Construction Industry Security

The construction industry is subject to many serious security threats and challenges today, but is often playing catch up when it comes to cybersecurity strategies and technologies. In fact, even though almost half of all construction executives worry their firms are vulnerable to threats, most of them have no cybersecurity plans in place. In a recent Industry Today column, WatchGuard CTO Corey Nachreiner highlights that it’s time to change the status quo with several critical best practices for construction outfits:

“The reality is that the construction organizations are facing the same vulnerabilities and threats as every other industry, as well as a set of unique challenges that come with vast supply chains, active jobsites and more. Critical IT resources such as smart devices, routers, computers with CADD and blueprint software, Wi-Fi hotspots and so on are all housed in the base of operations at job sites. Due to the inherently temporary nature of construction projects, this IT infrastructure is often less protected than similar setups would be in a traditional office setting. This makes for a ripe target for attackers looking to steal valuable information that developers, architects, engineers and construction managers are accessing and sharing on a daily basis.”

In the article, he continues on to outline several key strategies construction companies can implement to secure operations and defend against attacks, including building a solid security foundation, understanding your attackers, prioritizing security education and training and shoring up digital and physical security in tandem. Here’s an excerpt on building a robust security foundation:

“Like any other business, strong cybersecurity in the construction industry starts with fundamental layers of security. Any computing devices on site should be secured in the same way as it would be in a traditional office setting. Deploy firewalls, patch software regularly, back up your data frequently, enable core network security services and endpoint protections, etc. These are basic table stakes, but critical nonetheless. New generations of ruggedized security technologies including multi-function security appliances and Wi-Fi access points can address historical jobsite issues like heat, dust and moisture, while remote monitoring and management tools can allow IT managers to execute updates and monitor alerts from a central location.”

For more on all four best practices construction organizations can use to build a better security posture, read the full article at Industry Today. Learn more about industry-specific security here.