Cybersecurity Challenges in the Construction Industry
Digital transformation is at the heart of every industry. There are no longer any industries that are immune to the rapid adoption of this movement. When we think of the construction industry, we may think back to an image of ironworkers sitting over a city and enjoying a lunch break on a construction beam. However, rapid digitalization has transformed the construction industry and will continue to drive change and encourage innovation. The traditional ways of conducting business brings about additional risks and challenges that the industry has to solve.
While it is impossible to address every contingency, we can examine what may be the most prominent cybersecurity risks a construction company should be wary of.
What Exactly is the Digital Transformation in the Construction Industry?
Construction was once carried out via messengers who delivered contracts, blueprints and architectural drawings to site foremen. Logistics were controlled via telephone conversations and, in many cases, via word of mouth between project managers and owners that continued all the way down to line workers who could recommend various tradesmen for a job. Now, not only have the gender roles been expanded, but the entire industry is maintained in the same way as all businesses – through electronic communications.
Personnel can be hired via electronic means. Contracts can be digitally signed. And thanks to modern tracking mechanisms, supplies can be tracked from the factory to the construction site with remarkable precision. All of these developments place construction entities along the same spectrum as any other modern business.
Reputation Loss
When a company faces a data breach, the fact that all the customers’ private information ends up in the hands of the attackers isn’t even the worst part. This is data that was under the care and custody of the victimized company.When a breach occurs, the perception of the affected clients (and prospective clients) is not one of sympathy. Rather, the viewpoint is that sensitive data isn’t safe with you. This can cause irreparable reputational damage to a business, driving customers to a competitor.
This means that maintaining a solid cybersecurity reputation has never been more critical. If your organization is in the unfortunate position of suffering a data breach, there are always things you can do to make things right:
- Invest in a cybersecurity Security as a Service (SaaS) solution that works best for your company.
- Take accountability.
- Show your determination towards fixing the problem for the future.
- Establish a reputation management plan.
Construction firms hold volumes of client data. This dictates that a high level of care must be taken to protect that data and that a strong cybersecurity program should be a priority at the company.
Source: Tripwire