It can be tempting to think that cybersecurity risks only befall major companies in the retail, financial services, or tech spaces. While those tend to be the breaches that generate the most media hype, the reality is that smaller companies are quite vulnerable to computer-based attacks… and construction crews are among the most vulnerable of all.

After all, hackers are keenly aware that Fortune 500 companies have made massive investments in securing their data. By contrast, smaller construction companies often have small, if any, security infrastructure. Little wonder that contractors are so often the targets of cybercrime. Statistics tell us that about one out of every six construction companies has been hit with some type of cyber incident.

What Makes Construction Companies So Vulnerable?

For contractors to safeguard their businesses against hackers and computer-based assailants, it helps to gain a better understanding of where their vulnerabilities lie. Consider just a few of the main risk factors with which construction companies need to contend.

1) Ineffective Firewalls

To keep any business safe from cybercriminal attacks, it’s imperative to have robust, up-to-date firewalls and other digital safeguards.

Often, small contractors are working with very basic, consumer-grade computer equipment, which simply doesn’t have the kind of cybersecurity protections that business owners need.

2) Too Many Unsecured Endpoints

Construction companies often have multiple personnel logging into shared files or drives, from a variety of different computers, mobile devices, and tablets. Think foremen, assessors/estimators, subcontractors, and more.

These multiple devices essentially mean that the company’s digital infrastructure is a house with many unlocked doors, making it that much harder to keep unwanted intruders at bay.

3) Remote Work

Along the same lines, it’s not uncommon for members of a construction company to work from home or from a hotel somewhere. This is truer now than ever, thanks to the aftermath of COVID.

Logging in from an unknown network or sharing a network while other family members are playing online games, can provide a way for hackers to access sensitive information.

4) Inadequate Appreciation for Data

A lot of contractors assume that their data is valueless to potential hackers, and that this alone will keep them safe.  It’s not banking data or protected health information, right?

The problem is most companies have data that is very important to them and has taken countless months and years to develop.  This data is valuable to companies and, therefore, is data a bad actor can leverage for ransom.  Also, sometimes the hack results in money lost – something we can all value.

5) Lack of Resources

A major reason why many contractors are exposed to cybercrime is that they don’t know the kinds of resources available to them or are hesitant to begin using them.

Working with a proven IT security company can provide not just the strategy but the up-to-date software needed to ensure data security. That’s what makes it so imperative for construction companies to enlist the services of a company like BlueArmor.

Keep Your Construction Assets Safe and Secure

At BlueArmor, we have a proven track record ensuring rigorous IT protocols for construction companies throughout the Carolinas. We’d love to tell you more about different ways to limit your risk exposure, and to keep your company safe from computer-based criminals. Contact BlueArmor at your convenience.