Cybersecurity Consultant for Construction

Building Digital Fortresses: Cybersecurity Measures for Construction

The construction industry faces a growing threat landscape in cybersecurity. With the increasing reliance on interconnected systems and the handling of sensitive data, it is crucial to address the unique challenges and vulnerabilities in this sector. Safeguarding digital assets, protecting sensitive information, and prioritizing cybersecurity measures throughout the supply chain are essential to mitigate risks, maintain operational continuity, and instill trust among stakeholders.

Construction is one of the most targeted industries for cyberattacks, with a 20% increase in cyber incidents in recent years.  

The construction sector faces unique challenges and vulnerabilities when it comes to cybersecurity. These challenges arise due to several factors:

Extended Supply Chains

Construction projects involve numerous stakeholders, including contractors, ubcontractors, suppliers, and consultants. This complex supply chain increases the risk of introducing vulnerabilities and makes it challenging to ensure consistent cybersecurity practices throughout the project lifecycle.

High Staff Turnover

Construction projects often involve a dynamic workforce with frequent changes in personnel, including contractors and temporary workers. This high turnover makes it difficult to maintain consistent cybersecurity awareness and training across all individuals involved.

Limited IT Focus

Construction companies typically prioritize on-site operations and project management, leaving IT infrastructure and cybersecurity as secondary concerns. As a result, investments in cybersecurity measures may be limited, making them more susceptible to attacks.

Fragmented Systems

Construction projects rely on a variety of software systems, including project management tools, Building Information Modeling (BIM) software, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices. These disparate systems may have different security protocols, making it challenging to maintain a cohesive cybersecurity strategy.

EXTENDED SUPPLY CHAINS

Construction projects involve numerous stakeholders, including contractors, ubcontractors, suppliers, and consultants. This complex supply chain increases the risk of introducing vulnerabilities and makes it challenging to ensure consistent cybersecurity practices throughout the project lifecycle.

LIMITED IT FOCUS

Construction companies typically prioritize on-site operations and project management, leaving IT infrastructure and cybersecurity as secondary concerns. As a result, investments in cybersecurity measures may be limited, making them more susceptible to attacks.

HIGH STAFF TURNOVER

Construction projects often involve a dynamic workforce with frequent changes in personnel, including contractors and temporary workers. This high turnover makes it difficult to maintain consistent cybersecurity awareness and training across all individuals involved.

FRAGMENTED SYSTEMS

Construction projects rely on a variety of software systems, including project management tools, Building Information Modeling (BIM) software, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices. These disparate systems may have different security protocols, making it challenging to maintain a cohesive cybersecurity strategy.

Physical Security vs. Cybersecurity

Construction sites are often physically secured with fences, surveillance cameras, and access controls. However, the focus on physical security sometimes overshadows cybersecurity measures, leaving digital assets and systems vulnerable to cyberattacks.

Legacy Infrastructure

The construction industry often utilizes older technology and equipment, which may lack built-in security features or receive limited software updates. These legacy systems can be easier targets for cybercriminals seeking to exploit vulnerabilities.

Time Constraints and Project Deadlines

Construction projects operate on tight schedules, and any disruption due to cyber incidents can lead to costly delays. This urgency to meet deadlines can inadvertently lead to the neglect of robust cybersecurity practices.

Lack of Awareness and Training

Cybersecurity awareness and training programs are often overlooked in the construction industry. Many workers may not be familiar with common cyber threats, making them more susceptible to phishing attacks, social engineering, or inadvertent data breaches.

PHYSICAL SECURITY VS. CYBERSECURITY

Construction sites are often physically secured with fences, surveillance cameras, and access controls. However, the focus on physical security sometimes overshadows cybersecurity measures, leaving digital assets and systems vulnerable to cyberattacks.

TIME CONSTRAINTS AND PROJECT DEADLINES

Construction projects operate on tight schedules, and any disruption due to cyber incidents can lead to costly delays. This urgency to meet deadlines can inadvertently lead to the neglect of robust cybersecurity practices.

LEGACY INFRASTRUCTURE

The construction industry often utilizes older technology and equipment, which may lack built-in security features or receive limited software updates. These legacy systems can be easier targets for cybercriminals seeking to exploit vulnerabilities.

LACK OF AWARENESS AND TRAINING

Cybersecurity awareness and training programs are often overlooked in the construction industry. Many workers may not be familiar with common cyber threats, making them more susceptible to phishing attacks, social engineering, or inadvertent data breaches.

