RISKY BUSINESS: Do You Have These Digital Security Measures In Place?

The construction industry is the No. 1 most-targeted sector for cyberattacks, according to a 2023 cyber report. Our industry relies on timely, cost-effective delivery, and the chaos instigated by a cyberattack could cause major delays and disruptions.

The construction industry saw a 40% boost in cyber threats & ATTACKS from 2022 to 2023. — Cobalt

With AI on the rise and operations becoming increasingly digital, it’s more important than ever to have basic cybersecurity measures in place. Not sure where to start? Run through our checklist to see if you’re doing enough to cover your assets!

NETWORK SECURITY AND SYSTEM MONITORING

Successful network security strategies include multiple solutions that help protect organizations and users against malicious cyberattacks. Protections include firewalls, virtual private networks (VPNs), antivirus software, restricted access to information and devices, and more. Reach out to your IT team to talk about details of each and how they can better protect your company.

TWO-FACTOR AUTHENTICATION (2FA)

An extra layer of protection beyond the typical username and password helps prevent the risk of unauthorized access to your system and accounts. 2FA is a great tool to prevent a fraudster from logging in, and it can be accomplished with verification through a simple phone app, or by a phone call or text message.

PASSWORD MANAGER

You think it’s easier to use the same password across all your platforms and software? So does a hacker. That’s why a password manager is critical to keeping your company’s sensitive information on lockdown. One account and one unique master password is all it takes to secure the rest of your logins in a password “vault.” Think of it like a physical safe, but for your digital valuables.

EMPLOYEE TRAINING

Most attacks happen when employees get tricked into clicking links or downloading files. Reduce your risk by training your office staff and field crew on how to spot scams. Some red flags include language like “you need to act now,” misspellings and grammar issues and emails being sent from an unofficial address.

PROTECTED BACKUPS (For all critical systems and databases)

A database backup solution brings peace of mind in the event of a physical hardware failure, data corruption or any other unexpected circumstance. From off-site to cloud-based storage, there are solutions available to fit every need.

PHYSICAL SECURITY MEASURES

Not everything can be backed up — like your physical equipment on the jobsite — but setting up remote monitoring systems with real-time video feeds can help detect and deter potential thieves.

Having a few of these measures in place is a good start, but your company should seriously consider stepping up your cybersecurity game with a more robust and multi-layered approach to stay secure.