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 | Feb 16, 2021
Bechtel joins international heat resilience organization
Experience designing resilience standards to aid effort to protect communities from extreme heat.
Codes and Standards | Feb 10, 2021
More than two-thirds of construction companies say COVID-19 has not impacted their ESOP
Half of survey respondents say 2020 project profitability decreased due to pandemic.
Codes and Standards | Feb 9, 2021
New Jersey approves new electric vehicle-ready home requirement
Homebuyers must be given option for charging station on new construction.
Codes and Standards | Feb 9, 2021
New California law removes barriers to residential development
Measure removes restrictions for ADUs in urban areas and master planned communities.
Codes and Standards | Feb 8, 2021
Alliance yields more accurate data for rating and certifying systems of construction materials
Crosswalk API offers trusted format to specify and procure healthier products.
Codes and Standards | Feb 4, 2021
2021 IBC requires automatic doors for entrances to public buildings
One door must be either a full power-operated door or a low-energy power-operated door.
Codes and Standards | Feb 3, 2021
Two new International Code Council online code tools released
Offer detailed information about global building code usage and U.S. adoptions.
Codes and Standards | Feb 2, 2021
Biden tells OSHA to bolster COVID-19 safety rules
Order could lead to a national playbook for fighting COVID-19 on jobsites.
Codes and Standards | Feb 1, 2021
Fenestration Alliance updates standard for mulled combination assemblies
Last updated in 2010, document describes procedures and requirements for air leakage, water resistance, and structural performance.
Codes and Standards | Jan 28, 2021
Natl. Fire Protection Assn. releases new energy storage system fact sheet
Comes as Biden Administration prepares ambitious clean energy agenda.