A recent ransomware attack on Canadian contractor Bird Construction serves as a reminder to the industry of the importance of cybersecurity.
Canadian media reported a few weeks ago that the Ontario-based contractor was the victim of a digital incursion that resulted in the encryption of company files. There were no major impacts and the affected files were quickly restored, but the incident underscored the risks for contractors during a time when data is more valuable and relied upon than ever by the industry.
Data including employee social security numbers, building plans, and construction time frames can be exploited, resulting in legal fees and punitive damages. All organizations that collect and process this data are required to exercise measures to protect it.
Also at stake are the potential loss of client trust and competitive advantage. Damages from such events are hard to quantify, but can be substantial. A lot of construction industry leaders are not aware how valuable their data is, and fail to invest properly in cybersecurity.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Aug 11, 2021
Decentralized approach to codes means emissions reduction responsibility falls on local officials
Efficiency advocates focusing more on local code amendments.
Codes and Standards | Aug 10, 2021
Dept. of Energy issues model energy code determinations for commercial, residential buildings
2021 IECC offers 9.4% site energy savings.
Digital Twin | Aug 9, 2021
Digital Twin Maturity white paper offers guidance on digital twin adoption
Provides lifecycle map and an approach for incorporating digital twins.
Codes and Standards | Aug 5, 2021
Contractors can be liable for building failures many years after project completion
Personal injury suits could be brought decades after substantial completion.
Codes and Standards | Aug 4, 2021
Mass timber is a natural choice for building recycling through deconstruction
Designing wood buildings to optimize recovery of materials for disassembly aids carbon sequestration.
Codes and Standards | Aug 3, 2021
Dept. of Energy releases initial version of the Spawn of EnergyPlus software
Targets new use cases in advanced controls, district systems, and grid integration.
Codes and Standards | Aug 2, 2021
Several U.S. cities among most expensive places to build in the world
San Francisco, New York, and Boston head the domestic list.
Codes and Standards | Jul 28, 2021
American Concrete Institute creates new director of innovative concrete technology post
Aim is to attract emerging technologies for development.
Codes and Standards | Jul 28, 2021
Higher ed faces infrastructure backlog of $112.3 billion
Study recommends integrated strategic planning for best results.
Codes and Standards | Jul 27, 2021
Add a wobbly moon to flooding risk factors
Earth satellite’s orbit variations will lead to sunny-day flooding in the mid-2030s.
