Cybersecurity in Fire Alarm Systems: Risks and Mitigation

Modern buildings depend on networked Fire Alarm Control Panels (FACP) and Extra-Low Voltage (ELV) systems for safety. These systems connect through IP networks to enable remote monitoring, faster alerts and integration with other building systems. While this connectivity improves efficiency, it also introduces cybersecurity risks in fire alarm systems.

Hackers no longer limit themselves to targeting IT networks. They increasingly explore building safety systems as a potential entry point. A compromised fire alarm or ELV system can cause false alarms, disabled notifications, or even denial of emergency responses. The consequences are serious because they directly threaten occupant safety.

In this article, we explore the cybersecurity risks in fire alarm systems, highlight real-world examples of vulnerabilities and provide a detailed roadmap on how safety engineers and IT professionals can mitigate them.

Why Cybersecurity in Fire Alarm Systems Matters

Traditionally, fire alarms operated as isolated hardware devices. They relied on simple circuits and had almost no exposure to external networks. In contrast, today’s FACPs and ELV systems are IP-based and directly connected to:

Building Management Systems (BMS)
Cloud-based monitoring services
Remote maintenance platforms
Other building safety systems such as access control and CCTV

This connectivity brings benefits:

Faster alarm transmission to monitoring centers
Easier integration with HVAC and lighting controls
Remote diagnostics for faster repairs

However, the same connectivity also creates risks. If attackers compromise one device or gain access to the building’s IT infrastructure, they could pivot into the life-safety network. In fact, research found more than 43,000 exposed building control systems online, many linked to fire safety. Each one represents a potential backdoor for attackers.

Real-World Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities in Fire Alarm Systems

Case Study 1: Honeywell Notifier Panels

In 2020, researchers identified critical flaws in Honeywell’s Notifier Fire Alarm Control Panels. One flaw allowed attackers to intercept login responses and bypass authentication. A second vulnerability enabled them to download system backup files containing password hashes and sensitive configurations.

With administrator access, attackers could:

Disable alarms
Trigger false alerts
Extract sensitive building data

Honeywell released security patches and urged customers to:

Isolate panels from the internet
Use VPNs for remote access
Enforce strong password policies

This case highlights how seemingly minor bugs in web interfaces can translate into life-threatening risks.

Case Study 2: Consilium Safety CS5000

In 2025, security advisories revealed two unpatched vulnerabilities in the Consilium Safety CS5000 fire panel.

A default high-privilege account was left unchanged on all devices.
A hard-coded VNC password was embedded in the firmware.

Both flaws gave attackers the ability to gain full control of the fire alarm panel. Exploiting them could disable alarms entirely or lock out authorized users.

Since the panel was a legacy product, the vendor did not issue patches. Customers were advised to restrict physical access and upgrade to newer models.

This case underscores the danger of legacy systems that no longer receive updates.

Case Study 3: Building Automation Systems

Beyond dedicated fire alarms, vulnerabilities in building automation platforms also pose risks. In one instance, security researchers discovered 13 critical flaws in a building automation system used for HVAC and lighting. If chained together, these flaws could allow an attacker to disable safety systems or alter building conditions.

Although this attack did not target fire alarms directly, the incident demonstrates that any connected building system including fire alarms can be a cyberattack vector.

Common Vulnerabilities in IP-Based Fire Alarm Systems

Most cyber risks in fire alarm systems fall into predictable categories:

Default Credentials: Many panels ship with factory-set usernames and passwords. If not changed, attackers can guess them easily.
Unpatched Software: Outdated firmware or software often contains known security flaws.
Unencrypted Communications: Some panels still transmit data without encryption, allowing attackers to intercept or manipulate signals.
Insecure Remote Access: Exposed web interfaces or VNC sessions provide easy targets if left unprotected.
Poor Network Segmentation: If fire alarms share the same network as IT devices, attackers can move laterally into them after breaching other systems.
Legacy Systems: Older devices may lack modern cybersecurity controls and rarely receive vendor updates.

By recognizing these weaknesses, engineers can design better defenses.

