b'Cybersecurity CSIA 23Ransomware Attacks: In the construction industry,FAST . ACCURATE . EASY-TO-LEARNa ransomware attack can halt operations entirely, leading to project delays and significant financial losses. Construction companies rely on access to digital project management systems, design files,ESTIMATING SOFTWAREand other critical data. If these resources are lockedESTIMATING SOFTWAREor compromised, the impact can be immediate andestimate better.costly.Phishing and Social Engineering: Phishing attacks, where cybercriminals trick employees into revealing sensitiveinformationordownloadingmalicious software,arerampantacrossallindustries.In construction, the scattered nature of the workforce, with workers spread across various project sites, canSEE Acontribute to the effectiveness of phishing attacks. ADEMOharmless-looking email could lead to the breach ofTODAYa companys internal systems, allowing attackers to steal data, install malware, or siphon off funds. Social engineering attacks also pose a threat, as attackers may impersonate executives, clients, or partners todeceiveemployeesintosharingconfidential information or authorizing fraudulent payments.Supply Chain Vulnerabilities: Construction projects1.800.828.7108|estimatebetter.comofteninvolvenumerousstakeholders,including subcontractors,vendors,andsuppliers.This extended supply chain introduces additional cyberproject data, disrupt operations, or even cause vulnerabilities. An attacker targeting a less securephysical harm by manipulating machinery.subcontractor could use that breach as a gatewayCENTRAL STATES INSULATION ASSOCIATIONinto the larger companys systems. The more partiesData Breaches: Construction companies handle vast involved in a project, the more opportunities there areamounts of sensitive information, including design for hackers to exploit weak links in the supply chain. Inplans, financial data, client contracts, and employee some cases, attackers may compromise vendors whorecords. A data breach could expose this information provide software or hardware to construction firms,to unauthorized parties, leading to reputational inserting malicious code or backdoors into systemsdamage, legal liability, and financial losses. Data that are then passed on to the construction company. breaches can occur due to weak network security, inadequate data encryption, or human error, such as IoT and Connected Devices: The rise of IoT-enabledsending sensitive information to the wrong recipient.devices, such as drones, sensors, and automated machinery,hassignificantlytransformedhowConstruction projects often involve substantial construction sites operate. These devices collectfinancialtransactions,makingconstruction valuable data and allow for real-time monitoring ofcompanies lucrative targets for ransomware and construction progress. However, many IoT devicesfraud. are very difficult to operate securely, making them easy targets. Once such devices are compromised,Why Construction is a Targetattackers could potentially gain access to sensitiveWhile the construction industry may not seem like an csiaonline.org'