![\"Lien\"](\"http:\/\/www.constructionspecifier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/01\/Lien.jpg\")
![\"Yorgey\"](\"http:\/\/www.constructionspecifier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/01\/Yorgey.jpg\")
![\"Riesberg\"](\"http:\/\/www.constructionspecifier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/01\/Riesberg.jpg\")
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The National Lighting Bureau (NLB) assembled a panel of experts for its annual forum to discuss links between lighting and cybersecurity.<\/p>\n
Panelist Mark Lien, NLB\u2019s vice chair, talked about a variety of systems that have allowed hackers to gain control of the door locks in homes and hotel rooms, even if they are located far away. He also discussed Wi-Fi enabled light-emitting diode (LED) lamps hackers can use to identify a home\u2019s router password and then gain access to anything connected to the network. He said some products have been developed specifically for negative purposes, such as another LED lamp that picks up confidential conversations, and then converts them to text and live tweets to those signed on.<\/p>\n
James Yorgey, the bureau\u2019s chair, shared new approaches being used to enhance cybersecurity. For example, at some manufacturers, lighting controls are treated as a separate system so they cannot be used as pathways to other building systems, such as point-of-sale (POS) systems where customers\u2019 credit card information is often stored. He said these types of new approaches create new roles and responsibilities for electrical contractors.<\/p>\n
Lastly, Marty Riesberg, director of curriculum development for the Electrical Training Alliance (ETA), addressed the issue of contractors\u2019 roles and highlighted the need to prequalify them to ensure their familiarity. He pointed out how the installation planning function has changed because the development of a lighting system should now also involve an organization\u2019s IT department. He said the cybersecurity challenge requires more reliance on teamwork and those responsible for a building\u2019s lighting system need to communicate directly with their counterparts involved in HVAC design.<\/p>\n