As we’ve noted in the past, construction companies are uniquely vulnerable to cybersecurity breaches… and the effects can be financially ruinous. That’s the bad news. The good news is that construction companies can follow a few basic cybersecurity protocols to the risk of a catastrophic breach.
How Can Construction Companies Improve Cybersecurity Resiliency?
Here are a few guidelines for contractors looking to improve their cybersecurity protocols.
1) Invest in training.
Around 90 percent of cyberattacks happen from employee error. Educating them on the types of attacks they may encounter along with simulated testing can greatly reduce the chance of future errors. Lean on your cybersecurity vendor to administer robust training plans for your company.
2) Complete your incident response.
In the same way that your company might have the occasional fire drill, you might also practice your response to a cybersecurity breach. This process typically includes 3 steps: 1. Create an incident response plan for your company, 2. Train your employees on this plan, 3. Test the plan and your employees periodically.
3) Enlist the right experts.
It’s good to have the right experts saved in your contact list. Even with your best efforts, cyberattacks may befall you… and when they do, you’ll need to get clear guidance right away. Make sure you have both a lawyer and a cybersecurity expert on file, ready to call when you need them.
4) Be aware of where your data resides.
Too often, construction companies don’t know exactly where their data is stored, or where it may be accessed. That leaves them with too many vulnerabilities, and with no good way to protect or restore data following a breach. Simply conducting an audit, gaining greater understanding of where your data resides, can be meaningful.
5) Stay current with your technology.
Construction companies often face acute risk due to outdated technology. Work with an IT provider to ensure you’re using up-to-date hardware and software, complete with the most current standards of cybersecurity.
6) Set up network monitoring.
Network monitoring is critical to react quickly when a bad action is attempting to or has successfully gained access to your network. Talk with your cybersecurity vendor about the possibility of network monitoring.
7) Plan for multiple devices.
Remember that you’ll likely have different employees accessing data from different devices and networks. Though this increases your vulnerability, there are precautions you can take: Employee education, the use of VPN technology, SASE solutions, and more. Ask your cybersecurity provider about specifics.
Keep Your Construction Company Safe
Cyberattacks happen, and contractors are acutely vulnerable. Take precautions to keep your company safe. And with questions, reach out to BlueArmor in Charlotte, NC. We’d love to tell you more about keeping your company’s digital assets secure.