The construction industry is rapidly evolving as digital tools, cloud-based project management platforms, and connected job sites become standard. But as firms embrace digital transformation, they also become more vulnerable to cyberattacks. For construction, engineering, and architecture firms, this growing threat is too significant to ignore.
Construction firms are increasingly being targeted by cybercriminals because of a combination of high-value data, complex supply chains, and historically underdeveloped cybersecurity practices.
Here are a couple of construction industry cybersecurity statistics to consider:
Unlike heavily regulated industries like finance and healthcare, construction firms often lack the same level of cybersecurity maturity, making them low-hanging fruit for attackers.
Other key vulnerabilities in construction to consider:
Cybercriminals are acutely aware that an attack during an active project can wreak havoc on operations, compel firms to consider paying ransoms, and cause significant delays.
Construction companies face a variety of cyber threats, each with the potential to cause financial loss. Some of the most common cyber incidents in construction include:
Ransomware is one of the most significant cyber threats to the construction industry. Attackers infiltrate systems, encrypt critical data, and demand a ransom for its release. For construction firms, ransomware can delay projects, disrupt supply chains, and result in costly downtime.
Phishing attacks involve deceptive emails designed to trick employees into revealing confidential information or downloading malicious software. Spearphishing, a more targeted form of phishing, personalizes the attack to the victim, making it harder to detect.
Unauthorized access to company networks can lead to the theft of sensitive information such as client details, financial records, and intellectual property. Data breaches can damage a company's reputation and result in legal consequences.
Cybercriminals often use sophisticated techniques to trick construction companies into transferring funds to fraudulent accounts. This type of attack can lead to significant financial losses.
With so many cyber threats to guard against, regulatory expectations for contractors, especially those working on government-funded projects, are tightening. Firms bidding on U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) contracts, for example, must now comply with the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC), which requires contractors to demonstrate specific cybersecurity practices before they can be awarded contracts. Even outside of defense, agencies at the federal, state, and local levels are increasingly requiring vendors to follow NIST cybersecurity standards and implement data protection protocols.
For small to midsize construction and engineering firms, this means that strong cybersecurity is no longer just a best practice, it’s a competitive requirement. Falling short could mean disqualification from lucrative public projects or even legal penalties in the event of a breach involving government data.
Even without a large IT team, your firm can take practical, cost-effective steps to improve its cybersecurity posture.
Identify your most valuable assets, current vulnerabilities, and gaps in protection. Start by mapping out how data flows through your company, who has access to what, and where your sensitive files are stored.
MFA requires users to verify their identity using two or more methods (e.g., password and mobile code). This simple step can block over 99% of account compromise attacks, according to Microsoft.
Free or consumer-level platforms are often not secure enough for professional use. Choose reputable cloud providers that offer encryption, access control, and audit logs. Ensure you have strong permissions in place for sharing documents, especially on shared drives and Building Information Modeling (BIM) platforms.
Unpatched software is one of the easiest ways attackers gain access. Make it a policy to install updates promptly on all devices and systems. This includes operating systems, project management tools, and antivirus software.
Create a security training program that teaches employees how to recognize phishing emails, avoid unsafe downloads, and report suspicious activity. Many cyberattacks succeed not because of tech weaknesses, but because of human error.
Create automatic, encrypted backups of all critical files, and store them offline or in a secure cloud environment. Test your backups regularly to ensure they can be restored in case of an emergency.
If a cyberattack occurs, knowing what to do can drastically reduce downtime and damage. Your plan should outline how to isolate the threat, notify key stakeholders, restore systems, and report the incident to authorities or clients.
If your firm doesn’t have the in-house expertise to manage security, an MSSP can monitor your systems 24/7, apply patches, respond to threats, and provide strategic advice. Managed IT services for construction companies is often more cost-effective than hiring full-time IT staff and helps you stay ahead of evolving threats.
While cybersecurity may not be as visible as pouring concrete or drafting blueprints, it is equally vital to the success of construction projects. As cyber threats continue to rise, construction firms must prioritize cybersecurity as a fundamental business function rather than an afterthought. By taking proactive steps now, firms can protect their data, their people, and their reputation. And in an industry where trust and timeliness are everything, that protection is invaluable.
As a Managed Security Service Provider, we ensure your construction firm's cybersecurity is robust and resilient. Our expert team will provide round-the-clock monitoring, strategic advice, and rapid response to threats, giving you peace of mind and allowing you to focus on what you do best. Contact us to get started.