Cybersecurity Risks in Extra-Low Voltage (ELV) Systems

ELV systems include many building safety technologies such as:

CCTV surveillance
Access control panels
Public address and intercom systems
Lighting control
Gas detection and alarm systems

Because these operate on extra-low voltage, they are often overlooked in cybersecurity planning. Yet, attackers can exploit them with serious consequences.

For example:

A compromised CCTV camera could allow intruders to erase or alter footage.
A hacked access control system could unlock secure doors.
A disabled intercom system could block emergency communications.

These risks show that ELV systems must be treated with the same cybersecurity rigor as IT networks.

Potential Consequences of Cyber Attacks on Fire Alarm Systems

The impact of a cyberattack on fire alarm or ELV systems is not theoretical. The risks include:

False Alarms: Triggering alarms unnecessarily can cause panic, interrupt operations and reduce trust in real alarms.
Alarm Suppression: Disabling alarms could leave occupants unaware of actual fires, leading to severe casualties.
Denial of Service (DoS): Attackers can flood the system with traffic, preventing monitoring or alerts.
Unauthorized Building Access: Fire alarms integrated with access control may allow attackers to manipulate door locks.
Data Theft: Backup files, user accounts, or building layouts can be stolen for further attacks.
Regulatory Non-Compliance: Failing to secure safety systems may violate building codes or safety standards.

Best Practices to Mitigate Cybersecurity Risks

1. Network Segmentation

Place fire alarm systems on dedicated VLANs or subnets.
Use firewalls to restrict access between IT and safety networks.
Avoid direct internet exposure at all costs.

2. Strong Authentication

Change all factory-set passwords before deployment.
Use long, complex, and unique passwords.
Implement multi-factor authentication for remote users.

3. Regular Patching and Upgrades

Apply vendor updates as soon as they are released.
Replace unsupported legacy hardware with modern devices.
Monitor vendor advisories for new vulnerabilities.

4. Secure Remote Access

Use VPNs or zero-trust solutions for remote monitoring.
Restrict remote access by IP address or schedule.
Disable unused services like Telnet or unsecured web access.

5. Monitoring and Logging

Enable system logs and review them regularly.
Use intrusion detection systems (IDS) to identify unusual activity.
Set alerts for failed login attempts or unauthorized changes.

6. Physical Security

Lock fire alarm control rooms.
Restrict access to authorized staff only.
Use tamper-evident seals on network equipment.

7. Staff Training and Awareness

Train engineers and IT teams on cyber hygiene.
Include fire alarm cybersecurity in emergency drills.
Establish policies for vendor and contractor access.

8. Compliance with Standards

Follow industry guidelines such as:

NFPA 72 (National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code) cybersecurity requirements
NIST SP 800-82 for industrial control systems
IEC 62443 for operational technology cybersecurity

Note: Cybersecurity in Fire Alarm Systems is now a critical part of building safety. As more FACPs and ELV systems connect to IP networks, the attack surface increases. Real-world cases such as the Honeywell Notifier and Consilium CS5000 vulnerabilities show that attackers can and do target fire alarm systems.

The consequences of compromise are severe: from false alarms that cause panic to silent failures that put lives at risk. For safety engineers and IT professionals, applying layered cybersecurity defenses is essential.

By segmenting networks, enforcing strong authentication, applying regular patches, securing remote access and following recognized standards, organizations can protect both their systems and their occupants.

Cybersecurity is not just an IT issue, it is a life-safety issue. Treating fire alarm systems with the same attention as corporate networks ensures that they remain reliable guardians of people and property.

Written By:

Harsh Bohot

I am Harsh Bohot, a Fire Safety Engineer with over 5 years of experience in fire protection system design, installation and compliance audits. Coming from a strong technical background with a Master’s degree in Computer Applications (MCA), I bring both engineering precision and analytical expertise to my work in fire and life safety systems. My professional focus is on fire alarm control panels, Extra Low Voltage (ELV) solutions and adherence to international fire safety codes. Over the years, I have collaborated with contractors, consultants and building managers to deliver reliable, future-ready and compliant fire safety solutions across residential, commercial and industrial projects. Passionate about continuous learning and knowledge-sharing, I write to empower engineers, safety professionals and building managers with actionable insights, technical best practices and innovative approaches to building safety. My mission is to contribute to a safer built environment through trustworthy, experience-driven guidance in fire safety engineering.