IT & Cybersecurity: Safeguarding the Modern Construction Company
The Digital Transformation of Construction: Why Cybersecurity Matters
We meet with construction leaders nearly every day and often receive a slew of questions. Some about the latest AI strategies they should implement, where we see they are vulnerable to a cyber attack, or when the rain will stop so they can complete their projects faster. Short of turning into weathermen, we’ve compiled answers to the most frequently asked questions for this article. And with construction being reported as the 3rd most attacked industry for ransomware, addressing these items could be the difference between hitting your goals for the year or missing the mark your team has worked hard to pursue.
Building a Strong AI Plan
Do you have an AI plan for your company? If not, we highly recommend adding it to your goals for the year. AI can be very powerful for companies, including fast content creation, improved estimating, automated sales and bidding processes, and much more. However, the risks to organizations are real, especially if left unaddressed. The truth is, your employees are already using ChatGPT and other AI tools as they are very helpful for conducting work. Without proper guidelines, employees might inadvertently disclose confidential information to the public. With an unfettered AI free-for-all, construction companies risk inefficiencies, security vulnerabilities, increase competition, and compliance issues.
How to Secure AI in Construction:
- Begin with establishing an AI policy and selecting appropriate AI tools.
- Train your employees in acceptable and unacceptable use of these AI tools.
- Have your IT department block AI tools that are unapproved.
- Select either a paid secure AI platform or establish a private AI cloud for your employees to use securely.
- Identify other areas for your business that would benefit from AI automation, select employees to research and test the tools on the market, and select an implementation plan. Key areas for construction are sales, marketing, estimating, project management.
- Have a process to review the security of each AI tool considered for business use.
AI can drive efficiency, but only with the right security framework in place.
Automation: Do More with Less
The answer to the question about automation is always “yes.” Yes, there are areas in your business where you can gain efficiency through building automations. The real question: Is the benefit from the automation more than the cost to achieve the automation? Would it be beneficial to have documents stored and synced across your ERP/Project management system and your document storage tool? Would automating contract and related document creation based on an RFP or questionnaire answers allow for more completed builds for the year? Would automating significant sections of your estimating process allow your preconstruction department to complete more estimates without hiring additional employees?
How To Build Automation:
- Identify processes in your operations where a person is doing manual administrative tasks.
- Identify areas in your operations where people are doing tasks that they don’t enjoy – tasks that are typically mundane.
- Brainstorm opportunity ideas with your team. Encourage them to think innovatively, be creative, and to keep in mind that no idea is too big or bold.
- Estimate the impact of the automation on the business. Hours saved, additional revenue, cost savings, improved quality control, safety improvements, etc.
- Work with a technology firm who understands construction to determine the costs and timelines.
Every business can benefit from automation if the desire to innovate is present and the proper process is followed to assess and implement.
Job Site Trailers: Cybersecurity’s Weak Link
We hear of difficulties in providing company data to employees in the field and the big concern with keeping this data secure. Many general contractors struggle with setting up secure job site trailers. Job site trailers serve as mobile offices, often housing valuable blueprints, project data, and financial information. Unfortunately, they are prime targets for both physical and cyber threats.
Securing Job Site Trailers:
- Secure internet activity with a firewall in your job site network.
- Properly configure your internet access with password protected access and dedicated guest networks.
- Provide high speed internet with faster 5g cellular, satellite, or fiber when available.
- Use a 24/7 surveillance camera system to control physical access and theft.
- Properly configure laptops with well managed cybersecurity tools installed.
- Adopt mobile device management (MDM) solutions for tables and phones that access company data.
Job sites need the same level of cybersecurity protection as your corporate headquarters.
Cybersecurity Training: The First Line of Defense
When business leaders ask about cybersecurity risk areas of their business, it’s always best to answer with data. Statistically speaking, 95% of successful attacks involve a human and/or email. Considering humans, employees are often the weakest link in cybersecurity but the most valuable asset to your company. Without proper training, even the most advanced security tools won’t be effective. Construction workers and office staff alike need to recognize cyber threats and know how to respond.
What Should Training Cover?
- Spotting phishing emails and social engineering scams.
- Safe handling of company-issued devices and avoiding unauthorized apps.
- Best practices for password security, including the use of password managers.
- Encouraging employees to report suspicious activity immediately.
- Reviewing company policies.
By making cybersecurity a core part of workplace culture, companies can significantly reduce the risk of cyberattacks.
Email Security: Stopping the #1 Cyber Threat Vector
Paired with humans, email remains the leading attack vector for cybercriminals targeting construction firms. Whether it’s phishing attempts, business email compromise (BEC), or ransomware attacks, securing email systems is essential.
Key Strategies for Email Security:
- Use AI-powered email filtering to detect and block phishing scams.
- Implement the security awareness training listed above around identifying malicious emails and acceptable email use.
- Encourage and remind employees to always send questionable emails to your cybersecurity team.
- Maintain frequent email backups to mitigate ransomware risks.
- Encrypt emails containing information that is sensitive in nature.
The cost of a single compromised email can be devastating—strong email security measures are non-negotiable.
Final Thoughts: Prioritizing Secure Technology in Construction
The construction industry is evolving, and so are the cyber threats it faces. From AI-driven automation to remote job site management, IT plays a crucial role in modern construction operations. By implementing a strong cybersecurity framework, construction firms can protect their data, employees, and business continuity.
In an industry where time is money, cybersecurity should never be an afterthought. Investing in the proper cybersecurity technology and comprehensive employee training today can prevent costly breaches tomorrow.
About the Author:
Andrew Nelson is the CEO of BlueArmor – a cybersecurity and IT firm specializing in the construction industry. With decades of experience in risk management and compliance, BlueArmor helps construction firms stay secure and competitive in a digital world. Connect with BlueArmor at bluearmor-us.com or inquiries@bluearmor-us.com.
