Fire safety enters a new era marked by digitalization and cybersecurity

Based on the concept of integration of detection, remote services and cybersecurity, Euralarm publish a white paper on fire safety in a connected world.

The European fire safety sector is at a turning point. The digitalization, remote connectivity and cybersecurity are converging to redefine the way buildings are protected and maintained. This white paper describes how these forces are transforming fire detection systems into smart, connected infrastructures, and what this means for service providers, building operators and policymakers across Europe. Copies of the white paper can be downloaded via the link below.

Across the continent, las false alarms continue to be a significant burden: studies such as the Study on false alarms 2022 by Euralarm shows that, in some countries, the rate of false alarms of fire detection and alarm systems (FDAS) exceeds 85 %. Unnecessary activations interrupt the continuity of activities, undermine confidence in fire protection systems and can represent a waste of emergency resources. At the same time, climate change, the objectives of energy efficiency and the reduction of skilled labor are transforming building operation and maintenance practices.

Digital transformation offers effective responses. Through smart connectivity, cloud-based monitoring and data analysis, Fire detection systems can now provide real-time information, allowing remote diagnosis, predictive maintenance, and data-driven decision making. These capabilities reduce downtime, improve safety, and support sustainability goals by reducing travel and optimizing resource use.

However, Connectivity brings a new responsibility: the cybersecurity. Since fire systems are increasingly connected via the Internet, they must be protected from digital threats that could compromise safety or availability. Standards such as EN 50710:2021 (for remote services), CLC/TS 50136-10 (for remote access infrastructure), IEC 62443 (for cybersecurity of industrial operational technologies) and ISO/IEC 27001 (para la gestión de la seguridad de la información de TI) proporcionan el marco para crear y operar sistemas seguros diseñados para proteger la información, los activos y las operaciones frente al acceso no autorizado, los daños o las interrupciones. Estos sistemas seguros, que siguen los principios de “seguridad desde el diseño” y “seguridad por defecto”, garantizan que la protección contra incendios siga siendo fiable, incluso en la era de la conectividad.

Mediante la integración de la detección de incendios, remote services and cybersecurity, las partes interesadas europeas pueden lograr edificios más seguros, resilientes y sostenibles. I, n, t. e, r.

c White Paper Digital fire safety in a connected world.