b'CYBER SECURITYdownloading malicious software, are rampantand fraud. across all industries. In construction, the scatteredWhy Construction is a Targetnature of the workforce, with workers spreadWhile the construction industry may not seem across various project sites, can contribute to thelike an obvious target for cybercriminals, several effectiveness of phishing attacks. A harmless- factors make it attractive:looking email could lead to the breach of a companys internal systems, allowing attackersLarge financial transactions: Construction to steal data, install malware, or siphon off funds.projects often involve substantial financial Social engineering attacks also pose a threat, astransactions, making construction companies attackers may impersonate executives, clients,lucrative targets for ransomware and fraud.or partners to deceive employees into sharingComplex supply chains: The involvement of confidential information or authorizing fraudulentmultiple third partiessubcontractors, vendors, payments. and supplierscreates numerous potential entry Supply Chain Vulnerabilities: Constructionpoints for attackers.projects often involve numerous stakeholders,Critical infrastructure: Many construction firms including subcontractors, vendors, and suppliers.work on critical infrastructure projects, such as This extended supply chain introduces additionalbridges, highways, and power plants. Cyberattacks cyber vulnerabilities. An attacker targeting a lesson such projects can have widespread secure subcontractor could use that breach asconsequences, making them attractive targets a gateway into the larger companys systems.for nation-state actors, terrorists or politically The more parties involved in a project, the moremotivated hackers.opportunities there are for hackers to exploit weakCyberattacks Big Impactlinks in the supply chain. In some cases, attackers may compromise vendors who provide software orA successful cyberattack on a construction hardware to construction firms, inserting maliciouscompany can have far-reaching consequences:code or backdoors into systems that are thenProject Delays: Cyberattacks can disrupt project passed on to the construction company. management systems, delay timelines, and IoT and Connected Devices: The rise ofhalt construction progress. The impact can be IoT-enabled devices, such as drones, sensors,devastating in an industry where delays can lead to and automated machinery, has significantlysignificant financial penalties.transformed how construction sites operate.Missed Bid: For a contractor, a missed bid is These devices collect valuable data and allowa missed opportunity. A cyber attack can hinder for real-time monitoring of construction progress.a contractors ability to submit a bid by causing However, many IoT devices are very difficult tosystem outages, data loss, and reputational operate securely, making them easy targets. Oncedamage, all of which disrupt their preparation such devices are compromised, attackers couldand ability to meet submission deadlines. Critical potentially gain access to sensitive project data,documents and pricing information may become disrupt operations, or even cause physical harm byinaccessible, and the contractor may struggle to manipulating machinery. gather necessary compliance materials, making it Data Breaches: Construction companies handleimpossible to submit a valid bid on time.vast amounts of sensitive information, includingFinancial Losses: Beyond the immediate costs design plans, financial data, client contracts, andof ransomware payments or data recovery efforts, employee records. A data breach could exposeconstruction firms may also face lost revenue, legal this information to unauthorized parties, leading tofees, and regulatory fines. Clients may sue for reputational damage, legal liability, and financialbreaches of contract if a project is delayed due to a losses. Data breaches can occur due to weakcyberattack.network security, inadequate data encryption, orReputational Damage: In a competitive industry, human error, such as sending sensitive information to the wrong recipient. reputation is everything, and a tarnished reputation Construction projects often involve substantialcan be difficult to recover from. A data breach or financial transactions, making constructionother cyber incident can erode trust with clients companies lucrative targets for ransomwareand partners, leading to a loss of future business.www.mrca.orgMidwest Roofer 11'