We know that the world is changing all around us, and it is changing very quickly. From technology to regulations, from safety to comfort, from politics to society, the world continues to change at light speed.

In the last few years, I’ve been wondering whether this wild shift toward artificial intelligence (AI) in home and commercial control systems and robotics is the next “bubble” that will either burst or upend the world as we know it. Frankly, it already is upending the world.

Look inside any high-performance building today, and you’ll see sophisticated HVAC systems working in concert with automation, analytics, and connected controls. But beneath the surface of this digital efficiency lies a growing threat: cyberattacks targeting the very systems designed to keep our buildings running. I wrote a bit about this last year in the article, “A Look at Cybersecurity for HVAC Contractors.”

Basically, today’s High-Performance HVAC™ contractors are no longer just mechanical experts — they’ve become guardians of digital infrastructure. And from where I sit, the stakes have never been higher.

Why HVAC Contractors Are Prime Targets

HVAC systems are deeply embedded in what is known as operational technology (OT) networks. In case you don’t know, according to several online resources, OT networks are systems that control and operate physical equipment such as HVAC systems, building controls, manufacturing machines, and other “real-world” devices.

Instead of handling data like IT networks do, OT networks:

  • Monitor and control equipment
  • Keep systems running safely and efficiently
  • Connect sensors, controllers, and machines.
  • In an HVAC context, this includes things like:
  • Building automation systems (BAS)
  • Smart thermostats and controls
  • Sensors for temperature, airflow, and pressure
  • Remote monitoring systems.

OT networks are designed for reliability and uptime, not convenience. They often include older systems built without cybersecurity in mind and are increasingly connected to the internet.

According to a series of articles and blog posts on the CyberUnit website, the result is that, in HVAC and building systems, OT networks are a common entry point for cyberattacks. Attackers typically know that these systems are often:

  • Overlooked from a security standpoint
  • Connected to critical infrastructure
  • Accessible through remote tools and cloud dashboards.

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