When elevators go digital, so do the risks. Today’s smart lifts are expected to deliver seamless uptime, remote diagnostics, and integration. But with every connection comes the need for protection – not just from failure, but from intrusion.
In a connected lift, a vulnerability doesn’t just affect data – it can disrupt uptime, compromise access control, or expose core systems to manipulation. For manufacturers, service providers and property owners, secure-by-design architecture is now essential for operational continuity.
Cybersecurity Risks in Smart Lift Systems – A Fragile Mix of Legacy and Connectivity
Unlike traditional IT systems, smart elevators often combine legacy hardware with modern, connected components. This hybrid setup creates a unique exposure surface – particularly when remote access is used for diagnostics, firmware updates, or system resets.
Examples of elevated risks in connected lift environments include:
- Unauthorised access to controller-level commands (e.g., resets or overrides)
- Bridging vulnerabilities between the elevator network and broader building IT systems
- Lack of authentication on service ports or remote tools
- Unsecured integrations with building management platforms or cloud services
These are not hypothetical. ENISA’s 2024 report on operational technology confirms that sectors with long equipment lifecycles – such as lifts – often lack basic cyber protections like encrypted communication or access control. Penetration tests on real-world elevator systems continue to reveal exposed interfaces, default credentials, and legacy firmware still in active use.
Vulnerabilities first documented over a decade ago remain present today due to the slow turnover of lift infrastructure and the complexity of securing operational technology.
Securing smart elevators in practice
Cybersecurity in elevator systems must be built in from the start – across hardware, software, and maintenance routines. A basic firewall or segmented network isn’t enough when critical systems are accessible remotely.
Key protective measures include:
- End-to-end encrypted communication between controllers and remote platforms
- Role-based access control for service personnel and integrators
- Secure firmware update routines with code signing and rollback validation
- Physical security around cabinets and external ports
- Comprehensive logging and traceability of system events
Equally important is a structured approach to patching, threat monitoring, and ongoing risk assessment.
Collaboration is key
Strong cybersecurity requires collaboration between elevator suppliers, building owners, and IT/security stakeholders. Misalignment in responsibility – for example, unclear ownership of updates or network segmentation – is a common source of vulnerability.
Clear roles, tested procedures, and shared threat awareness are essential to protecting the full lift ecosystem, from hardware to cloud.
Built-in protection is no longer optional
In environments where uptime is critical – such as hospitals, government facilities, or commercial buildings with high passenger flow – elevator failures are more than an inconvenience. They can impact safety, disrupt building operations, and erode trust among users and tenants.
Selecting technology with embedded protection, hardened communication protocols, and transparent support for integration isn’t just about security – it’s about future-proofing the core of your vertical infrastructure.
How SafeLine supports secure smart elevator operations
At Safeline, cybersecurity is a core consideration in product development. Our lift controllers are engineered to support the demands of connected lift environments – combining reliability, diagnostic capability and built-in protection features.
Selected safeguards in Safeline’s controller platform include:
- Encrypted communication protocols to secure data and commands
- Controlled firmware architecture with validated update flows
- Access control for authorised technicians
- Support for segmented network environments and open integration
We work closely with lift manufacturers, facility managers, and security teams to ensure real-world compatibility with operational and cyber requirements – whether upgrading existing infrastructure or building from the ground up.
Our approach to cybersecurity is explored further in this article: Why cybersecurity matters in modern lift monitoring.
Need to ensure cybersecurity in your smart elevator systems?
Contact us to discuss how we can support your security, performance, and integration goals.
FAQ
What are smart elevators?
Smart elevators are connected lift systems with digital control units, remote diagnostics, and building network integration – designed to improve performance, uptime, and user experience.
Why is cybersecurity important for smart elevators?
Because they’re connected to broader IT and operational systems, smart elevators can be targeted through exposed ports, unsecured integrations, or outdated firmware. Cybersecurity is essential to ensure continuity and control.
How can smart elevators be protected from cyber threats?
Best practices include encrypted communications, secured firmware updates, access control, system segmentation, and regular patching – all supported by vendor collaboration.
Are smart elevators suitable for high-security environments?
Yes – provided they use hardware and software with embedded protections, and are deployed in environments with clear network segmentation and update governance.
Can elevators be hacked?
Yes, if cybersecurity is weak or outdated. Real-world tests have revealed elevator systems with default passwords, unsecured remote interfaces, and unpatched firmware – particularly in hybrid setups that combine legacy and modern components.
What are the most common vulnerabilities in smart elevators?
The most frequent issues include unencrypted communication, default credentials, lack of authentication on remote access tools, and weak segmentation between lift and building networks.
Is it safe to perform remote updates on lift controllers?
Remote firmware updates can be secure – but only if proper safeguards are in place, such as code signing, rollback protection, and access control. Otherwise, the update process itself can become an attack vector.
How do elevator vendors handle cybersecurity?
Practices vary. Some vendors embed cybersecurity into their controller architecture with encrypted communication, secure remote access, and controlled firmware updates. Others rely on external protection layers. It’s essential to assess both product design and vendor responsibility. Learn more in our article: Why cybersecurity matters in modern lift monitoring.
