Smart Elevator Hacks: When Analytics‑Powered Riders Become Attack Vectors
From energy efficiency to seamless access control, smart elevators have revolutionized how we move through modern buildings. But as these systems get smarter, they also become a juicy target for hackers. In 2025, the elevator shaft isn’t just vertical, it’s digital. What Are Smart Elevators? Smart elevators are no longer simple mechanical transport systems. They are now Internet of Things (IoT) platforms equipped with sensors, embedded controllers, and cloud-based analytics. These systems are commonly used to: Track rider patterns and optimize elevator availability during peak times. Integrate with access control systems (RFID, biometrics, mobile badges). Enable predictive maintenance by analyzing hardware logs and usage data. Improve energy efficiency through adaptive scheduling and idle mode management. Interface with Building Management Systems (BMS) for centralized control. Smart elevators typically use programmable logic controllers (PLCs), firmware that receives OTA (over-the-air) updates, and web-based dashboards that log events and system performance. How Smart Elevator Hacks Happen Despite the sophistication, cybersecurity is often an afterthought in elevator systems. Many are deployed with: Default credentials like admin:admin. Exposed web interfaces accessible over public or internal IP ranges. Unencrypted or unsigned firmware updates. Network configurations that connect them to unsecured building or IoT subnets. Entry Points for Attackers Unsecured Network Interfaces Attackers scan for open ports and outdated services on elevator controller IP ranges. ➤ Example: Exposed Modbus or HTTP ports accessible via Wi-Fi in building lobbies. Default Credentials Admin consoles or dashboard URLs are protected by factory-set usernames and passwords. ➤ Example: Login pages with no brute-force protection. Firmware Exploits Vulnerable or outdated firmware is pushed to the elevator system, injecting malware or altering core behavior. Analytics Dashboard Manipulation The elevator’s usage data is manipulated to: Erase logs. Falsify floor access records. Conceal unauthorized use. Real-World Vulnerabilities (Documented Cases) Case 1: Firmware Tampering to Disable Safety Locks Researchers from the ACM Digital Library highlighted elevator firmware vulnerabilities that allowed hackers to: Bypass emergency brake checks. Disable overload sensors. Override floor access limits. Case 2: PLC Access via Default Credentials Penetration testers in multiple Red Team assessments accessed elevator PLCs using unchanged admin logins. Once in, they altered: Door timing Floor destination rules Emergency stop conditions This raises not only cybersecurity concerns, but physical safety threats. Case 3: Attackers Hiding Tracks with Fake Analytics In simulated breach environments, attackers modified usage logs to mask: Access to restricted floors (executive suites, server rooms) Odd usage hours Repeated unauthorized badge usage This prevents security teams from detecting the intrusion. Case Walk‑Through: Step-by-Step Hack Let’s walk through a real-world-style example: Reconnaissance: Hacker discovers the elevator analytics portal accessible over the building’s internal network (or via Wi-Fi from a nearby café). Initial Access: Login successfully using default credentials: admin:1234. Firmware Injection: Attacker pushes a malicious firmware update that: Removes access restrictions to certain executive floors. Alters log generation to show “authorized access” for those rides. Covering Tracks: They use the dashboard to inject false usage analytics, making it appear as if access rules were never bypassed. Impact: Hackers now ride freely to restricted floors, undetected, potentially accessing sensitive data centers or physical assets. Protection Strategies for Smart Elevator Systems Network Isolation Segment elevator networks from IoT, guest Wi-Fi, or BMS systems. Use firewalls and VLANs to limit access to only necessary nodes Firmware Hardening Digitally sign firmware updates. Enforce version verification and block unauthorized updates. Maintain a firmware audit log. Penetration Testing Schedule regular red team engagements to test PLCs, dashboards, and remote access points. Focus on: Default credentials OTA update protocols Port scanning and service enumeration Behavioral Analytics Monitoring Use machine learning to detect anomalies in elevator usage: Access at odd hours Riders accessing new/unusual floors Door open times longer than usual Tools like Darktrace for IoT, Microsoft Defender for IoT, or Nozomi Networks are helpful in this space. Credential & Access Management Immediately disable default admin accounts. Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all dashboard logins. Rotate credentials regularly. Apply role-based access control (RBAC) for different stakeholders (facility managers, IT staff, vendors). Smart elevators exemplify the future of connected infrastructure automated, data-driven, and seamless. But with that sophistication comes risk. Attackers no longer need to sneak into a building. They can ride in, undetected, via your own elevator system. To secure these vertical lifelines: Isolate their networks. Harden every software layer. Monitor like a hawk. Treat your elevators like any other critical IT system. Because the next cybersecurity breach might not come through your front door it might ride the elevator straight to your server room. If you want to learn how to defend such attacks, enrol in UpskillNexus’ Cybersecurity courses.