As the business world has grown more technology-dependent, cybersecurity has become increasingly essential for every organization. Ready-mix concrete and other construction operations are no exception. Managers increasingly rely on digital systems to control everything from dispatch to quality assurance. Keeping data secure has never been more critical. The average cost of a data breach currently hovers well over $9 million, a hard figure for any company to bear. While cybersecurity for construction may sound complicated, the basics are accessible and practical.
How much do you know about simple, effective cybersecurity practices? With just a few key steps in place, you will significantly reduce risks and feel confident that your data is secure.
Strengthen Password Protection
Passwords are your first line of defense against cyber threats, yet they are often the weakest link in any company’s cybersecurity plan. Make these changes to boost your company’s safety:
- Encourage Strong, Unique Passwords: Passwords like “12345,” “password,” or “concrete” are too easy to guess, leaving your system vulnerable to hackers. Strong passwords include letters, numbers, and special characters. Ideally, they are at least 12 characters long. The stronger the password, the more difficult it is for attackers to guess it or use automated tools to crack it.
- Use a Password Manager: A password manager is a tool that securely stores and manages all your passwords. Instead of writing passwords down where they might be discovered or using easy-to-guess phrases, a password manager generates and stores complex, unique passwords for each system or app. These managers protect the stored passwords with encryption, keeping them safe from unauthorized access. The best options are web-based or synced across devices for maximum convenience.
- Mandate Regular Password Updates: Even the most secure passwords should be updated periodically to maintain their strength. Aim to update passwords every 3-6 months to stay ahead of any potential breaches. Require all team members to change their passwords after role changes, if any suspicious activity is detected, or if someone leaves the company.
Implement Multifactor Authentication (MFA)
Multifactor authentication is a security process that requires users to provide one or more verification factors beyond a password to gain access to an application or system. It typically combines something you know (a password) with something you have (a smartphone app) or something you are (a fingerprint). For example, after entering a password, the system might send a code to your phone or require fingerprint verification to complete the login. Google Authenticator and Microsoft Authenticator are readily available and easy to install and use. Simple setup makes MFA accessible to all staff members without requiring any technical expertise.
Enabling MFA for sensitive systems adds an extra layer of cybersecurity for construction companies without much added effort. With MFA in place, you ensure that even if a password is compromised, a hacker cannot access the system without the additional verification step.
Limit Access to Sensitive Software and Data
Most team members need access to only a few platforms, and very few employees should have “under-the-hood" access to all systems. By controlling who has access to sensitive data and systems, you reduce the potential for accidental or intentional breaches. Put these recommendations in place for maximum security:
- Set Up Role-Based Access Controls: Assign global permissions based on job titles and responsibilities rather than individual employees. This makes it easier to manage access as personnel change. For example, RBAC enables you to restrict drivers from viewing delivery schedules without access to broader system functions.
- Implement a Need-to-Know Access Model: Once you implement RBAC, minimize exposure further by revoking access to sensitive information to any employee who doesn’t need it to do their job. For example, dispatchers may need access to the dispatch system but may need it only for clients in their region. Limiting access reduces the chances of data leaks and breaches.
- Regularly Review Access Permissions: Periodically review access permissions. Update or revoke access for team members who change roles or leave the company, ensuring that only current employees in appropriate positions can access specific systems.
Educate Staff on Phishing and Social Engineering Attacks
Verizon’s 2024 Data Breach Report found that 68% of all breaches involved a human element. Phishing and social engineering attacks are common ways that cybercriminals infiltrate organizations, often involving emails or texts designed to trick employees into revealing passwords or clicking on harmful links. Mastering these concepts will empower employees to boost cybersecurity for construction and keep your business safe:
- Recognize Possible Attacks: Phishing scams often use emails disguised as legitimate requests, sometimes appearing to come from known contacts or familiar organizations. These emails might prompt users to reset passwords or click on a link that leads to a harmful website.
- Spot Red Flags: Teach your team to look for common indicators of phishing such as poor grammar, strange URLs, and urgent messages demanding immediate action. Even subtle signs, like unusual language or unfamiliar email addresses, should signal caution.
- Report Suspicious Activity: Encourage employees to adopt a “better safe than sorry” attitude and to report any suspicious messages immediately. A quick reporting process can help prevent phishing attempts from spreading or harming your systems.
Back Up Data Regularly
Regular backups are essential in the event of a failure in your cybersecurity for construction plan, cyberattacks, accidental deletion, or hardware failure. They can prevent complete data loss, helping you restore your system quickly with minimal disruption. Take these steps to stay safe:
- Automate Backups: Ensure that your data is protected without needing manual intervention. Many systems, especially cloud-based solutions like Sysdyne, offer automated backup options that store data securely off-site.
- Put a Hybrid Backup Plan in Place: Cloud backups are convenient, secure, and accessible from anywhere, making them an ideal solution for many businesses. Local backups, such as hard drives or external storage, provide an additional layer of protection. Using both in combination offers the most comprehensive security.
- Test Backup Restorations: Regularly test backup files to ensure they work as expected. Confidence that backups can be restored successfully can make all the difference in a real emergency.
Monitor for Suspicious Activity
Detecting suspicious activity early can prevent many security breaches. Monitor systems for unusual login attempts or unauthorized access and act quickly on any surprises. Here’s how:
- Enable System Alerts: Many systems offer automatic email or text alerts for suspicious activity, such as failed login attempts or access from unusual locations. These will allow you to respond to threats before they escalate.
- Review Activity Logs Regularly: Scan activity logs to catch patterns or abnormalities that indicate a potential security threat. Schedule time each week or month for this task.
- Consider Cybersecurity Monitoring Services: If in-house monitoring is not feasible, investigate third-party cybersecurity monitoring services that can alert you to potential security issues.
Update Software and Systems
Keep all software current, as updates often include patches for security vulnerabilities. Update regularly to reduce the risk of exploitation through outdated software. Enable automatic updates to eliminate the need for manual intervention. Updating firmware on operational equipment is just as important as software updates, as hardware that relies on firmware can also have vulnerabilities.
Choose Software with a Demonstrated Commitment to Cybersecurity for Construction
Selecting trustworthy software providers is one of the most effective ways to ensure data security. Partnering with vendors who prioritize cybersecurity for construction will make a big difference. These providers will regularly update software to guard against new threats and adhere to high security standards. They’ll also have dedicated support teams that are experienced in providing the unique security measures you require.
Sysdyne’s cloud-based systems boost security in concrete operations. With built-in features including encryption, robust role-based access controls, and multifactor authentication, Sysdyne keeps your data safe and accessible only to authorized users. We take a proactive approach to security including systematic updates and full compliance with industry standards. Ready-mix concrete producers who partner with Sysdyne to improve end-to-end operations can trust that their data will be well-protected every step of the way.
Ready to learn more? Request a demo today to see how you can run a safer, smoother ready-mix operation with Sysdyne.
