6 Tips to Avoid a Cyber Attack as a Contractor

 
10/22/2019

[ Article was originally posted on www.acuity.com ]

By John Lack,

You might think construction businesses are less susceptible to cyberattacks than other industries. However, construction companies collect a large amount of data that is attractive to cyber criminals, including employee information, client data and intellectual property, specifications, and more. In fact, the data breach that affected Target stores in 2013 resulted from a hacking attack against an HVAC contractor servicing the retailer. Small contractors are not immune and are often easier targets due to smaller IT budgets and fewer security resources.

Some causes of data breaches for contractors include lost devices, hacked systems, malicious code (malware), improper disposal of records, and employee (insider) action. Additionally, as more and more networked technology is incorporated into construction equipment, that equipment can be targeted by cyber criminals as well. To defend against these threats, your data security plan should contain several key components:

  • Automatically update your firewall and antivirus software and apply all security-related software patches provided by vendors. 
  • Be sure all mobile devices have both hardware and software encryption.
  • Regularly train employees on cybersecurity. 
  • Secure your Wi-Fi network both within your office and at job sites with encryption and a strong password. MAC filtering can restrict your network to allow only approved devices. 
  • Regularly back up data to an offsite location. 
  • Screen all vendors you use to verify their cybersecurity practices. 

Being proactive is always the best defense so your business is not an easy target for hackers. However, in the unfortunate event of a cyber loss, be sure you have cyber insurance in place, which can provide coverage for both first- and third-party claims.

John L. is our Construction guru
I bring over 35 years of experience in the construction industry in both field and office positions to Acuity including carpentry, welding, project management, contract negotiation, and much more. Also, I founded my own commercial general contracting firm specializing in building grocery stores. Over the years I’ve worked closely with architects, civil engineers, and developers. I’ve found it instrumental to build solid relationships with all involved in the construction project, including insurance companies. This is why I am here, I want to help you the contractor better understand insurance and help Acuity to offer products and services that meet your unique needs. I feel a close connection to construction and with my background I feel that I can make sure contractors have a better insurance experience.

SOURCE: https://www.acuity.com/acuity-focus/2019/contractor-focus/6-tips-to-avoid-a-cyber-attack-as-a-contractor

 



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