The Hidden Cyber Risks Lurking in Healthcare Buildings

When we talk about cybersecurity in healthcare, the focus is often on patient records and IT systems. But some of the most overlooked risks are embedded in the infrastructure of the building itself, where physical systems and digital networks intersect.

Today’s hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities are filled with connected systems designed for efficiency: smart lighting, badge access doors, HVAC units, even water and alarm systems. These technologies are part of a growing category called operational technology (OT), and while they support daily operations, they can also introduce cybersecurity risks, especially when connected to the internet or internal networks.

What Are Hidden Cyber Risks in Healthcare Facilities?

1. Connected Building Systems Can Be Entry Points

   Energy management systems, HVAC units, lighting controls, fire alarm panels, and water system monitors are often tied into networked platforms to allow for remote monitoring and diagnostics. If not properly secured, these systems can be exploited as an entry point into your broader network.

Real-world scenario: A smart HVAC system using default login credentials is accessed by an attacker, who then moves through the network toward sensitive internal systems, including patient data.

2. Internet of Things (IoT) Devices That Aren’t Monitored

   From smart thermostats to Wi-Fi-enabled nurse call systems, internet-connected devices are everywhere — and not just in patient care. These IoT devices often go unnoticed by cybersecurity teams, making them easy targets and difficult to update once deployed.

IoT stands for “Internet of Things” — any non-traditional device that connects to a network and shares data, like a smart light switch or medical fridge monitor.

3. Remote Access by Third Parties

   Building service vendors, maintenance teams, and system integrators often have remote access to your facility systems for support or updates. If their access is compromised or unmonitored, it creates a backdoor into your environment.

This is known as a supply chain vulnerability — a risk introduced by external partners or service providers.

4. Outdated and Unsupported Systems

   Many healthcare buildings still use legacy systems — tools that may function well but are no longer supported or updated by the manufacturer. These systems are highly vulnerable to known exploits that attackers can take advantage of.

5. Poor Network Segmentation

   When building systems and patient-facing technologies operate on the same network, a compromise in one area can quickly spread. For example, an attacker gaining access to a security camera system might pivot toward the electronic medical records system.

Network segmentation means keeping different systems in separate zones, so a breach in one doesn’t automatically expose others.

6. Lack of Visibility

   It’s difficult to protect what you can’t see. Many healthcare organizations don’t have a complete inventory of all connected devices in their buildings — particularly operational technology. That lack of visibility leaves blind spots where cyber risks can grow unnoticed.

Why It Matters

Cyberattacks on healthcare don’t just go after data, they can disrupt building operations that affect patient safety and care. A compromised HVAC system in an ICU, a disabled access control panel, or a misfiring alarm system are more than technical issues — they’re real-world threats.

What Can Healthcare Facilities Do?

• Conduct a cyber risk assessment specific to your building infrastructure
• Maintain an up-to-date inventory of connected devices — not just medical equipment
• Limit and monitor third-party access
• Segment IT and OT networks
• Replace or isolate legacy systems
• Partner with experts who understand both cybersecurity and building systems

Final Thought

The digital perimeter of your facility isn’t limited to the server room. As healthcare buildings become smarter, the line between physical infrastructure and cybersecurity continues to blur. Addressing these hidden cyber risks is essential to maintaining a safe, secure, and uninterrupted environment for patients and staff alike.