North Carolina’s construction industry continues to boom, outperforming most other states. This significant growth leads to more complex logistics, tighter deadlines, and ever-evolving technologies. New technologies enhance efficiency; however, they also expose construction sites to new cybersecurity risks.

Historically, cybersecurity has not been a primary concern for construction sites. This attitude is changing as cyberattacks spread beyond financial institutions and technology companies. Construction firms are now prime targets for cybercriminals because they are less likely to be on top of their data security, especially regarding financial accounts. Cybersecurity should be a top priority for every construction company, and a managed services provider (MSP) can help you secure your site.

Why construction sites are vulnerable

Construction sites face unique cybersecurity challenges due to several factors:

• Temporary networks: Often established for specific tasks like equipment management and communication, these networks lack the robust security of permanent networks, making them vulnerable to attack.
• Personal device use: Workers frequently use personal devices for work, which might not be as secure as company-issued ones, leading to higher malware and data breach risks.
• Cybersecurity awareness gaps: Many construction workers don’t receive adequate training in cybersecurity, making them more prone to phishing and social engineering attacks.
• Outdated equipment: Legacy machinery lacks modern security features or is difficult to update with the latest patches, creating additional vulnerabilities.

The cost of a cyberattack

The impact of a cyberattack on a construction site can be severe. Thieves can steal financial information, interrupt transactions, or demand ransom for your data, leading to monetary losses. IT disruptions caused by attacks can halt work, causing delayed projects and reducing productivity. Finally, breaches can harm your company’s reputation and diminish client and partner trust.

How MSPs help the construction industry

Partnering with an MSP can enhance your construction site’s security through:

• Security audits: MSPs can evaluate your network, devices, and processes to pinpoint vulnerabilities.
• Network protections: Implement firewalls and IDS/IPS to secure your systems.
• Device security: Deploy software to protect individual devices from threats.
• Data encryption: Assist with encrypting sensitive information to reduce the impacts of breaches. 
• Employee training: Offer training to help employees recognize and avoid cyberthreats.
• Patch management: Keep your systems updated with the latest security patches.
• Incident response: Provide support to manage and recover from cyberattacks and prevent future incidents.

By partnering with an MSP, construction companies can access the expertise and resources needed to develop a robust cybersecurity strategy. Not only will you protect your valuable data and systems, but you will also ensure the smooth running of your projects and safeguard your company’s reputation.

Take action

Taking proactive measures can help mitigate risks and protect your assets. Consider these additional steps to enhance cybersecurity:

• Establish a cybersecurity policy: Define your approach to cybersecurity, including technology use, data security, and incident response.
• Control access: Limit access to sensitive data and systems to authorized personnel only.
• Back up regularly: Ensure your data is backed up to a secure, off-site location to facilitate recovery in case of an attack.

When you implement these measures and partner with an MSP, you create a secure construction site environment that fosters innovation and protects your business from the ever-evolving threat landscape.

Partner with Refresh

To fortify your Charlotte construction site’s cybersecurity, partner with us at Refresh Technologies. We offer comprehensive services, including security assessments, network protection, endpoint security, and employee training. Our IT experts can help you build a robust cybersecurity strategy tailored to your needs. By leveraging our expertise, you can protect your valuable data, ensure seamless project execution, and maintain the trust of your clients and partners. 

Do you want to secure your North Carolina-based construction site and drive your business forward? Contact us today.