How Construction Firms Can Work to Secure Their IT Systems Against Cyber Threats
From material shortages to workforce constraints, the construction industry is no stranger to risk. But as the sector embraces digital tools and connected platforms, a new threat is emerging: cyberattacks.
With project data, financial records, contracts, and personnel information increasingly stored and shared online, construction firms are finding themselves in the crosshairs of cybercriminals. And many are discovering that what happens off-site can be just as disruptive as what happens on it.
Why the Construction Industry Is Becoming a Target
It’s a common misconception that construction businesses are unlikely targets for cyber threats, largely due to their historically hands-on, site-based operations. In reality, the industry generates significant economic value and remains underprotected, with digital maturity still lagging in many areas.1
Australia’s construction sector generates more than $521 billion annually, with over 400,000 businesses contributing to national infrastructure, housing, and commercial development¹.2 At the same time, IBISWorld notes that digital transformation across the sector remains uneven, especially among small and mid-sized firms. The gap between increasing digital reliance and lagging cybersecurity maturity has created fertile ground for attacks.
Many firms rely on cloud-based platforms for design, procurement, and project management, with access granted to multiple internal and external parties. Inconsistent controls, poor visibility, and lack of cybersecurity governance leave businesses exposed.
Common Vulnerabilities in Construction IT
While the construction sector continues to adopt digital tools, many firms still operate with limited IT oversight and inconsistent security practices.3 Site laptops and tablets may lack proper antivirus protection. Subcontractors and casual staff may use personal devices to access job files. Passwords are shared informally, and critical project documents may be stored in unprotected drives or shared via unsecured cloud services.
Legacy software systems—still common in procurement and planning—are rarely patched or monitored. Without proper IT oversight, these weaknesses compound over time.
What’s at Stake
Cybersecurity is not just a technical issue. A successful breach can grind projects to a halt, corrupt critical files, or result in lost contracts and legal exposure.
In 2023, the Australian Cyber Security Centre reported that the average cost of a cyber incident for small to medium businesses was between $46,000 and $97,000, depending on the size of the organisation². For project-based industries like construction, the consequences can be far worse.
Beyond immediate financial damage, cyberattacks can:
- Delay construction schedules due to system outages or data recovery.
- Lead to breaches of contract or failed compliance with safety and quality obligations.
- Damage trust with clients, especially in government or infrastructure contracts.
- Jeopardise insurance coverage or professional indemnity claims.
How Construction Firms Can Strengthen Their Defences
Building a more secure IT foundation does not require a complete overhaul. It begins with identifying risks and applying targeted, practical protections.
Access control is a key first step. Firms should implement identity-based authentication and ensure that only authorised users can access sensitive systems such as BIM platforms, financial records, or personnel files. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) should be standard across devices and platforms.
Field teams and subcontractors also need secure, controlled access to systems. A mobile device management (MDM) solution helps IT administrators enforce consistent policies across all devices, even those used in remote or temporary environments.
It is equally important to plan for when, not if, a cyber event occurs. Firms need a clearly defined incident response plan that includes routine data backups, escalation processes, and real-time threat monitoring.
Why Managed Services Make Sense for Construction
Few construction firms have the internal resources or specialised staff to manage cybersecurity around the clock. This is especially true for mid-tier contractors, which make up the majority of the market.
Working with a managed services partner gives you access to:
- Proactive system monitoring and endpoint protection
- Support for software patching, backup, and recovery
- Expert guidance aligned to industry-specific risks and compliance frameworks.
At FUJIFILM Business Innovation Australia, we help construction firms secure their infrastructure without slowing down operations. Our flexible managed IT services and cloud security solutions are designed for the dynamic needs of project-based businesses.
Cybersecurity Is Now a Critical Part of Project Delivery
Construction projects today rely as much on digital coordination as they do on bricks and mortar. As the industry digitises, protecting your systems is not optional—it is essential for business continuity, compliance, and competitive advantage.
To move forward with confidence, construction firms must invest in cyber resilience now.
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References
1. IBISWorld. (2024). E3011 Construction in Australia Industry Report. Retrieved from: IBISWorld database
2. IBISWorld. (2024). E3011 Construction in Australia Industry Report. Retrieved from: IBISWorld database
3. Australian Cyber Security Centre. (2023). Annual Cyber Threat Report 2022–23. Retrieved from: https://www.cyber.gov.au/about-us/view-all-content/reports-and-statistics/asd-cyber-threat-report-july-2022-june-2023
4. Australian Cyber Security Centre. (2023). Annual Cyber Threat Report 2022–23. Retrieved from: https://www.cyber.gov.au/about-us/view-all-content/reports-and-statistics/asd-cyber-threat-report-july-2022-june-2023