Securing Innovation Districts: Cybersecurity for Modern Estates 

Science parks and innovation districts sit at the heart of the UK’s knowledge economy, housing sensitive intellectual property and valuable research data in increasingly digitised operations. These environments bring together universities, start-ups, and corporates, each with unique networks and technologies, creating a fragmented landscape that increases cyber vulnerability. 

Traditionally, cybersecurity was seen as an IT issue. Building owners focused on physical assets, tenants managed their own systems and facilities managers prioritised operational efficiency. Responsibility was diffused, leaving estates exposed to ransomware on building systems and data breaches. 

The RICS UK Facilities Management Survey (2024), published by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, shows the scale of the challenge: 27% of respondents reported a cyberattack in the past year, up 11% on the previous year. For a sector long focused on physical resilience, this highlights growing digital vulnerability. 

These risks are amplified in innovation led campuses, where operational continuity, research integrity and intellectual property protection are non-negotiable, and any security breach can directly undermine regulatory compliance and hard-won reputations. 

As Robin Stevenson of Knight Frank observed in the RICS report: “The property industry is a sleeping giant in the world of cybersecurity risks. We need to be more aware of the risks, how we can limit them and how we deal with them.” 

The Expanding Attack Surface 

Modern estates are more connected than ever. Building Management Systems (BMS), access control, tenant wi-fi, IoT-enabled labs and digital tenant platforms bring operational benefits but also create entry points for cybercriminals.  

The consequences are no longer theoretical. In Q1 2025 UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) reported facing more than 5.4 million attempted cyberattacks, from phishing to malware, highlighting the exposure of research organisations. For developers, a single breach can undermine years of placemaking and brand equity investment. For facilities managers, accountability is critical: landlords assume FM teams will cover cybersecurity, FM teams assume suppliers will, suppliers often lack the remit or expertise. This creates a vacuum of responsibility contributing to heightened risk. 

From Optional to Essential 

The property sector is at a turning point. Just as physical security, fire safety, and environmental management became embedded responsibilities, so must cybersecurity. 

RICS states: “It is essential that the sector looks again at buildings, the way they are managed and used, the role of property professionals and the standards that apply with a pair of fresh eyes.” 

FM professionals must recognise that digital infrastructure is as much part of an estate as bricks and mortar. Owners and operators must accept that accountability for cyber resilience sits at the building level. Smart campuses, digital tenant services, and connected laboratories attract world-class occupiers, but without robust protection, these innovations can become liabilities. 

Building-Level Cyber Resilience 

The latest RICS survey not only highlights the risks but also points towards good practice. Building level cybersecurity is not about isolated fixes, but about embedding resilience across the estate. Five clear priorities emerge: 

1. Risk Assessment – Understand your building’s technologies, how they store and protect data, and their risk landscapes. Ensure compliance with relevant laws and standards. 
2. Integrated Approach – Design cybersecurity into buildings at an operational level. Modernise systems, enforce access controls, patch regularly, and deploy real-time monitoring.  
3. Monitoring & Accountability – Cyber threats evolve constantly, requiring ongoing monitoring and incident response planning. Owners, FM teams, suppliers, and employees must share responsibility, supported by training programmes. 
4. Governance Integration – Digital risk should sit within the corporate risk framework. Boards must be informed, and a security-first culture encouraged at all levels. 
5. Third Party & Incident Preparedness – Strengthen supply chain security with strict standards, regular assessments, and controlled access. Support resilience with insurance and clear incident response planning. 

Communicate’s Role in Science Parks 

At Communicate, we understand the unique challenge of implementing cybersecurity at the building level within the science park community. We have seen first-hand the critical importance of coordinated security and connectivity. 

We deliver secure connectivity and full-stack cybersecurity services for multitenant sites and research campuses across the UK. Our work spans risk assessments, protection of building systems and resilient, high-performance connectivity for landlords and tenants. 

We have extensive experience partnering with science parks, connecting and securing sites such as Discovery Park, University of Warwick, Kent Innovation Centre and Colworth Science Park. 

Our approach is proactive: we protect shared infrastructure whilst ensuring tenants have reliable connectivity and secure foundations, backed by 24/7 monitoring through our UK-based Security Operations Centre (SOC). With expert led guidance, rapid nationwide support and scalable, compliant solutions, we help science parks remain secure, resilient, and innovation-ready. 

The Way Forward 

A clear understanding of your exposure is the essential first step. To support this, we provide a free Risk Survey Report, conducted by one of our experts. Over two to three days (depending on site size), we undertake a comprehensive assessment of your estate, after which you will receive a detailed, tailored report highlighting vulnerabilities and providing practical, prioritised recommendations. From there, we work with you to shape a realistic and achievable roadmap, aligned with your objectives, timeframes and budget.  

What sets us apart is the breadth and depth of our service. We are both connectivity and cybersecurity experts, with a proven track record across science parks and research campuses nationwide. Our team and processes are ISO 27001, ISO 9001, and Cyber Essentials Plus certified, giving clients confidence in the robustness and compliance of our approach. Clients gain direct access to advisors who guide decisions across the full stack, from compliance and consultancy to penetration testing and threat detection. 

With nationwide reach, rapid on-site support, and fully UK hosted data, our solutions are scalable, compliant, and trusted by boards, auditors, and tenants alike. It’s a people-first model: dedicated account managers, named SOC specialists and hands on training that builds confidence at every level. 

Cybersecurity is no longer just an IT issue – it’s a property issue. The sooner you act, the stronger your estate will be. 

Click to book a free consultation with one of our experts today and take the first step towards making your buildings truly cyber resilient.

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Sources: 

UK Government (2023), Emerging Technologies and Cybersecurity Report.