Facilities management is becoming increasingly digital, yet many organizations still rely on outdated systems that may not be able to weather modern cybersecurity threats. Legacy systems, or older hardware and software that remain in use, can silently expose facilities to significant risks.
4 Cybersecurity Risks of Legacy Systems
Despite years or decades of service, legacy systems have several weaknesses that can leave buildings and organizations vulnerable to disruptions and breaches.
1. Lack of Security Updates and Patches
Security updates and patches are necessary to protect systems from new and evolving threats. Due to their age, legacy systems are unlikely to receive these updates, making them more vulnerable to attackers. Data shows that 32% of cyberattacks exploit unpatched vulnerabilities and known flaws.
2. Poor Network Segmentation
In many facilities, legacy systems connect to broader and more modern IT networks without segmentation. A lack of a barrier creates an easy path for malware to spread from one network or system to another. If one HVAC controller gets compromised, it could affect the rest of the organization and potentially leak sensitive information.
3. Inherent Vulnerabilities
Ransomware has increased 500% in industrial environments since 2018, and many legacy systems are unprepared to face these attacks. Many were built before companies prioritized cybersecurity, so the defenses were more lax. Some might rely on default passwords or unencrypted communications, making it easier for attackers to gain unauthorized access.
4. Compliance and Regulatory Issues
Failing to upgrade or adequately secure legacy systems can create compliance risks. Industries with strict data protection or safety regulations, like healthcare or energy, often must prove that their infrastructure meets modern security standards. Outdated systems might expose organizations to legal or financial penalties.
Why Organizations Still Use Legacy Systems
Despite the risks, many organizations still use legacy systems for the following reasons.
Cost
Upgrading facilities management systems can be incredibly expensive, especially for larger organizations with significant needs. For example, a company might have used a security system for decades, and upgrading to a newer version might not immediately fit the budget. Aside from the infrastructure and software installation costs, upgrading a legacy system involves retraining staff and reconfiguring existing workflows.
Compatibility
Legacy systems are often already deeply integrated with other components across a facility’s operational technology (OT) ecosystem. Upgrading one part of the system can create compatibility issues with others, disrupting operations or requiring additional upgrades to keep things running smoothly.
Lack of Concern
Cybersecurity isn’t always the top priority in facilities management. If a system still technically works, some teams might not see the need to upgrade and overhaul entire OT systems. Some managers may assume that building systems don’t need cybersecurity upgrades since they are more internal. However, as more systems connect to the internet, this assumption is now false.
Key Steps Facilities Managers Can Take to Mitigate Risks
Addressing the cybersecurity risks of legacy systems requires a strategy to ensure the effort aligns with current needs and available resources. Facilities managers can take these proactive steps to strengthen their defenses while managing operational constraints.
Conduct an Infrastructure Assessment
The process begins with a comprehensive review of all systems to identify what’s outdated or unsupported. It’s also important to note which parts connect to external networks. If necessary, connect with third-party auditors and security experts to independently assess your security posture. This step allows you to understand your vulnerabilities and identify the next steps.
Prioritize Based on Risk and Impact
After the infrastructure assessment, rank your legacy components based on their risk level and the impact a breach may have on the organization. How much damage will an outdated component cause to your company? This ranking allows companies to identify which systems need urgent attention and which parts can wait.
Develop a Phased Modernization Plan
A gradual approach to upgrades or modernization can make them financially and operationally feasible. Start by replacing the most vulnerable or critical systems, then establish timelines for transitioning other components.
Plan for Training
New systems often require updated skills and workflows. Staff training must come with any system upgrades you may want to implement. A study found that human error contributed to 95% of data breaches in 2024, making employees the first line of defense against potential cyberattacks. Bridging the knowledge gap between IT and facilities personnel is key to maintaining long-term protection.
Future-Proofing Facilities Management
Despite providing long-term service, legacy systems can leave your organization vulnerable to cyber threats. The increasing interconnectedness of building systems and their corresponding risks makes it essential for facilities to upgrade older systems to reduce exposure and maintain operational security.
Zac Amos covers smart homes, cybersecurity, and other trending tech topics and is the features editor at ReHack. For more of his work, follow him on X or LinkedIn.
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