Why Legacy Technology Increases Cybersecurity Risk in Facilities Management

Cybersecurity is no longer just an IT responsibility; it’s a shared priority for facilities leaders, system administrators, and technology teams. Today’s facilities organizations manage far more than work orders. The systems that support facilities operations now house asset data, capital planning information, compliance records, and insights that inform decisions across the organization. 

As facilities systems become more interconnected, they also become more valuable targets for cyber threats. Protecting this data isn’t just about responding when something goes wrong; it’s about understanding where risk originates, how it evolves over time, and how technology choices can either reduce or increase exposure. 

One of the most common (and often overlooked) sources of cybersecurity risk is the continued use of legacy system interfaces. 

What Is Legacy Cybersecurity Risk and How Does It Begin? 

Legacy cybersecurity risk refers to vulnerabilities that emerge when systems rely on outdated or unsupported software that wasn’t built with today’s security expectations. 

In many facility environments, this risk doesn’t appear suddenly. It develops gradually as systems remain in place while operating systems, third-party tools, and security standards continue to evolve around them. 

Legacy interfaces and tools are often dependent on older operating systems, application versions, or third-party tools that no longer receive regular patches or updates. Over time, this can limit an institution's ability to address newly discovered vulnerabilities, even when the core application, such as AiM, remains stable and reliable. 

As security requirements advance, these older dependencies can also become incompatible with modern security tools, such as updated encryption standards. While systems may continue to function day-to-day, the surrounding technology becomes increasingly difficult to secure and maintain. 

As certain components reach the end of life and patching options narrow, organizations can find themselves relying on technology that no longer aligns well with modern security practices. Over time, this creates growing exposure for facilities teams that depend on these systems to support critical operations. 

Why Legacy Interfaces Are Harder to Secure Over Time 

The challenge with legacy interfaces isn’t that they were poorly designed; it’s that they were designed for a different era. 

As cybersecurity expectations evolve, legacy technology often struggles to keep pace. Common challenges include: 

• Limited options for vulnerability remediation: Older versions may not support modern patching, encryption, or remediation techniques. 

• Outdated authentication and access controls: Many legacy designs predate today’s identity and access management standards. 

• Unsupported dependencies: Legacy interfaces may rely on frameworks or tools that are no longer actively maintained. 

• An expanded attack surface: Aging technology can introduce pathways that are harder to monitor, test, or secure. 

Individually, these issues may appear manageable. Together, they can significantly increase cybersecurity risk, especially when legacy components are embedded in systems that support essential facilities workflows. 

How Modern Platforms Reduce Cybersecurity Exposure 

Modern platforms are designed with today’s security expectations in mind, and with the flexibility to adapt as those expectations change. 

Compared to legacy technology, modern architectures typically support: 

• Current security protocols and encryption standards 

• Integration with modern identity and access management tools 

• Reduced reliance on end-of-life or unsupported technologies 

• Faster response to newly identified vulnerabilities 

Within facilities management environments, this shift toward modern architecture plays a critical role in protecting data and maintaining system integrity. Platforms like AiM continue to evolve alongside security standards, enabling vendors to actively maintain, monitor, and enhance protections over time. 

AssetWorks Facilities supports this approach through ongoing platform updates and a defined product lifecycle that evolves with changing security requirements. By keeping interfaces supported and up to date, we help customers reduce reliance on legacy technology while maintaining system integrity and protecting sensitive data. 

This commitment is further reinforced through industry-recognized security certifications, including ISO 27001:2022 certification and SOC 2 Type II compliance, which reflect formalized controls around data protection, risk management, and operational security. 

Read more about our ISO 27001:2022 certification and SOC 2 Type II compliance. 

When Cybersecurity Risk Becomes Operational Risk 

Cybersecurity risk isn’t limited to data exposure; it also affects system availability and operational continuity. 

When legacy components can no longer be patched or remediated, organizations may face difficult decisions if a critical vulnerability is discovered. In some cases, safeguarding systems may require accelerated changes or temporary limitations, creating challenges for day-to-day operations. 

Reducing reliance on legacy technology helps organizations: 

• Maintain control over the timing of change 

• Avoid reactive, high-pressure security decisions 

• Preserve system availability while addressing risk 

From a cybersecurity perspective, preparation creates flexibility, and flexibility enables organizations to respond without unnecessary operational impact. 

Practical Steps to Reduce Legacy-Driven Cybersecurity Risk 

Reducing cybersecurity risk doesn’t require a single sweeping initiative. It begins with awareness and thoughtful planning. 

Practical steps facilities organizations can take include: 

• Identifying legacy interfaces still in use 

• Understanding how those interfaces interact with sensitive data 

• Evaluating alignment with current security standards 

• Planning transitions to supported, modern alternatives when appropriate 

These steps help organizations reduce exposure by limiting reliance on outdated technology that may be harder to secure or remediate over time. 

To support our customers through this process, AssetWorks Facilities provides educational and planning resources through the Customer Resource Center (CRC). These resources are designed to help teams understand modern workflows, configure systems securely, and plan transitions in a way that minimizes risk while maintaining operational continuity. 

Building a More Secure and Resilient Facilities Environment 

Cybersecurity is ultimately about resilience, protecting data, maintaining system integrity, and ensuring continuity in an evolving threat landscape. As facilities systems modernize, reducing reliance on legacy interfaces becomes a meaningful step toward that goal. 

By aligning technology with current security standards and supported architectures, facilities organizations can lower exposure, reduce the risk of unplanned disruption, and move forward with greater confidence in their cybersecurity posture. 

Have questions or want to talk through cybersecurity considerations for your facilities systems? Contact AssetWorks Facilities today.