“Smart Buildings, Dumb Security?”

As building control and management systems find their way into more and more of the built environment we need a wake-up call regarding their security. Over the last 10 or so years Ken has been researching building management devices, and found that the security failings that existed in 2006 still haven’t been properly addressed. In this talk you’ll find out about the issues, including how devices can be compromised by attackers, and also the scale of the problem. His research has discovered them connected directly to the public internet, from fire stations, military bases, schools, government buildings, businesses and large retailers among many. With live demonstrations you’ll see how hackers can take control, what the impacts are, and what can be done about it.

Biography

Ken is a regular speaker at many events, DEF CON and Black Hat included. He’s also an Executive Member of the Internet of Things Security Forum and spoke out on IoT security design flaws at the forum’s inaugural event. He’s also not averse to getting deeply techie either, regularly participating in hacking challenges and demos at Black Hat, 44CON, DefCon and Bsides amongst others.

Ken and his team at Pen Test Partners have hacked everything from keyless cars and a range of IoT devices, from wearable tech to children’s toys and smart home control systems. This has gained him notoriety among the national press, leading to regular appearances on BBC TV and BBC News online as well as the broadsheet press. He’s also a regular contributor to industry magazines, penning articles for the legal, security, insurance, oil and gas, and manufacturing press.