Why OT and IoT systems are high-risk targets

Most building systems were engineered for uptime, not security. Their core weaknesses fall into four categories:

1. They’re exposed without anyone realising it

A surprising number of BMS controllers, camera DVRs, badge readers and environmental sensors sit directly on the public internet with default credentials. Shodan scans show hundreds of thousands of these systems accessible worldwide.

For attackers, this is gold:

• No phishing required

• No malware required

• No endpoint agent to bypass

Just a login prompt, and often the password is still "admin".

2. They run outdated or unpatchable software

Many building systems run firmware that hasn’t been updated in years (sometimes decades). Vendors often discontinue support while devices stay in service for 10–20 years.

This leaves:

• Known CVEs permanently exploitable

• Hard-coded credentials that can’t be removed

• Zero ability to deploy endpoint tools

A perfect storm for lateral movement.

3. They bridge IT and OT - giving attackers a path inside

Attackers increasingly use OT and IoT as the first foothold in a wider breach. Common patterns include:

• Compromising a CCTV server → pivoting to the corporate network

• Hijacking HVAC controllers → reaching an AD server on the same VLAN

• Using vulnerable IoT sensors → scanning east/west traffic for misconfigurations

Real-world breaches have started from printers, cameras, thermostats, even smart kettles.

4. They operate in high-value environments

The more critical the building, the more attractive the target. Examples include:

• Hospitals

• Airports

• Schools and universities

• Multi-tenant smart offices

• Warehouses and logistics hubs

• Critical infrastructure or industrial sites

Interrupting building systems isn't just inconvenient - it can threaten safety, compliance and business continuity.

What makes Building Management Systems (BMS) so risky?

A Building Management System is effectively the “brain” of a building. If compromised, attackers can:

• Disable alarms

• Unlock access doors

• Shut down cooling systems

• Manipulate environmental controls

• Cause physical disruption or downtime

• Hide malicious activity behind “building faults”

Because BMS networks often sit adjacent to IT networks, compromise of one frequently leads to compromise of the other.

The industry is now waking up to this. Building operators, facility managers and smart-building integrators are increasingly aware that physical and cyber risk are now one and the same.

But most still lack the tools, processes or visibility to monitor and protect these environments.

Why traditional IT security tools don’t work for OT & IoT

Most IT-focused security products struggle in building environments for three simple reasons:

1. You can’t install endpoint agents

CCTV cameras, sensors, controllers, fire panels, HVAC systems - none of these support EDR or antivirus. If your security strategy relies on installing an agent, OT/IoT will always be invisible.

2. Logs are inconsistent or non-existent

Many devices produce little or no usable log data. Others generate proprietary formats that traditional SIEM tools cannot parse.

3. Attackers don’t use malware here

They use:

• Default credentials

• Protocol misuse

• Network scanning

• Lateral movement

• Exploitation of forgotten CVEs

• Abuse of trusted connections

These behaviours happen in the network, not on the endpoint - meaning endpoint-only tools miss almost everything.

This is why so many MSPs believe they have a secure building… until the day something breaks, goes offline, or is hijacked for a wider attack.

How enhanced.io protects buildings where other solutions fall short

enhanced.io was built to secure the entire environment - IT, OT and IoT - not just laptops and servers.

1. Full-spectrum network visibility

We analyse east/west traffic within BMS, IoT and building networks, detecting:

• Unusual device-to-device activity

• Lateral movement

• Unknown controllers appearing

• Command and protocol misuse

• Attempts to pivot into IT systems

Where endpoint-only solutions see nothing, we see everything.

2. Agentless detection for OT & IoT

Because you can’t install agents, enhanced.io uses passive and active network analysis to classify devices, detect vulnerabilities and spot abnormal behaviour in real time.

3. Continuous monitoring of critical building systems

Our platform looks for behavioural anomalies such as:

• Cameras communicating with external IPs

• HVAC controllers running out-of-profile commands

• Unexpected configuration changes

• Privilege escalation attempts

• Traffic leaving the country or bypassing normal gateways

This is exactly where attackers hide - between devices, not on them.

4. Rapid incident response through our 24/7 security operations

When something suspicious happens in a building network, the enhanced.io SOC investigates immediately. No waiting, no guesswork, no hoping another tool catches it.

5. MSP-friendly deployment across multi-building estates

Whether you manage:

• A single commercial building

• A portfolio of office spaces

• A university campus

• A residential tower

• A chain of retail stores

enhanced.io’s multi-tenant architecture lets MSPs secure every building under one roof.

6. Transparent comparison for MSPs evaluating tools

We maintain a competitor comparison section on our website to help MSPs understand where IT-first tools stop - and where full-spectrum building security becomes essential.

Why MSPs should act now

The number of OT/IoT-based breaches has exploded in the last five years. Attackers target buildings because:

• Their security is weaker

• Their devices are older

• Their networks are flatter

• Their uptime requirements are critical

• Their compromise creates immediate business impact

MSPs who get ahead of this trend will differentiate themselves dramatically - especially as smart buildings, access control systems and connected devices continue to grow.

Clients assume their buildings are safe. MSPs need to prove it.