5G innovation will bring great benefits but also new potential threats. Here is the point of view of an important company in the sector.
Today we are talking to Terafence, a company that deals with a really interesting solution to defend smart buildings from cyber attacks. We were very impressed by the solution that protects through a particular security method that acts on IP addresses.
We asked some questions to deepen Terafance's approach in this new scenario.
1) How does 5G according to Terafence impact smart buildings?
5G could allow proliferation of IoT devices all connected to each other as well as to a central command center. Such connectivity can allow extreme resource management leading to energy conservation, better resource management, better service to building occupants and offer more security, both physical and electronic by installing independent sensors, all interconnected using 5G.
2) What are the main threats to a smart building?
As buildings become more autonomous and smarter, they become more susceptible to Cyber Attackers. Hackers seek for vulnerabilities in devices and infrastructure, for fun or for financial gain. Terrorism has been shifting from trucks loaded with explosives to Cyber Attacks causing havoc and damages without ever leaving their sanctuary. In both cases, the building in under attack 24/7 by humans or roBOTs.
3) How does Terafence combat these threats?
By totally denying any form of network communication between attackers and end-devices, Terafence TGF product family makes sure that no hacker can attack the building and wreak havoc by maliciously manipulating the building systems. Installing Terafences products create safe zones in the building networks where hackers are completely unable to reach, hence unable to exploit and cause damage.
4) How is the BAS protected from intrusion into corporate networks?
By placing a uni directional data gateway, data is forwarded to the corporate network while maintaining a military strength Air-Gap in the Terafence security device. Both networks are now assured that nothing can harm the two networks, only the designated data can traverse the Terafence Device.
5) How are the proprietary BACNet and LonTalk protocols managed within the solution?
Terafence device will only respond to BACnet and LonTalk protocols traffic as configured by the customer. All other forms of data protocols are ignored.
6) By whom is the solution managed?
By the customer or by a Terafence certified Partner / Integrator.
7) What type of attacks have the greatest impact on a smart building, with what consequences?
In recent years ransom attacks became more apparent only because they are easily noticeable and cause serious down-time. Other forms of cyber attacks are not always clearly visible and often are un-notices by the victim.
8) How does Terafence see the future of cyber security?
Terafence is working intensively to produce a “system-on-a-chip” that will provide absolute isolation and segmentation at the device level, not requiring / relying on additional network security measures. End devices would be able to isolate themselves from the network while maintaining their intended functionality. Hackers no longer make use of their vulnerabilities any longer, as they have no connection to the end-device. Game Over.
