NOTICE: Due to a lapse in annual appropriations, most of this website is not being updated. Learn more.

Form submissions will still be accepted but will not receive responses at this time. Sections of this site for programs using non-appropriated funds (such as NVLAP) or those that are excepted from the shutdown (such as CHIPS and NVD) will continue to be updated.

U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

PUBLICATIONS

Enemies at the Gates: Securing the BACnet building

Published

Author(s)

David G. Holmberg

Abstract

This article seeks to increase awareness of the threats associated with connecting the building control system (specifically a BACnet system) to a wider network. In addition, it presents countermeasures available for addressing security threats. Information is given relative to present BACnet security and planned developments in improving security. An overview is given on the use of firewalls, VPNs, intrusion detection, and security policies.
Citation
ASHRAE American Society for Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Journal
Volume
45;11
Pub Type
Journals

Download Paper

Local Download

Keywords

BACnet, building control system, countermeasure, Internet, IP, LAN, network, security, threat
Buildings and Construction and Fire

Citation

Holmberg, D. (2003), Enemies at the Gates: Securing the BACnet building, ASHRAE American Society for Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Journal, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=860926 (Accessed October 17, 2025)

Issues

If you have any questions about this publication or are having problems accessing it, please contact [email protected].

Created November 1, 2003, Updated February 19, 2017
Was this page helpful?