Data security is a critical concern in construction management due to the sensitive nature of the information handled throughout a project's lifecycle. Construction projects involve a wealth of confidential data, including contract details, financial records, design documents, and the personal information of employees and clients. Effective data security practices are essential to protect this information from unauthorised access, loss, or tampering, ensuring that project operations remain secure and efficient.
In recent years, an estimated 75% of global construction firms have invested in cybersecurity insurance to safeguard against financial losses from cyber incidents. However, recent findings from the UK National Cybersecurity Centre reveal that almost half (47%) of construction companies lack a formal cybersecurity plan, significantly increasing their vulnerability to data breaches.
Leon Ward, Regional Lead for Australia + New Zealand at PlanRadar, comments, "As construction projects become increasingly digitised, securing project data against threats is paramount to maintaining the integrity and success of the project."
Common cybersecurity threats in construction
In a tech-driven environment, it's crucial to protect digital assets and data in construction projects to avoid expensive data breaches and disruptions. As technology evolves, keeping sensitive information secure maintains the integrity and continuity of projects, safeguarding both financial and reputational value.
Without adequate security in place, construction project data is susceptible to a range of potential digital threats. Common risks include:
Cyberattacks: These include hacking attempts where attackers exploit vulnerabilities in software or systems to gain unauthorised access to sensitive data.
Data breaches: Unauthorised exposure or leakage of confidential information, often due to poor security practices or malicious insider actions.
Ransomware: Malicious software that encrypts project data, rendering it inaccessible until a ransom is paid to the attackers.
Phishing scams: Fraudulent attempts to obtain sensitive information by disguising as trustworthy entities in electronic communications.
The impact of compromised data extends beyond immediate operational disruptions. Data breaches can result in significant financial losses due to legal penalties, remediation costs, and loss of business. The reputational damage from a cybersecurity breach can also undermine client trust and damage relationships with stakeholders, potentially leading to loss of future business opportunities and competitive disadvantage.
How can the right technology solutions play a role in construction data security?
Construction management software acts as a central hub for storing and managing project data, improving security by consolidating information in one accessible location. This centralised approach allows for better control over data access, reducing the risk of unauthorised breaches. Built-in security features, such as encryption, user access controls, and regular backups, protect sensitive information from cyber threats and data loss.
So, how can construction companies ensure that the right solutions are in place?
1. Implement strong authentication and access controls
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) adds an extra layer of security by requiring two or more verification factors—such as a password and a mobile device—to access a system. Approximately 65% of construction companies have adopted MFA to enhance security, significantly reducing the risk of unauthorised access. An estimated 80% of construction firms also use role-based access control (RBAC) to ensure only authorised personnel can access sensitive data, assigning permissions based on users' roles. Both MFA and RBAC are essential for safeguarding construction project information and preventing data breaches.
2. Utilise data encryption
Encrypting data at rest protects stored project information by converting it into a secure format that requires a decryption key. This ensures that even if attackers access storage systems, they cannot read the data without the key. For data in transit, encryption using protocols like Transport Layer Security (TLS) or Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) prevents interception or tampering as information moves between systems or users. To maximise encryption effectiveness, it's essential to regularly update encryption protocols, securely manage keys, and perform regular audits to ensure data security.
3. Regular software updates and patch management
Regularly updating and patching construction management software is vital for maintaining security and performance, as vendors release updates to address vulnerabilities and improve functionality. Delays in applying patches can leave systems exposed to cyberattacks, so establishing a routine for checking and installing updates is crucial. Enabling automatic updates simplifies this process, ensuring timely patches while minimising disruptions by applying them during off-peak hours. Additionally, using vulnerability scanning tools can proactively identify and address security gaps, while staying informed about emerging threats keeps systems secure.
4. Backup and disaster recovery planning
Research shows that around 48% of construction firms conduct regular security audits to identify and address vulnerabilities, and 50% have implemented a disaster recovery plan to mitigate the impact of potential data loss. Regular backups, conducted daily or weekly depending on data volume, are essential to protect against accidental loss, hardware failure, or cyberattacks. Using a combination of on-site and off-site storage adds another layer of security. A disaster recovery plan should outline critical data recovery steps, including roles, recovery time objectives (RTOs), and recovery point objectives (RPOs), while considering various disaster scenarios. Regular testing and updates of the plan are necessary to ensure its effectiveness and adaptability to evolving technology and project needs.
5. Educate and train your project team
Currently, 40% of construction firms do not provide regular security training for employees, increasing the risk of human error leading to data breaches. Approximately 90% of global businesses facing potentially high costs from data breaches invest in comprehensive security training for their employees, and the construction sector should follow suit. Providing security awareness training equips employees with essential skills, such as creating strong passwords, identifying suspicious activities, and securely handling sensitive information. Training should also cover phishing and social engineering awareness, using real-life examples to teach staff how to verify communications and report suspicious activity. Additionally, establishing a clear incident reporting procedure ensures quick responses to potential threats, with regular updates to reflect organisational changes.
Leon Ward notes, "By integrating strong security measures, construction management software reduces risks, ensures compliance with data protection rules, and boosts overall project data security. Using these tools effectively helps protect your project data, maintaining its integrity and availability throughout the project lifecycle."
Choosing the right construction software for project data safety
Researching the security practices and track record of software vendors is essential for making an informed choice. Investigate the vendor's history of security incidents and how they handled past breaches. Look for:
Customer reviews: Read reviews and testimonials from other users to gauge the vendor's reliability and responsiveness to security issues.
Certifications: Check if the vendor holds relevant security certifications, such as ISO 27001, which demonstrate a commitment to information security management.
Industry-specific security standards: Consider any additional industry-specific regulations that may apply, such as those set by construction or engineering associations.
Securing project data begins with selecting digital tools that offer adaptable, resilient, and robust security features. By thoroughly evaluating the software's security capabilities, researching the vendor's reputation, and ensuring adherence to industry standards, companies can significantly enhance their project data protection.
Leon Ward concludes, "As the construction industry continues to embrace digital transformation, we are seeing that resilient cybersecurity will become increasingly critical in safeguarding sensitive information and maintaining operational integrity. Investing in secure software now will help future-proof construction projects of any size and scale against emerging cyber threats and potential vulnerabilities."
About us:
PlanRadar is a leading platform for digital documentation, communication and reporting in construction, facility management and real estate projects. It enables customers to work more efficiently, enhance quality and achieve full project transparency. By improving collaboration and providing access to real-time data, PlanRadar's easy-to-use platform adds value to every person involved in a building's lifecycle, with flexible capabilities for all company sizes and processes. Today, PlanRadar serves more than 150,000 users across 75+ countries.
PlanRadar's Australian chapter is currently partnered with the Australian Institute of Building, EPIC Group, and was recently announced as a Best Stand Winner at the 2024 Fire Australia Expo, and an Established Suppliers Winner at the 2023 Australian National PropTech Awards in the category "Design, Build & Develop".
Visit our website at www.planradar.com
