
The Importance of Elevator Cybersecurity
January 20, 2025With the implementation of IoT technology in elevators where digital control systems communicate through the internet or other networks, there is a greater risk of cyber attacks. When an elevator deals with a cyber attack, this can lead to breakdowns and operational disruptions that can endanger the safety of users. However, there are ways to ensure the cybersecurity of your elevator. Here are some recommendations.
Include Cyber Security Elements with Elevator Design
Many IoT elevators have interfaces that are connected to communication lines within a facility including wireless internet access points and other software that connects the facility to an outer network like the internet. While this can be helpful for elevator efficiency, it can also cause potential risks where hackers can damage an elevator’s system.
Smart Access Technology
With smart access technology, elevators can allow smartphones to be used for authentication purposes. This allows for hands-free access control allowing building owners to operate different levels of access to individuals remotely. Smart access control ranges from role-based and time-based.
Credentials
IoT elevators are often credential-independent, which can allow for various authentication technologies such as proximity cards, smart cards, and mobile credentials. Mobile credentials will enhance security allowing employees to be easily identified through mobile devices without worrying about keeping track of keys and badges.
Firewalls
A firewall in an elevator is installed to act as a digital guard, monitoring and controlling network traffic to prevent unauthorized access. It’s a digital barrier that sits between a private internal network and the public internet.
Encryption
Encryption is the process of transforming readable data into unreadable, scrambled formats with mathematical algorithms and a secret key. This can be helpful for elevators in the potential case of a cyberattack where a potential hacker gains access to different elevator codes.
Study Elevator System Attack Response Plans
It’s important to study cyber threat behavior over time, as it can adapt and evolve based on the current technological landscape. Certain strategies can be implemented to catch vulnerabilities in your system before they become bigger problems.
Maintain and Strengthen Assets
Elevator systems need adequate training, tools, resources, and processes to protect the elevator from any kind of cyber attack. It’s important to enlist the help of experienced elevator technicians who have experience with cybersecurity and cyber threats.
Modernizing an elevator’s technological operations can be a great way to keep your elevator safe from various cyber threats. Whether a building’s elevator system has IoT integrations or you are looking to implement them soon, make sure to put precautions in place that protect the integrity of your elevator’s data.