When you own a construction company, it’s easy to assume that cybersecurity is a minor concern, perhaps more appropriate for big healthcare companies than a smaller general contractor (GC) or trade. In reality, cybercriminals know that large enterprises have robust security measures in place, making them more difficult to compromise. By contrast, small businesses tend to be minimally protected and quite vulnerable to an attack as a whole. In addition, construction companies have traits that make them uniquely susceptible.
In fact, studies have proven that construction is one of the most vulnerable industries of all when it comes to hacker threats and other cyberattacks. Several statistics place the industry as the third-most attacked industry. The question is, what is it about construction companies that make them prime targets for cyber-attacks?
Why Construction Companies Are Especially Vulnerable
There are several factors that place construction companies in a high-risk category. Consider just a few of them:
1) Construction companies often have inadequate cybersecurity measures in place.
The typical GC/trade is consumed with getting projects completed in a timely and affordable manner, meaning he or she has little time to become a cybersecurity expert. This is completely understandable, but it does mean that most construction companies have only the most minor cybersecurity measures in place. These include firewall and anti-virus software solutions that are simply inadequate to thwart determined hackers.
2) Most construction companies have complex digital ecosystems.
Today’s construction teams often use a range of different devices and digital systems to communicate between job sites and to stay connected to the central office. It’s not uncommon for onsite project managers or superintendents to access servers, project management systems and file storage applications with an improperly protected, sometimes even personally owned, laptop or mobile device, creating a doorway through which hackers and other criminals can access company data.
3) Remote work is on the rise.
Estimators, project managers, and sales associates often log in to access customer files from their laptops and mobile devices, whether that’s at home, a coffee shop, or a hotel. Unsecured Wi-Fi connections, or even children playing on their parent’s computer, can create additional cybersecurity risks. Also, few construction companies are prepared when a company device is lost or stolen.
4) Construction executives often undervalue their own data and risk.
Something we often hear from contractors is that they don’t really have much in the way of valuable data… mostly just customer contact information and project histories. But if that data is valuable to you, then it can ultimately be used as leverage in a ransomware attack, deeming it a cybersecurity vulnerability. Furthermore, construction leaders often minimize their overall cybersecurity risk and the impact it can have on their companies. Unfortunately, this creates a culture lacking in cybersecurity awareness and ripe for a cyber-attack.
5) Many contractors rely on outdated computers and software.
Finally, we’ve seen a trend of many construction company employees using older laptops, desktops, and tablets, with out-of-date software version and updates. Hackers seek these out-of-date devices, compromising them and accessing company data.
Safeguarding Your Business Against Cyberattacks
From fraudulent wire transfers to ransomware attacks, there are countless ways in which hackers can assert themselves against construction companies, potentially impeding the company’s productivity/growth, damaging their reputation, or compromising sensitive information.
It’s imperative for construction companies to understand the heightened risk they face and to assess their current cybersecurity strengths and weaknesses. BlueArmor is here to help, leveraging our extensive experience providing cybersecurity solutions within the construction industry.