How to build a cybersecurity strategy for your construction business

With over $2 trillion in economic activity last year, the construction industry is growing despite persistent labor shortages and rising material costs. However, in a field where one delayed bid can cost millions, cyber threats now pose a serious risk to both operational continuity and profitability.

Cyberattacks are on the rise, targeting construction firms with tactics like ransomware, phishing, data theft, and business email compromise. Each of these crimes is capable of disrupting project timelines, financial systems, and subcontractor networks.

If your firm is looking to win more bids, reduce insurance premiums, and protect contractor relationships, developing a strong cybersecurity framework should be a top priority.

Why Construction Firms Are Increasingly Targeted by Cybercriminals

As the construction industry adopts more digital tools, it faces expanding cybersecurity risks. Several factors contribute to this heightened vulnerability:

• Expanded Digital Footprint – Cloud-based project platforms, mobile apps, and remote collaboration systems increase cyber threats.
• Decentralized Operations – Reliance on remote workers, subcontractors, and vendors create multiple entry points for attackers.
• Limited Cyber Investment – Unlike finance or tech, construction has historically underinvested in cybersecurity planning and infrastructure.
• Pandemic-Driven Transformation – COVID-19 accelerated the adoption of digital systems, but many firms still lack formal security frameworks.
• Lack of In-House Expertise – Only 35% of construction companies have a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), and many lack trained IT teams.
• Common Vulnerabilities – Unpatched legacy systems, weak login credentials, and untrained employees who fall for phishing emails leave firms exposed.
• High-Stakes Consequences – Ransomware attacks can halt access to payment systems, project plans, or payroll, which can lead to lost contracts, delay claims, or lawsuits.

How the Industry is Responding

In response to rising cyber threats, regulators, clients, and construction firms are taking action to strengthen cybersecurity expectations and practices across the industry.

• Public Sector Requirements – Government-funded jobs must now meet frameworks like the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) 800-171 or the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC).
• Private Sector Pressure – Developers and GCs expect vendors to demonstrate strong security practices.
• Insurance Scrutiny – Cyber insurers are tightening standards and may deny coverage to firms without structured security practices.
• Third-Party Support – Many firms are turning to advisors for strategic guidance, threat monitoring, and rapid-response support.

Add Multi-Layer Protection with an Offensive and Defensive Plan

In construction, time is money. A cyberattack threatens your job sites, your vendors, and your reputation. To reduce risk and maintain business continuity, construction firms need both offensive and defensive layers of security. Together, these strategies help safeguard your operations, meet bid and compliance requirements, and build trust with clients and partners.

Offensive Security Plan

Offensive security measures proactively identify vulnerabilities before attackers can exploit them. They also strengthen your position during contract negotiations, enhance vendor and subcontractor confidence, and support business stability.

• Cybersecurity Roadmap Aligned with Business Objectives – Integrate security practices that support business growth and innovation.
• Manual Penetration Testing – Simulate attacks to uncover weaknesses.
• Automated Vulnerability Scanning – Conduct regular scans to detect known issues.
• Phishing Simulations & Social Engineering Tests – Evaluate human vulnerabilities.
• Employee Security Awareness Training – Educate staff on recognizing threats.
• Real-Time Threat Monitoring – Actively track indicators of compromise.

Defensive Security Plan

Defensive strategies focus on prevention, detection, and recovery. If an incident occurs, these measures give your firm the resilience to respond quickly, while still keeping payroll on track, protecting subcontractor relationships, and reducing or avoiding delays.

• Risk Assessment & Threat Modeling – Identify, assess, and prioritize risks.
• Security Policy & Governance Development – Define roles, responsibilities, and acceptable use.
• Access Control & Identity Management – Enforce least privilege and strong authentication.
• Regular Software Patching & Update Schedules – Close known vulnerabilities.
• Secure & Redundant Backups – Preserve data integrity and availability.
• Disaster Recovery & Business Continuity Plans – Reduce downtime and data loss.
• Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) – Centralize system logging and threat alerting.
• Incident Response Plan (IRP) – Document and test response procedures.

Some construction firms are also adopting cybersecurity frameworks aligned with International Organization for Standardization (ISO) or NIST standards or partnering with managed IT providers to layer protection into their tech stack.

We Can Help

At Elliott Davis, we assist construction clients in strengthening their security posture. In many cases, the first call comes after an attack, but forward-thinking firms are starting to ask the right questions now.

Our team offers:

• Cybersecurity maturity assessments to identify gaps and prioritize improvements
• Penetration testing
• Vulnerability scanning
• Social engineering and employee training
• Policy creation and enhancement
• Cybersecurity maturity model certification readiness and gap analysis
• Ongoing support through executive-level strategy consulting

With Elliott Davis guiding your cybersecurity roadmap, your internal team can stay focused on delivering projects with confidence, knowing that your systems are protected, compliance requirements are met, and every bid is backed by audit-ready documentation.

Contact us today to start building a cybersecurity strategy that supports your business goals.

The information provided in this communication is of a general nature and should not be considered professional advice.  You should not act upon the information provided without obtaining specific professional advice.  The information above is subject to change.