Cybersecurity breaches in the construction industry can have significant consequences, affecting not only the efficiency and integrity of construction projects but also posing risks to worker safety and overall privacy. These impacts include:

NUMA helps your Construction IT Flow

24/7 Monitoring and Threat Intelligence
We offer continuous monitoring and threat intelligence services to detect and respond to security incidents in real-time. This includes Security Operations Center (SOC) capabilities with experienced analysts who can proactively identify and mitigate emerging threats.
Network Security
We implement robust network security measures, including firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDS), and intrusion prevention systems (IPS). Network segmentation should be employed to isolate critical systems and prevent lateral movement of attackers.
Identity and Access Management
We implement strong identity and access management (IAM) practices, such as multi-factor authentication (MFA) and privileged access management (PAM). This helps ensure that only authorized personnel can access critical systems and data.
Data Encryption
We ensure data encryption both at rest and in transit to protect sensitive client information. This includes implementing encryption protocols for databases, backups, emails, and file transfers.
End Point Protection
We deploy advanced endpoint protection solutions, such as antivirus software, anti-malware, and endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools. These solutions help detect and block malicious activities on individual devices within the organization's network.

24/7 Monitoring and Threat Intelligence

Continuous monitoring and threat intelligence services. Security Operations Center (SOC) capabilities with experienced analysts who can proactively identify and mitigate emerging threats.


Network Security

Robust network security measures, including firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDS), and intrusion prevention systems (IPS). Network segmentation isolates critical systems to prevent lateral movement of attackers.

Identity and Access Management

We implement strong identity and access management (IAM) practices, such as multi-factor authentication (MFA) and privileged access management (PAM). This helps ensure that only authorized personnel can access critical systems and data.

Data Encryption

We ensure data encryption both at rest and in transit to protect sensitive patient information. This includes implementing encryption protocols for databases, backups, emails, and file transfers.

End Point Protection

Deploy advanced endpoint protection solutions, such as antivirus software, anti-malware, and endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools. Detect and block malicious activities on individual devices within your organization's network.

Incident Response and Forensics
We establish a robust incident response plan to swiftly detect, respond to, and recover from security incidents. This includes having -processes in place for timely incident reporting, containment, investigation, and remediation. We also have expertise in digital forensics to identify the root cause of breaches and support legal proceedings if necessary.
Security Awareness Training
We provide cybersecurity awareness training programs for your staff to educate them about common threats, phishing attacks, and best practices for data protection. This helps create a security-conscious culture within the organization and reduces the likelihood of human error leading to breaches.
Compliance and Regulatory Support
We ensure that we are well-versed in construction industry regulations, such as BIM, Contractor Security Requirements, State and Local regulations, CII guidelines, GDPR, ISO 27001, NIST SP 800-171, NIST Cybersecurity framework, and other applicable data privacy laws. They should assist in achieving and maintaining compliance with these regulations through regular audits and assessments.
Risk Assessment and Vulnerability Management
We conduct thorough risk assessments to identify vulnerabilities and potential threats specific to the construction environment. Regular vulnerability scans and penetration testing will be performed to proactively detect and address security weaknesses.
Ongoing Support and Updates
We provide timely software patches, updates, and security patches to address vulnerabilities and stay ahead of evolving threats. We also offer ongoing support, including incident response guidance, security consultations, and proactive recommendations for improving the organization's security posture.

Incident Response and Forensics

Detect, respond, and recover with an established incident response plan. Timely reporting, containment, investigation, and remediation. Identify the root cause of breaches and support legal proceedings if necessary.

Security Awareness Training

Cybersecurity awareness training programs to educate staff about common threats, phishing attacks, and data protection. Create a security-conscious culture within your organization and reduce human error leading to breaches.

Compliance and Regulatory Support

Ensure that your cybersecurity company is well-versed in Non-profit industry regulations like State Data Breach Notification Laws, PCI DSS, HIPPA, CCPA, GDPR and applicable data privacy laws. Achieve and maintain compliance through regular assessments.

Risk Assessment and Vulnerability Management

Conduct thorough risk assessments to identify vulnerabilities and potential threats specific to the non-profit environment. Regular vulnerability scans and penetration testing will be performed to proactively detect and address security weaknesses.

Ongoing Support and Updates

Software & security patches and updates to address vulnerabilities and stay ahead of evolving threats. Ongoing support, incident response guidance, security consultations, and proactive improvements on your organization's security posture.

Our Partners

Client Testimonials

These clients found their flow with NUMA Networks IT Solutions

Warren and the Team at Numa, are committed to making IT better for clients. This industry can be difficult to navigate, Numa always keeps a lookout on what is changing in tech and keeps clients on top of it. Great job Guys!

Douglass Miller

Althogh we’ve only been with Numa for about a year, our experience has been overwhelmingly positive. The technicians have been very knowledgeable, able to offer practical solutions, and have resolved our issues in a timely manner. Thanks for all you’ve done to help us work though our tech issues, Numa!

Ashley Arikawa

We reached to Numa for some corp IT help as growing company. The team (Warren and folks) came in to provide very flexible pricing and model for us to engage. They worked with us on helping re-do our entire wireless network for a growing company, fixing older problems. Pleasant to work with them and love that they are small, nimble and very attentive. Not your typical IT outsource company. Highly recommen these guys.

David Lee

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