitudes of devices involved, the challenges of smart building security need to be addressed directly with security solutions designed specifically for those challenges.
To meet the security challenges of BMS networks, it is essential to have security systems that can discover every single device on a network, detect any rogue devices, and detect activities that can endanger the operational stability of these critical devices. 

It makes it even more challenging when selecting a BMS provider that has the ability to bridge the gap between BMS and ICS systems seamlessly.   Given the challenges with an ever-increasingly electrified world, and the risk to data and privacy, selecting Environmental Controls is the right choice. We have worked with various Fortune 50 clients to meet their need for efficiency, productivity and redundancy and now Cybersecurity.  With over three decades of tried-and-true BMS system design knowledge, we can now integrate robust PLC design elements into your building design, providing economic outcomes, and secure solutions for your data. Not only can we provide your buildings with comfort, efficiency and productive environments, but also a system design that implements ZERO downtime for your critical assets.

We make Buildings Work!