Connecting your building management system to the internet provides ease of use, but also risks. Webeasy Remote Connect combines ease of use with a secure connection.
Quote from Installation Journal “Internet of Things (IoT):
American hackers recently managed to take over the smart thermostats of a number of buildings. They did this by installing a virus, after which they could use ransomware to give the building owner a choice: pay 500 dollars or else the thermostat would be raised to the maximum setting of 37 degrees Celsius.
In this case, the building owners were lucky, because the break-in was committed by so-called 'ethical hackers'. But the hack made it painfully clear that the Internet of Things (IoT) is vulnerable. The core of the problem lies in the way the installation market works. In this market, we are used to delivering something that is ready after delivery. But with IoT, that is not the case at all, where security always remains the main issue."
Control systems for buildings can communicate internally, but are increasingly connected to the internet. Easy for everyone, because then there is no need for a van to drive up in case of problems. But if the connection is made without restrictions, it is a piece of cake for a hacker to get in. You therefore have to connect it to a Virtual Private Network (VPN) with multiple layers of security, just like in a medieval fortress, because the first wall can always fall.”
So much for the abbreviated quote from Installation Journal.
ICT knowledge
This can be achieved perfectly well via a VPN, but it requires considerable ICT knowledge. This knowledge is limited within the installation market and given the workload in combination with the tightness on the labour market, this will not improve quickly. That is why we have created “Webeasy Remote Connect”.
Webeasy Remote Connect
Webeasy Remote Connect (WRC) consists of: a Router on location, a 4G connection and a Private Portal in the Cloud. The customer (end user, installer and/or advisor) receives an account on the Management Portal (Private Cloud) and logs in to this portal with a standard browser and password. After logging in, ONLY the projects available to him or her appear on the screen. With a click on the selected project, a secure connection is immediately established between the user's browser and the project. All projects (routers) are housed in the Private Cloud and therefore inaccessible from the public internet, it couldn't be safer!
Remote Connect during and after the warranty period
Webeasy Remote Connect is a standard component of every project delivered by Webeasy. During the warranty period, this service is completely free and you will be provided with an account that allows you to access the project from the Management Portal. Users with multiple projects under management can be provided with an Admin Account that allows them to manage the portal themselves. This allows them to create users, change passwords, assign projects, etc.
Of course you can continue to use Webeasy Remote Connect after the warranty period, this can be as a separately available service (service) or as part of a maintenance contract. The advantage in combination with a maintenance contract is, in addition to the price, that this contract also provides Software Maintenance of your BMS. Webeasy's strong point is always the openness and independence of the system, as is our new service Webeasy Remote Connect. You are not tied to anything, if you no longer want to use this service after the warranty, we will close it remotely and your building will be disconnected from this service. You can continue to use the (VPN) router on location with your own SIM card or ADSL connection in combination with Windows VPN, Open VPN or your own platform solution. Easy as we are.
Software Maintenance
A secure connection is of great importance for installations that are connected to the internet. Webeasy Remote Connect provides this 'safe & easy' connection. At least as important is that your BMS itself remains up-to-date with regard to security. Each BMS is equipped with one or more login accounts and passwords. This does not mean that there is a secure situation with regard to the login of users from your own network. The way in which a password must be chosen is important (strong password etc.), but additional security is also necessary, such as certificates etc.
In short, security is of great importance. Updates and patches in this area appear with great regularity. Despite the 'safe & easy' solution, it still requires attention. Webeasy can relieve you of your worries with Remote Connect. The Software Maintenance that is part of the Webeasy maintenance contract provides annual updates of your BMS, so that the security is well arranged both externally and internally.
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