Building Automation Controller Security Scanning for Network Risk
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Solution Overview
Problem
Building automation systems face security vulnerabilities due to the connection of hundreds or thousands of electronic devices to local and internet networks, leading to potential cyberattacks, as devices may be inadequately secured, exposing settings and information that can be exploited.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an electronic security assessment method within the building automation system, where a controller initiates a scan to identify vulnerabilities such as firewall protection, open communication ports, Ethernet and Wi-Fi configurations, software updates, and software applications, calculating a risk score and providing recommendations for remediation, which can be scheduled and performed on a periodic basis, with the option to connect to cloud-based services for further analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If electronic devices are connected to local and internet networks for building automation, then system functionality and remote access are improved, but security vulnerabilities and exposure to cyberattacks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs security assessments before cyberattacks can occur by proactively scanning for vulnerabilities, open ports, and misconfigurations. The controller initiates security scans and identifies potential security issues in advance, allowing preventive measures to be taken before actual attacks exploit these vulnerabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors network devices and provides feedback about security status. The controller receives information about device configurations, software versions, and potential vulnerabilities, then generates reports and recommendations for remediation. This ongoing feedback loop enables continuous security improvement.
2Measurement precision
If security assessments are performed on all network devices, then security vulnerability detection is improved, but system complexity and assessment time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The controller serves multiple functions: it manages building automation operations and simultaneously performs security assessments. By consolidating security assessment capabilities within the existing controller infrastructure, the system avoids adding separate complex security systems while maintaining comprehensive vulnerability detection across all network devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-assessment where the controller automatically scans and evaluates its own security posture and the security posture of connected devices. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external security assessment tools and reduces system complexity by using existing controller resources for security monitoring.
3Reliability
If frequent security scans are performed, then vulnerability identification is improved, but network bandwidth consumption and system performance decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs security assessments on a periodic basis rather than continuously. The controller can be configured to conduct security scans at scheduled intervals, balancing the need for current security information with the consumption of network bandwidth and system resources. This periodic approach maintains security reliability while minimizing impact on normal operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method and building automation system, the building automation system including a network of electronic devices connected in electronic communication. The method includes initiating an electronic security scan of the controller. The controller electronically assesses security vulnerabilities of the controller, including identifying one or more of a validation of whether the controller is protected by a firewall or other network security device, identifying which communication ports are open, identifying and verifying an Ethernet and Wi-Fi configuration of the controller, determining whether any routers communicating with the controller are protected by the firewall or other network security device, determining whether the controller is running an up-to-date software or firmware version, and determining a listing of software applications and versions installed on the controller. The controller calculates a risk score and listing of recommendations for resolving security vulnerabilities of the controller based on the electronically assessing security vulnerabilities of the controller.