Cyber-attacks are a looming threat to businesses everywhere, but construction companies face an especially acute risk. As we’ve noted in the past, construction crews are uniquely vulnerable to cyber-attacks, for a range of reasons:

  • Inadequate cybersecurity measures.
  • Complex digital ecosystems.
  • The rise of remote work.
  • Reliance on out-of-date technology.

Due to these and other factors, construction companies have seen a massive rise in the occurrence of online attacks. The question is, what steps can contractors take to protect the integrity of their data?

How to Secure Your Construction Company Against Cyber Attacks

1) Recognize that our data actually does have value.

One of the primary reasons why construction companies are vulnerable is that contractors often downplay the importance of their digital information, assuming it doesn’t hold any value to anyone else. The mere fact that this data is valuable to the contractor makes it a prime target for hackers, however. As such, a critical first step for construction companies is to recognize that the data they have is a target for online criminals, and thus is worth defending.

2) Provide employee training.

Your employees can be your greatest liabilities, but also your strongest bulwark against online assailants. Make sure you conduct regular training, impressing on your personnel the nature of the risk and also the steps they can take to keep that risk under control. Especially cover things like password practices, the importance of using secured networks, dangers inherent to connecting new devices, basic awareness about vishing and phishing scams, etc.

3) Practice drills.

Many companies hold regular fire drills, or armed intruder drills. In much the same way, you might run periodic training simulations, helping to prepare your employees for identifying and handling phishing emails or other types of online scams. These drills can provide employees with the speed and diligence required to address issues quickly, ensuring that they have muscle memory in place to handle actual crises that develop.

4) Know where your data is kept.

Here’s a simple yet significant step that many contractors overlook: Make sure you know exactly where your data lives, and how it can be accessed. This ensures that you’re aware of your data breach exposures, and that if there ever is a breach you know where to focus your recovery efforts.

5) Stay current with your technology.

Old, out-of-date technology tends to be incredibly limited in its ability to keep criminals at bay. Make sure you work with an IT consultant to keep your computers and other devices relatively current, upgrading your tech ecosystem on a regular basis.

6) Have skilled professionals on speed dial.

Before you have a data breach, make sure you have an attorney on hand who is experienced in navigating data breaches. And maintain an IT and cybersecurity consultant who can advise you on everything from encryption to employee education.

At BlueArmor, we’re enthusiastic about working with construction companies here in Charlotte, NC, and beyond, providing robust strategies to ensure online security. Reach out to us if you have any questions.