Queens’ Commercial HVAC Systems Are Under Siege: How Smart Buildings Became Hackers’ New Favorite Target in 2025

In Queens’ bustling commercial landscape, a silent crisis is unfolding behind the walls of modern office buildings, hospitals, and retail spaces. While 75% of organizations have Building Management System (BMS) devices with known exploited vulnerabilities, cybercriminals are increasingly targeting what was once considered the most mundane part of building infrastructure: HVAC systems.

The Hidden Digital Battlefield in Your Building

The building management system (BMS) is the main control point of a smart building, linking HVAC, lighting, elevators, and fire safety systems. What makes this particularly alarming for Queens businesses is that some BMS still use older protocols such as BACnet and Modbus, designed before cybersecurity was a concern. Since these standards lack encryption and authentication, they leave building networks open to anyone who can reach them.

The scope of this vulnerability is staggering. In any given smart building, there are hundreds, sometimes thousands, of systems and subsystems operating, each representing a potential entry point for malicious actors.

Real-World Consequences: When HVAC Hacks Turn Dangerous

The threat isn’t theoretical. The 2013 major data breach at Target’s retail chain was caused by hackers penetrating its HVAC network, demonstrating how seemingly innocuous building systems can become gateways to devastating cyberattacks. More recently, a 2016 cyberattack hit the heating system of a smart building in Finland. By exploiting flaws in the building’s automated controls, attackers caused a system failure that left residents of two buildings without heat and hot water in winter.

For Queens commercial buildings, the risks extend beyond comfort. Hackers can disable HVAC or lighting systems, affecting tenant comfort and potentially forcing evacuations. In critical facilities like hospitals or data centers, such disruptions could have life-threatening consequences.

Why Queens Businesses Are Particularly Vulnerable

Commercial real estate owners and property managers say the biggest cybersecurity threat is exposure from third party vendors, according to a recent survey by Deloitte. Over 40 percent of respondents said vendors and third party service providers posed the biggest threat, more than double any other potential risk.

This vendor vulnerability is especially concerning for Queens businesses that rely on commercial ac service Queens providers for maintenance and monitoring. While remote access makes sense for maintenance, security updates, and usability, the problem arises when vendors get access to everything, when networks aren’t segmented. The Target network was not segmented, creating a huge surface of attack.

The Growing Attack Surface in 2025

In 2024, the global smart building market was estimated at approximately $126.6 billion and is expected to reach around $571.3 billion by 2030. This explosive growth means more connected devices, more potential vulnerabilities, and more attractive targets for cybercriminals.

Outdated and unsupported devices remain widespread, running firmware that vendors no longer update. Default passwords, hardcoded credentials, and single-factor authentication are still common. The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) warned that many buildings still run on operating systems like Windows 7, which has not received updates in years.

Protecting Your Queens Commercial Property

For Queens business owners working with commercial HVAC providers, cybersecurity must become a priority conversation. Securing smart buildings starts with the basics: keeping software and equipment up to date. Schedule regular updates and make sure every connected device, from HVAC controllers to access systems, is patched against known issues.

Key protective measures include:

• Segment Network Access: Keep HVAC and BAS systems on a separate network from sensitive business operations
• Limit who can connect remotely, require MFA, and keep a record of all third-party sessions
• Work only with HVAC partners who understand and prioritize cybersecurity. Ask about their protocols, training, and system safeguards
• When a system behaves oddly, such as a door that stops responding or a thermostat that resets itself, treat it as a potential warning sign. Work with IT to report and log unusual activity

The Role of Trusted HVAC Partners

Choosing the right commercial HVAC service provider has never been more critical. Established companies like Excellent Air Conditioning & Heating Services, which serves Queens and Long Island with over 30 years of experience, understand the evolving landscape of building security. Their comprehensive approach to commercial HVAC services includes not just installation and maintenance, but also awareness of the cybersecurity implications of modern building systems.

Human error is one of the most common sources of breaches. Train your staff—especially those who interface with building systems—on phishing awareness and secure handling of system credentials.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Secure Commercial HVAC

As Queens continues to modernize its commercial infrastructure, the convergence of operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT) will only deepen. The continued convergence of IT and operational technology (OT) highlights the need for comprehensive cybersecurity strategies.

Building owners and facility managers must recognize that cybersecurity is no longer just the domain of IT departments. For facilities managers, building owners, and contractors, HVAC cybersecurity is a priority.

The message for Queens commercial property owners is clear: your HVAC system is no longer just about comfort—it’s a critical component of your cybersecurity infrastructure. By working with knowledgeable service providers, implementing proper security protocols, and staying vigilant about emerging threats, businesses can protect themselves from becoming the next victims in the escalating war between smart buildings and cybercriminals.

Smart buildings are the future, but as they get smarter, they become harder to protect. All it takes is one vulnerability, one device. The question isn’t whether your Queens commercial building will face a cyber threat—it’s whether you’ll be prepared when it happens.