How to Keep Your Data and Systems Secure

Technology’s progress has benefited the industry. But it’s also ushered in new challenges, like cyber threats.

Vulnerabilities to cyber attacks can harm your business, causing financial and reputational damage if not managed effectively.

In this article, we'll explore cyber security in the construction sector and learn how you can keep your systems and data secure.

Cyber Security for Construction: Tips to Keep Data and Systems Safe

To keep your construction data safe and sound, consider implementing these best practices:

Create a Construction Data Security Policy

Before breaking ground on any construction project, you need a solid plan in place. A data security policy helps you determine how to manage and protect sensitive information.

When developing a security policy for your construction company, consider these points:

• Make sure the policy is available to all employees, so they understand cyber risks, cybersecurity basics, and how to handle sensitive information.
• Review and update your policies regularly to stay current with changing rules or technology.
• Management should implement policies and encourage employee training and education.

Choose Construction Management Software with Built-in Security Features

Construction management software is an essential part of your building process and should be secure.

When selecting software:

• Opt for a company with a proven track record in the construction industry.
• Look for positive customer reviews from people who have used the product.
• Check if the developer offers technical assistance.
• Ensure they provide automatic updates for new threats.

Firewalls and Antivirus Software: A Must-have Duo

Antivirus protection is essential, and keeping your antivirus software updated is crucial.

A firewall can help build network security, protect your computer from unauthorised access, and reduce cyber risks.

These technologies are critical components of any data protection plan, helping you identify vulnerabilities and detect malware or hacking attempts before they cause damage.

Encrypt Data on Corporate Devices

Being connected at all times through digital means has made construction companies more productive.

However, it also makes users more vulnerable to security breaches and gives hackers opportunities to access your computer systems.

Protect your devices by using data encryption to safeguard your company information and intellectual property.

Back Up Your Data Regularly

Potential dangers to your construction projects can come from everywhere. Assess all possible sources of risk to avoid breaches, project delays, and minimise the impact on your business.

If you experience a data security incident, you should have backups of all your project files. 

Back up your data online and offline, and store copies on external drives or cloud storage systems.

Archive Your Old, Inactive Data

Your servers likely contain old, irrelevant information that could still be vulnerable to an attack. 

This data may include client financial information, employee records, and other confidential details.

Move this older data off the main servers and into a secondary, more secure system by using a tiered data archiving system.

Secure Your Systems Today

Data security is essential for businesses in any industry, including construction. 

Simple practices can shield your sensitive data from potential cyber threats and protect your sensitive and financial information.

By conducting a proper risk assessment, creating security policies, and using secure, cloud-based data solutions, you can effectively reduce the chances of cyber attacks.

Regularly evaluate your cyber defences to ensure they're working properly and make improvements as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q) Why is cybersecurity important in construction?

As construction businesses expand and adopt new technologies, cybercriminals are becoming more skilled in their attacks. Protecting critical information, such as documents, personal data, and building models, is essential as the industry goes digital.

Q) What are the types of cyber risk vulnerabilities?

Your organisation should be aware of these cybersecurity risks:

• Ransomware attack
• Malware attack
• Phishing attack
• Spam
• DDoS (distributed denial of service) attacks
• ATM Cash Out
• Corporate Account Takeover (CATO)

Q) What can the construction industry do to address and control cyber threats?

• Educate employees about cyber security risks and train them to be cyber-aware
• Create comprehensive incident response plans
• Examine and limit data access
• Address IoT threats
  
  

Q) What are the Construction Industry's Cybersecurity and Privacy Risks?

The interconnected nature of building projects and the supply chain puts construction organisations at additional cybersecurity risks. Vendors, subcontractors, third parties, and fourth parties can put you at high risk due to limited visibility into their controls and processes.

Q) What is the role of cybersecurity in other industries like civil engineering?

In a nutshell, cybersecurity is the safeguarding of sensitive data and network systems from cyber criminals by the IT Department.

Cybersecurity engineers protect businesses from external threats, making them an essential aspect of technical engineering.

Remember, maintaining a secure and protected construction business requires vigilance and a proactive approach.

Stay informed and up-to-date on cyber security developments and implement best practices to keep your data and systems safe from potential threats.