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Cybersecurity Threats in the Construction Industry:

How to Protect Your Business

As construction companies increasingly adopt technology, including project management software to Building Information Modeling (BIM), they become more vulnerable to cyberattacks. While some may believe that cybersecurity is not a pressing issue for the construction industry, this assumption is risky. The more connected and reliant on digital solutions your firm becomes, the more attractive a target you become for hackers.

Cybercriminals are drawn to the vast amount of sensitive data construction companies manage, from intellectual property and architectural plans to personal employee information and corporate financials. General contractors and subcontractors often serve as access points to clients' networks, making them prime targets for phishing attacks and other forms of cybercrime. Recent high-profile breaches have involved major industry players like Turner Construction and Whiting-Turner, where phishing scams exposed sensitive employee data, highlighting the industry's vulnerability.

The potential damage goes beyond financial loss—data breaches can harm your company's reputation and disrupt operations.

Here are seven key strategies to protect your company’s data and minimize the risk of cyberattacks:

1. Enhance Employee Security Awareness
   Conduct regular cybersecurity training and enforce password updates every three months.
   
   
2. Implement 2FA (Two Factor Authentication) for software applications
   Add 2FA to internal programs for an added layer of security and protection for local networks and applications.
   
   
3. Implement Regular Data Backups
   Regularly back up critical data to offsite locations or trusted cloud providers for secure recovery.
   
   
4. Deploy Advanced Security Software
   Install real-time security software on servers and devices, with automatic updates for the latest malware protection.
   
   
5. Strengthen Firewalls and Apply Security Updates
   Ensure firewalls are always active and regularly apply security patches to close vulnerabilities.
   
   
6. Secure Mobile Device Access
   Encrypt mobile devices and require PIN or password locks to protect access to your company’s network.
   
   
7. Protect and Encrypt Wi-Fi Networks
   Secure Wi-Fi networks by encrypting signals, using strong router passwords, and restricting access to authorized users only.

Ultimately, no business is immune to cyber threats, and experts agree that it’s not a matter of if, but when an attack will happen. Having a comprehensive response plan and investing in cyber insurance can be crucial to minimizing the impact of an attack. By proactively securing your company's digital assets, you not only protect your operations but also build trust with your partners and clients.