A Growing Target: Cyber Threats in Construction

Key Takeaways:
  • Cyberattacks are disrupting construction projects and exposing sensitive data.
  • Vulnerability testing helps identify and fix security gaps before they’re exploited.
  • A trusted cybersecurity partner can reduce risk and keep your business running smoothly.

 

On Oct. 10, 2023, Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc., a leading U.S. construction materials manufacturer, experienced a cybersecurity incident that disrupted its Information Technology (IT) infrastructure and business operations. Upon detecting the breach, the company took immediate steps to contain the unauthorized activity, including taking certain systems offline to prevent further impact. While the full scope of the attack remains undisclosed, the disruption affected operations for multiple days, highlighting the growing cyber threats facing the construction and manufacturing industries.

With the widespread adoption of project management software, IoT-connected equipment and cloud-based collaboration tools, construction companies manage vast amounts of sensitive data—contracts, financial records and client details. Unfortunately, these valuable assets attract cybercriminals looking to exploit weaknesses for financial gain or industrial espionage. Furthermore, construction projects typically involve numerous stakeholders—owners, contractors, subcontractors and suppliers—creating additional risks for miscommunication. Cybercriminals often seize on these gaps to launch email compromises, impersonating legitimate team members to steal funds or confidential data.

The Solution? Proactive Cybersecurity Measures

The best way to prevent such incidents is to take a proactive and comprehensive approach to identifying and mitigating weaknesses. This not only includes regular IT assessments and vulnerability testing but also attack simulations to evaluate how effectively your team and systems respond under real-world threat scenarios. Construction firms that prioritize cybersecurity will protect their assets, maintain business continuity, comply with regulations and preserve client trust.

Cybersecurity Risks in the Construction Industry

Construction firms are facing a rising number of cyber threats, including:

  • Ransomware Attacks – Hackers encrypt critical files and demand payment for their release, causing costly downtime.
  • Business Email Compromise (BEC) – Attackers impersonate executives or vendors to trick employees into making fraudulent payments.
  • Intellectual Property Theft – Stolen blueprints, contracts and proprietary designs can be sold to competitors or foreign entities.
  • Operational Disruptions – Cyberattacks can halt construction projects, leading to missed deadlines, contract breaches, and reputational damage.

With the increased use of AI-driven project management tools, IoT sensors and cloud-based collaboration, these risks are only growing. Without proactive cybersecurity, construction firms remain highly vulnerable.

How Vulnerability Testing Strengthens Security

Vulnerability testing plays an important role in mitigating several cybersecurity challenges within the construction industry:

  • Prevent Data Breaches and IP Theft: Cybercriminals target valuable construction data, including blueprints and financial documents. A security breach can compromise sensitive information and lead to costly legal consequences. Vulnerability testing identifies and mitigates security gaps before hackers exploit them.
  • Minimizes Operational Downtime: It helps detect potential threats early, reducing the risk of project disruptions.
  • Ensure Regulatory Compliance: Regular security assessments ensure compliance with standards set by organizations like the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).
  • Mitigating Business Email Compromise (BEC) Prevention: Construction firms are often targeted by BEC scams, where attackers impersonate executives or vendors to trick employees into making fraudulent payments or sharing sensitive data. Vulnerability testing helps detect weaknesses in email security, authentication protocols and employee awareness, reducing the risk of falling victim to these scams.

Actionable Cybersecurity Solutions for Construction Firms

To minimize cybersecurity risks, construction companies should implement the following security measures:

  1. Conduct Regular Vulnerability Testing – Frequent assessments help detect and fix weaknesses before they can be exploited by cybercriminals.
  2. Employee Cybersecurity Training – Educating employees on recognizing phishing attempts, BEC schemes and other cyber threats strengthens the first line of defense.
  3. Implement Strong Email Security Measures – Utilizing multi-factor authentication (MFA), email filtering solutions and domain protection mechanisms like DMARC can prevent unauthorized access and email spoofing.
  4. Partner with a Managed Security Provider – Working with a trusted IT provider, such as Adams Brown Technology Specialists, ensures ongoing monitoring, incident response and proactive threat mitigation.

Questions?

By integrating cybersecurity into your overall business strategy, construction firms can avoid operational disruptions, enhance compliance with industry regulations and protect intellectual property from cybercriminals.

Partnering with a trusted IT provider like Adams Brown Technology Specialists ensures that businesses have access to security solutions, continuous monitoring and incident response support. The construction industry is moving toward a more digital future, and firms that invest in cybersecurity today will be the ones that remain competitive, secure and successful in the years to come.

Don’t wait for a cyberattack to disrupt your business. Contact Adams Brown Technology Specialists today to schedule a cybersecurity assessment and take the first step toward a more secure future.