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MitM and Hijacking: Emerging Risks for Corporate Buildings

24.09.2024

Previous article of the newsletter, week 39:

<-- Cyber-Physical Attacks: The Operation Against Hezbollah

Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) attacks and remote hijacking techniques, as demonstrated in the recent high-profile incident, are not limited to highly sophisticated intelligence operations. These methods represent a real threat to any organization, regardless of its size or industry. It is crucial to understand why corporate buildings can become attractive targets for cybercriminals.

The Motivation Behind the Attacks:

The primary driver for many cyberattacks is, as expected, financial gain. Corporate buildings are a veritable goldmine for cybercriminals, offering numerous opportunities for monetization:

  • Ransom Extortion: Blocking critical systems through building encryption (ransomware) can lead to significant ransom demands.

  • Data Theft: Sensitive information about employees, clients, or company processes can be sold on the Dark Web or used for blackmail.

  • Industrial Espionage: Access to a building’s systems can provide valuable, competition-relevant information.

  • Sabotage: Some attackers may aim to damage a company’s reputation or operations for ideological or competitive reasons.

Modern corporate buildings are particularly vulnerable due to their interconnected nature: integrated IoT systems – from HVAC to security – offer numerous entry points. Building management systems (BMS) serve as a central control point, making them especially attractive to attackers.

A successful attack using MitM or hijacking techniques can have far-reaching consequences.

In an era where digitalization permeates every aspect of business operations, building cybersecurity is no longer a luxury but an essential necessity. Awareness of these threats and the implementation of robust security measures are critical to protecting not only the physical infrastructure but also the operational core and reputation of a company.

The challenge for security officers and facility managers is clear: integrating cybersecurity into the daily management of buildings is now a strategic necessity, no less important than traditional physical security.