Cybersecurity in the Construction Industry

Key takeaways

Construction firms’ use of advanced digital technologies renders confidential and proprietary information susceptible to exploitation.

• Common types of cyber risks in the construction industry include ransomware, business email compromise, and credential stuffing.

• An effective cybersecurity strategy includes training employees on security best practices and integrating automated cyber defense technologies into legacy and existing IT infrastructure.

• You can start your cybersecurity career by enrolling in a degree or boot camp program, gaining experience through entry-level jobs, and earning cybersecurity certifications such as CompTIA Security+.

Discover the cybersecurity risks impacting the construction industry and get tips for starting a career in cybersecurity. If you’re ready to start building expertise in cybersecurity, enroll in the IT Fundamentals for Cybersecurity Specialization. You’ll have the opportunity to learn foundational cybersecurity concepts like cyberattacks, cloud security, malware protection, identity and access management, and more in as little as four weeks. Upon completion, you’ll have earned a career certificate for your resume.

Why is cybersecurity in construction important?

Globally, construction firms are embracing advanced technologies like Autodesk and Building Information Modeling (BIM) software to streamline project planning. While this shift to a digital landscape enhances communication and overall project management, it also exposes the industry to external threats. The digitization of confidential and proprietary information renders infrastructure details, bid data, financial accounts, and employee credentials, among other sensitive business information, susceptible to exploitation. 

For example, in October 2023, US-based building materials producer Simpson Manufacturing was compelled to halt its IT systems after detecting a cyberattack [1]. The same year, insurer Builders Mutual informed the public of a data breach involving unauthorized access to its employees' and policyholders' information, which later led to a class action lawsuit [2].

The incidents highlight the growing need for robust cybersecurity within the construction sector. 

Cybersecurity in the construction industry: Examples of risks

Though not exhaustive, the following list offers a glimpse into the primary cybersecurity risks plaguing construction industries:

1. Ransomware

A type of malware, ransomware, encrypts target firms’ files or devices to make them inaccessible. The attackers contact the firm and demand that it pay a ransom for them to release a decryption key to enable it to resume normal operations. Consequently, ransomware can potentially restrict a construction firm’s vital software and systems, causing unanticipated work delays and monetary losses. The average cost of a ransomware attack was $5.08 million, according to IBM's Cost of a Data Breach 2025 report [3].

2. Business email compromise 

Construction projects often undergo a public bidding process that reveals critical project information, including the identities of successful bidders. Transparent bidding, while imperative for fair competition, exposes construction firms to business email compromise (a form of phishing). In business email compromise fraud, deceptive emails with legitimate-looking invoices or wire transfer requests are sent. As a result, unsuspecting financial personnel within construction companies may be misled into transferring funds.

3. Credential stuffing

In a credential-stuffing attack, cybercriminals use stolen credentials to access linked user accounts and data unlawfully. For instance, a contractor's credentials can serve as an entry point for hackers or infiltrators to extract valuable information from project management systems, particularly the contractor's customers' personally identifiable information (PII).

Read more: 10 Common Types of Cyberattacks and How to Prevent Them

What constitutes a robust cybersecurity strategy?

An effective cybersecurity strategy safeguards every relevant layer or domain of IT infrastructure against unauthorized access and exploitation. Training employees on security best practices and integrating automated cyber defense technologies into legacy and existing IT infrastructure helps ensure a well-rounded approach to cybersecurity. Employee education promotes a proactive security culture, while automated technologies enhance the organization's ability to respond swiftly to potential threats. 

What are the top 3 targeted industries for cybersecurity?

According to Statista, the industries most targeted by cyberattacks include manufacturing (26 percent of attacks), finance and insurance (23 percent of attacks), and professionals, business, and consumer services (18 percent of attacks) [4]. Given their high exposure to threats, these industries are great candidates for enhanced cybersecurity strategies.

How to launch your cybersecurity career 

Whether you’re a learner or a full-time employee, here are some steps you can take to start your cybersecurity career: 

1. Education

Due to the intricate nature of the job, cybersecurity employers typically prefer a degree. If your school doesn't provide a cybersecurity program, choosing a major in computer science or information systems serves as an excellent substitute.

If you're employed and already possess a bachelor's degree or prefer a shorter time commitment, consider enrolling in a boot camp with interactive learning videos and practical projects that allow participants to put what they’ve learned into practice. 

2. Work experience

As a graduate, you can gain industry experience through entry-level cybersecurity positions. If you're switching careers as an experienced professional, internships and volunteer roles are promising avenues for acquiring relevant experience. 

3. Certification

Cybersecurity certifications are a great way to show potential employers your skills, knowledge, and dedication to your career. When deciding on a certification, it's crucial to factor in your professional goals, experience, and qualifications. Here are a few well-regarded cybersecurity certifications to target, depending on your career path:

1. CompTIA Security+

Offered by the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA), the CompTIA Security+ certification validates the foundational skills for executing core security functions and starting a career in IT security. This certification covers cybersecurity threats, architecture and design, security implementation, and more.

Expected average base salary: $90,000 [5]

2. Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)

The Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) certification by ISACA provides you with the expertise to evaluate risks, establish effective governance, and swiftly manage security incidents. This program is designed for information security professionals with some existing experience and expertise.

Expected average base salary: $141,000 [6]

3. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) 

The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification, offered by the International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC2), is ideal for seasoned security practitioners, managers, and executives seeking to prove their proficiency in industry-recognized security practices and principles.

Expected average base salary: $133,000 [7]

4. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

Issued by the EC-Council, the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) is an intermediate-level certification, ideal for individuals with two years of experience in information technology (IT) security or those who have completed the EC-Council training “Cybersecurity Essential Series.”

Expected average base salary: $96,490 [8]

Find the tools you need to keep moving forward 

Explore career paths, assess your skills, and connect with resume guidance while browsing our Career Resources Hub. Or, if you want to learn more about the cybersecurity field, check out these free resources:

• Get career guidance: Cybersecurity Career Spotlight: What It Is and How to Get Started

• Watch on YouTube: Why Cybersecurity Professionals Need to Understand AI

• Bookmark for later: Cybersecurity Glossary: Key Terms & Definitions

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