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Cyberattacks are one of the biggest threats to businesses today, and even small companies are not safe. In the United States, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center reported that businesses lost over $12.5 billion from cybercrimes in 2023 alone.
Many companies rent or lease their office space, often using the internet provided by the building management. This raises a difficult question—if a cyberattack happens, and it comes from the building’s network, who is responsible?
What Happens During a Cyberattack?
A cyberattack happens when hackers try to access or damage a company’s data or systems. This can include stealing customer information, locking up files with ransomware, or shutting down operations. Sometimes, these attacks target weak networks or shared internet systems—common in office buildings where multiple tenants connect through the same service provider or Wi-Fi system. When this happens, it can be unclear whether the company, the landlord, or the internet provider is at fault.
The Role of the Office Space Provider
If your company rents space in an office building that provides shared internet, the landlord or property management company usually controls the network setup. They may provide Wi-Fi access, security firewalls, and maintenance through a third-party IT firm.
However, most office leases include clauses that limit the building owner’s responsibility for cybersecurity. This means that even if the attack comes through their system, they may not be legally responsible for any data loss your company suffers.
Always read your lease carefully to see who manages and secures the network.
The Company’s Responsibility
Even when using a shared internet connection, each company is expected to protect its own systems and data. That includes having strong passwords, antivirus software, encryption, and secure cloud backups.
The U.S. Small Business Administration reports that 88% of small business owners feel their company is vulnerable to a cyberattack, yet nearly half have no cybersecurity plan in place. If your company fails to take reasonable steps to protect its data, it may be held responsible for damages—even if the initial breach came through the building’s network.
When a Cyberattack Happens
If a cyberattack occurs, the first step is to isolate your systems and contact your IT team or cybersecurity provider.
A cybersecurity specialist will offer things like incident response services to provide a plan of action to minimise the damage and impact of a cyber attack.
It is key to notify the building management and your internet service provider to find out if the breach came from the shared network. If so, it’s important to document everything.
You may need to involve law enforcement and your insurance company. Cyber insurance can help cover costs for recovery, legal fees, and customer notifications. Without insurance, recovery can be slow and costly.
Legal and Financial Consequences
Responsibility after a cyberattack often depends on the terms of the lease and the nature of the attack. If the building failed to maintain a secure network or ignored known risks, they could share some liability.
However, if your company did not take its own security precautions, it might bear most of the blame. Financial losses can be severe. The average cost of a data breach in the U.S. reached $9.48 million in 2025, according to IBM’s annual report. These numbers show why both landlords and tenants must take cybersecurity seriously.
Conclusion
When your company rents or leases office space, cybersecurity becomes a shared concern but not always a shared responsibility. Even if the internet connection belongs to the building, your company must still protect its own data and systems. The best approach is prevention—have clear policies, maintain your own security tools, and review your lease so you know exactly who is accountable. In the end, staying prepared can protect your business, your reputation, and your customers from lasting harm.
Also read: What Types of Business Use Coworking Space?
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