Cybersecurity: What have you done to protect your organization?

Reading Time: 2 minutes 30 seconds

Cybersecurity is vital for construction contractors to protect sensitive data, maintain their reputation, avoid financial losses, comply with regulations, safeguard intellectual property, ensure operational continuity, and protect the integrity of their supply chain.

The surge in cybercrime, particularly targeting smaller businesses, is a growing concern. Cost-per-incident statistics related to cyber data breaches show that small businesses bear a disproportionately high financial burden when they fall victim to cyberattacks. Limited resources and less sophisticated security measures often employed by small businesses make them easy targets for cybercriminals. The fallout extends beyond immediate financial loss; they also face potential damage to reputation, loss of customer trust, and costly legal repercussions. In IBM’s 2023 Cost of a Data Breach Report, data shows a significant jump in the cost of such breaches for smaller companies.

Prioritizing cybersecurity measures can enhance construction contractors’ overall resilience and competitiveness in an increasingly digital and interconnected world. Below are a few ways to mitigate your cyber security risks in the construction industry.

Mitigating Cybersecurity Risks:

• Conduct Regular Risk Assessments: Perform periodic risk assessments to identify vulnerabilities and potential threats to your digital infrastructure. Evaluate existing systems, networks, and software for weaknesses and prioritize remediation efforts based on the level of risk. Regular assessments help you stay proactive in addressing security gaps.
• Cybersecurity Culture: Foster a cybersecurity-first culture by promoting awareness, training, and education programs for employees at all levels. Regularly communicate the importance of cybersecurity and encourage a proactive approach to identifying and reporting potential threats.
• Robust Network Security: Implement strong firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention systems, and data encryption protocols. Regularly monitor network traffic and conduct vulnerability assessments to identify and address potential weaknesses. Utilize email filtering systems to identify and block phishing emails. These systems can detect common phishing patterns and malicious links or attachments.
• Secure Data Management: Safeguard sensitive data by implementing access controls, encryption, and regular backups. Use secure cloud storage and collaboration platforms with strong authentication mechanisms to protect intellectual property and project-related information. Regularly back up critical data and store it securely offline or on a separate network. This ensures the data can be restored from backups even if the primary system is compromised.
• Third-Party Risk Management: Vet and establish security requirements for all subcontractors, suppliers, and partners. Include cybersecurity clauses in contracts and agreements, clearly outlining data protection and incident response protocols.
• Regular Updates and Patch Management: Keep all software, systems, and devices updated with the latest security patches. Implement a rigorous patch management process to address vulnerabilities promptly and minimize the risk of exploitation.
• Incident Response Planning: Develop a comprehensive incident response plan that outlines steps to be taken in the event of a cyber incident. Establish clear roles and responsibilities, create backups, and conduct regular drills to test the plan’s effectiveness.
• Secure Mobile Devices: Construction professionals often use mobile devices to access company data and applications. Implement security measures such as password protection, encryption, and remote wiping capabilities for lost or stolen devices. Establish policies for app downloads and restrict access to sensitive information when using personal devices.

Remember, cybersecurity is an ongoing process, and staying updated on the latest threats and best practices to protect your organization’s digital assets is essential. Consulting with JLK Rosenberger’s cybersecurity experts can provide tailored guidance and support specific to your construction contractor business.

We’re here to help

Please contact us to discuss options such as a one-time assessment to better understand your organization’s vulnerabilities, ongoing monitoring to help safeguard your organization or a custom-designed solution.