Do we live safely? Commercial real estate and security

This year, the event "Partner Days 2024" in Palanga discussed the security challenges of the commercial real estate sector. The insights of the experts who participated in the discussions revealed that even the most modern security systems can be compromised.

Intercoms and plastic cards

Aleksas Sugintas, a representative of NFC LABS, UAB, emphasized the security vulnerabilities related to the control relays used in intercom systems. "We may have the smartest access control systems, but one improperly installed reader makes the entire system vulnerable” he said. A. Sugintas demonstrated the possibilities of opening the door and proved that ordinary magnets can damage expensive security systems: "The problem arises when the access control system does not have a separate controller - all control takes place inside the reader, and the relay that controls the door opening can be activated even with the help of a simple magnet”. Presenting the security challenges of plastic cards, Mr. Sugintas said many plastic cards are not sufficiently protected. Cards operating at a frequency of 125 kHz are especially unsafe. The data of these cards are unencrypted and easily cloned.

The NIS2 Directive is not just about cybersecurity

The head of Spectra Baltic, UAB Karolis Samušis drew attention to the growing technical and functional requirements for security engineering systems. He gave as an example the new NIS2 directive, which will enter into force on 18 October. The requirements of the Directive may affect approximately three thousand Lithuanian companies that own or rent commercial real estate. About 70% of such buildings do not technologically comply with the requirements of the directive and will have to be rebuilt in the near future.

When choosing security systems for commercial buildings, K. Samušis advised to pay attention to those that have the functions of data encryption, different levels of protection, API interface. The API interface is especially important if you intend to merge, expand, or modernize systems in the future. As a good example of such system he mention Inner range access control and security system, that fulfills all of the requirements. He also recommended avoiding equipment manufactured in unfriendly states, asking references of the projects, finding out who would take care of the maintenance of the equipment.

Vaidotas Šedys, a representative of Oxylabs, said that in the context of the NIS2 directive, it is especially important to clearly define what system parameters are monitored. This not only helps to accurately identify, but also more effectively manage incidents. Integrated and flexible systems make it easy to get information from several systems at once, so there is no need to manually search for the relevant data. This minimizes the risk of error and increases operational efficiency. V. Šedys emphasized that such decisions should be made at the design stage. It is much cheaper than real corrections in the later stages. According to him, finding contractors who would be able to implement such projects is not easy, but with the cooperation of customers, contractors, equipment suppliers and tenants together, it becomes easier to do this.

Physical safety

Physical solutions for access control were also discussed at the event. Representatives of Assa Abloy Andrius Burkovskis and Aurimas Kavaliauskas drew attention that even high security tech systems do not protect against the wrong door handles installed in the building, doors that close too slowly or other similar elements. These are the details that make unauthorized access to the building an easy task for those who seek it. They also stressed the importance of the evacuation system. In critical situations, it is necessary to ensure a safe and fast evacuation from the building - all technical solutions must work in such a way that in the event of an emergency, no one gets stuck in the building.

Mobile solutions and sustainability

Mobile solutions that allow you to access various services through a smartphone are becoming increasingly popular. HID representatives Kamil Targalski and Katarzyna Hoffmann-Sielicka highlighted that mobile solutions not only increase safety, but also contribute to the environment – there is no need to produce plastic cards. Mobile solutions are considered safer and more efficient due to the fact that the phone is automatically equipped with additional protections, such as fingerprint or facial recognition functions. HID representatives have introduced the HID Mobile Access app, which helps to install mobile credentials. According to them, companies, universities or even hotels can abandon physical cards and switch to mobile access solutions.

The importance of sustainability and efficiency in the management of buildings was also presented by Evaldas Savickis, a representative of Vesta Consulting. He noted that certification requirements are becoming a necessity in attracting tenants who value high-quality experience: "Certification requirements and sustainability principles have become an integral part of professional real estate management." Global trends show that how tenants feel in the building and what services they receive becomes a priority. Therefore, modern offices are in demand, and older class B and C buildings are increasingly being converted into residential or co-living spaces.

Do we live safely?

The participants of the event "Partner Day 2024" unanimously agreed that the security of the commercial real estate sector requires a complex approach that includes both physical and cyber protection measures. Experts emphasized that the most modern technologies cannot provide complete security if the human integration of factors and systems is not taken into account. A comprehensive security solution should include not only advanced access control systems, but also proper training of personnel and regular maintenance of equipment. The commercial real estate sector is constantly evolving, and security issues are becoming more and more relevant.