20 January 2017 | Jamie Harris
Nearly four in ten organisations admit they do not take steps to protect smart installations in buildings from cyber threats.
A survey conducted by the Electrical Contractors' Association (ECA) and Scottish electrical trade body Select found that half of the respondents note that hacking and its potential impact on unsecured networks is a potential barrier to installing connected technology.
Steve Martin, head of specialist groups at the ECA, said: "These figures are very concerning, particularly when you consider the inherent risks in the modern day of not securing your business from hackers. Clearly this is an area which clients urgently need to address, given the anticipated growth in smart installations over the coming years."
The survey was conducted in November and December 2016 and collated responses from facilities managers, consultants, engineers, end clients and local authorities.
This year's ThinkFM conference, to be held at the Science Museum in London on 8 June, is set to explore the ways in which technology is affecting facilities management.
BIFM's acting chief executive Linda Hausmanis said: "With new technology rapidly changing the way people interact with each other and the world around them, technology and its application is arguably becoming the most important resource for those working in facilities management."