Commercial Facilities

Smart building cybersecurity and secure remote access

Connected building systems help improve comfort, efficiency and tenant experiences. However, increased connectivity also creates new cybersecurity risks. HVAC systems, elevators, lighting controls, security cameras, parking systems and other operational technology (OT) devices can become targets for unauthorized access.

Building owners and operators face a difficult challenge: enabling vendors and service providers to remotely maintain building systems while protecting critical infrastructure from cyber threats.

For organizations managing multiple facilities, maintaining consistent security policies across diverse building environments can become increasingly complex and resource intensive.

The challenge

Modern commercial buildings rely on internet-connected systems to support daily operations. Without proper security controls, these systems may be vulnerable to:

Unauthorized access to building networks
Operational disruptions and downtime
Compromised tenant networks
Damage to connected equipment
Risks to life-safety and critical building systems

At the same time, facilities teams still need to provide authorized vendors and contractors with secure access for remote support and maintenance.

Managing secure access across multiple sites, buildings and building systems requires a solution that is both scalable and easy to administer.

The OpenBlue Airwall solution

OpenBlue Airwall helps organizations secure smart building environments with a zero trust, software-defined perimeter architecture.

Designed to work with existing infrastructure, Airwall simplifies network security by replacing multiple layers of traditional security technologies, including VPNs, firewalls, VLANs, VRFs and access control solutions.

Key benefits

Secure remote access for authorized users and vendors
Simple microsegmentation between critical building systems
Consistent security policies across multiple locations
Reduced attack surface through zero trust architecture
Rapid deployment on existing networks
Secure connectivity between systems anywhere in the world

Airwall enables organizations to establish trusted, encrypted connections between specific users, devices and systems without exposing critical infrastructure to the public internet.

Managed security services through Intelligent Buildings

OpenBlue Airwall is offered in partnership with Intelligent Buildings, providing a turnkey managed service for smart building cybersecurity and remote access management.

The solution includes:

Secure network gateway
Network relay
OpenBlue Airwall client agent
Vendor onboarding and compliance workshops
Remote access policy managementy
Approved device and user access controls

This approach helps ensure that only authorized users can access designated building systems while minimizing exposure to internet-based threats.

Talk with an expert

Learn how OpenBlue Airwall can help secure your smart building infrastructure while simplifying vendor and contractor access.

Schedule consultation

What our customers are saying

“Our Managed Services leverage Tempered’s Airwall technology to deliver the most secure remote access solution for critical endpoints for owners and managers, whether they are corporate, REIT, government, healthcare, or higher education. Our very demanding requirements for our remote access solution include 1:1-only connections that are invisible to the Internet and the elimination of all personal use.”

— Darryl Benson, VP of Operations, Intelligent Buildings

“I wanted something that we could easily deploy and rapidly secure the infrastructure. Now we have a private and isolated network for all our legacy and new BACnet systems. It’s simple and fast to connect and segment building controls over any network.”

— Head of Facility Automation Services, Commercial Real Estate Firm

Frequently asked questions

What is smart building cybersecurity?

Smart building cybersecurity refers to the practices and technologies used to protect connected building systems from cyber threats. These systems may include HVAC equipment, building management systems (BMS), lighting controls, elevators, access control systems, security cameras, parking systems and other operational technology (OT) devices that communicate across networks.
Why are commercial buildings at risk of cyberattacks?

Modern commercial buildings rely on internet-connected systems to improve efficiency, comfort and operational performance. While connectivity delivers significant benefits, it can also create opportunities for unauthorized access if systems are not properly secured. Cyberattacks can potentially disrupt operations, compromise connected networks, damage equipment and impact critical building services.
How can vendors securely access building systems remotely?

Building owners often need to provide remote access to equipment manufacturers, service providers and maintenance contractors. OpenBlue Airwall helps enable secure remote access by establishing trusted connections only between authorized users and approved building systems. This helps reduce exposure to internet-based threats while supporting maintenance and troubleshooting activities.
What is zero trust security for commercial buildings?

Zero trust security is a cybersecurity approach that requires every user, device and connection to be verified before access is granted. Rather than assuming trust based on network location, zero trust continuously enforces access policies and limits connectivity to only authorized systems and users.
How does network segmentation improve building security?

Network segmentation separates building systems into smaller, isolated environments. This helps reduce the risk of unauthorized access spreading across connected systems and limits the impact of potential cyber incidents. Segmentation can help protect critical assets such as HVAC systems, elevators, lighting controls, security systems and other operational technologies.
How does OpenBlue Airwall support multi-site building portfolios?

OpenBlue Airwall allows organizations to manage security policies consistently across multiple facilities while supporting unique access requirements for different systems and locations. This helps simplify administration and provides greater visibility and control across distributed building environments.
Can OpenBlue Airwall work with existing building infrastructure?

Yes. OpenBlue Airwall is designed to be deployed on existing networks, helping organizations improve security without requiring a complete network redesign. This enables facilities teams to enhance cybersecurity while continuing to operate existing building systems and technologies.
What types of building systems can OpenBlue Airwall help protect?
OpenBlue Airwall can help secure a wide variety of connected building systems, including:

HVAC and environmental controls

Building management systems (BMS)

Lighting systems

Elevators and escalators

Security cameras and surveillance systems

Access control systems

Automated parking systems

Energy management systems

Other operational technology (OT) devices
How does OpenBlue Airwall help reduce cybersecurity risk?

OpenBlue Airwall helps reduce cyber risk by limiting access to authorized users and devices, supporting secure remote access, enabling network segmentation and implementing a zero trust architecture. Together, these capabilities help decrease the attack surface and improve protection for critical building systems.
Why is secure remote access important for commercial facilities?

Secure remote access allows facilities teams, vendors and service providers to monitor, maintain and troubleshoot building systems without being onsite. A secure approach helps organizations maintain operational efficiency while protecting critical infrastructure from unauthorized access and cyber threats.

Commercial facilities