**NIST**
The National Institute of Standards and Technology has published new cybersecurity guidelines specifically addressing IoT-connected equipment used in property restoration, including networked drying systems, smart moisture monitors, and cloud-based documentation platforms.
The guidelines, published as NIST Special Publication 1800-36, respond to growing concerns about cybersecurity vulnerabilities in the smart building ecosystem. As restoration contractors increasingly deploy internet-connected equipment, the potential for unauthorized access to building systems and sensitive insurance documentation has grown.
"Restoration contractors are now managing networks of connected devices in clients' homes and businesses," said NIST Cybersecurity Division Director Kevin Stine. "The same security principles that protect enterprise networks apply to these deployments."
Key recommendations include network segmentation for restoration equipment, encrypted data transmission for moisture readings and documentation, and multi-factor authentication for cloud platform access. The guidelines also address data retention and privacy requirements for insurance documentation stored on third-party platforms.
The publication is available free of charge at nist.gov and includes implementation guides tailored for small and medium-sized restoration businesses.
