Assignment 2: Sensor Tech for HVAC - Draft 1 (Summary and Reader Response)

In the article, " The Expanding Roles of Sensors in Smart HVAC System", Manz (2018) addressed that sensors are necessarily installed at most of the buildings to save the energy in various systems, especially the HVAC system of the buildings. The author found that the sensors allow preventive maintenance and comfort the surrounding for the owners. Besides, he mentioned that digital sensors could save the cost from the wiring "by communicating data wirelessly" instead of using the analog predecessors. Furthermore, he believed that digital sensors could save important data. So, recalibration is unnecessary. The author said that digital sensors could send the information to the owners if there are any deviations of the sensors' implementation which can be tracked by themselves. Lastly, the author said that the sensors allow "for greater interoperability between hardware from different manufacturers" to make the performance of the smart buildings more simplified. I agree that smart sensors can save energy in the HVAC system and bring convenient to the users. However, I think that there is a risk of using sensors which is cyber-attack while the sensors are connected to the HVAC system via wireless in the building.

Firstly, Manz(2018) should share the risk using the smart sensors since they connected to the HVAC system in the building via wireless, especially cyber-attacks. According to the research from "Smart HVAC Systems on Cybersecurity and Connection Protocols", Adria(2020) said that there were around 8000 devices under cyberattacks at various buildings without accessing. The hacker could steal financial information easily by controlling the HVAC system. It said that hackers could hack in and steal the information or data from the buildings by using the loopholes of the HVAC systems. While the sensors have brought many conveniences and benefits to the world at the same time, most people gradually lack the awareness of preventing the cyber-attacks. In my opinion, the author should explain the use of the smart sensor in the HVAC system may cause cyberattack in the article so that the readers could take precautions against it before happening.

Secondly, more information should have been included in the article to explain the cyber-attacks. It mentioned that "the required information is stored in the sensor itself". However, the hackers possibly seek the opportunity to steal important information from the sensors. In the news "Smart HVAC System Vulnerable To Being Controlled by Hackers Through Cyber Attacks", Yang (2019) said that the hackers use their malware which they created to install in the HVAC system after completing the identification of the HVAC system with the location of the connection. Use of the malware, the hackers use it to deliver the commands to control the HVAC system. Besides, it is dangerous once the hackers send commands to the HVAC system because they will launch into the air condition and try to switch on all of them which will "cause a power surge that could disable a city’s power grid". So, the author should explain how the hackers will hack into the HVAC system and the consequences to the readers. 

Lastly, Manz (2018) should explain the approach to improve the security of the HVAC sensors and prevent cyber-attack happens. The users must check their wireless internet are safe before connecting the HVAC sensors. People always have to look out for the cybersecurity, make sure the daily checking and prepare a backup plan while it has happened. The readers may not look out for the cybersecurity while the author did not say that people must ensure security at first. Readers will have a clear idea and mind about the situation if the author writes it more detail in the article. 

 

Reference:

The Expanding Role of Sensors in “Smart” HVAC Systems. Berry Manz. Retrieved, July 30, 2018.

from：https://www.adriasecuritysummit.com/smart-hvac-systems-on-cybersecurity-and-connection-protocols/

Smart HVAC Systems on Cybersecurity and Connection Protocols. Adria Security Summit Retrieved, Feb 2, 2020.

from：https://www.adriasecuritysummit.com/smart-hvac-systems-on-cybersecurity-and-connection-protocols/

Elvina, Y. (2019). Smart HVAC systems vulnerable to being controlled by hackers through cyber attacks.

from: https://www.asmag.com/showpost/28384.aspx