Strategies for Securing Construction Technology from Cyber Threats
The construction industry, with its reliance on decentralized teams, third-party providers, and digital technologies, has become a prime target for cyberattacks. Here are some common types of cyberattacks that pose a threat to construction companies and the measures they can take to stay secure.
1. **Phishing and Social Engineering**: These attacks exploit the trust and reliance on third-party contractors. Hackers use social engineering tactics to trick employees into revealing sensitive information, which can lead to unauthorized access to payment details or credentials [1][3]. To counteract this, construction companies can establish secure phrases and implement multifactor authentication to help detect phishing attempts [2].
2. **Ransomware Attacks**: These attacks are particularly effective in the construction sector due to high-pressure deadlines and unsecured digital footprints. Ransomware can disrupt operations and lead to significant financial losses [1][3]. Companies can protect themselves by using encryption to safeguard sensitive data and regularly updating and monitoring their systems for potential vulnerabilities and threats [4].
3. **Supply Chain Vulnerabilities**: Construction projects involve multiple professionals with varying levels of cybersecurity knowledge, making supply chains a target. Shared access across systems increases the risk of attacks [1]. To strengthen supply chain resilience, construction companies should conduct thorough background checks on third-party providers and ensure they adhere to strict security protocols [5].
4. **Internet of Things (IoT) Device Exploitation**: Devices like mobile phones and tablets used on-site for coordination can be exploited if not properly secured [1]. To secure IoT devices, construction companies should ensure that all devices are configured with strong security settings, including encryption and secure network connections [2].
5. **Cloud Exploitation**: Cloud storage is often used for project coordination but is frequently not configured securely, making it vulnerable to data breaches [1]. Companies can enhance cloud security by configuring it properly, using strong passwords and multi-factor authentication to protect data [2].
In addition to these measures, construction companies can stay secure by implementing data, infrastructure, and end-user security measures to protect against cyberattacks such as wire fraud, data breaches, ransomware, and phishing [6]. Regular security audits are also essential for identifying vulnerabilities and addressing them before they can be exploited by attackers [5].
As the construction industry continues to digitalize, it is crucial for companies to stay vigilant against cyber threats. By adopting robust cybersecurity training, securing IoT devices, enhancing cloud security, strengthening supply chain resilience, and leveraging advanced technologies, construction companies can significantly reduce their risk of falling victim to cyberattacks.
References: [1] "Cybersecurity in the Construction Industry." Construction Dive, 23 Feb. 2021, www.constructiondive.com/news/cybersecurity-in-the-construction-industry/604555/. [2] "Cybersecurity Best Practices for Construction Companies." Cybersecurity Insiders, 13 Jan. 2021, cybersecurityinsiders.com/cybersecurity-best-practices-for-construction-companies/. [3] "5 Cybersecurity Threats Construction Companies Face." TechTarget, 14 May 2021, searchconstruction.techtarget.com/tip/5-cybersecurity-threats-construction-companies-face. [4] "Construction Industry Faces Increasing Cybersecurity Threats." ENR, 23 Mar. 2021, enr.com/articles/51314-construction-industry-faces-increasing-cybersecurity-threats. [5] "The Rise of Cybercrime in the Construction Industry." Forbes, 24 Mar. 2021, www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2021/03/24/the-rise-of-cybercrime-in-the-construction-industry/?sh=5b29005c743f. [6] "Cybersecurity for Construction Companies." National Cybersecurity Alliance, www.staysafeonline.org/stay-safe-online/resources/small-businesses/cybersecurity-for-construction-companies/.
- Recognizing the importance of cybersecurity in data-and-cloud-computing, construction companies should configure their cloud storage properly, secure it with strong passwords, and employ multi-factor authentication to protect sensitive project data from breaches.
- To address the escalating threats of phishing and social engineering in the technology-reliant construction industry, companies can implement secure communication protocols, make use of encryption, and undergo regular security audits to safeguard payment details and credentials.
- Enhancing cybersecurity policy within the construction sector, supply chain partners must be thoroughly vetted, adhere to strict security protocols, and demonstrate a strong understanding of the cybersecurity risks associated with decentralized teams, third-party providers, and IoT device usage.
