Cyber Risks in the Construction Industry: Why Builders Need to Prepare

If you're in the building and construction industry, you might not think that cyber attacks are a real threat to your business. After all, you’re not a tech company, right? But the truth is, cyber risks can affect any industry—including construction—and the consequences could be severe.

Just this week, CDK, a company providing software for car dealerships, was hit by a major cyber attack. As a result, 10,000 to 15,000 car dealerships were shut down for an entire week. They couldn't sell cars, process trades, or handle any transactions. This attack shows how even non-tech industries—like car dealerships—can be brought to a halt by cyber threats.

For construction businesses, cyber risks may not always hit directly, but they can disrupt key areas of your operations. Here are some scenarios to consider:

A cyber attack could target your vendors or suppliers, halting the delivery of critical materials or services.
Payroll or accounts receivable systems could be compromised, causing delays in paying your employees or receiving project funds.
Software used for design, planning, or construction scheduling could be locked down, delaying your project timeline.
While you might not consider yourself a tech company, your construction business is still connected to multiple systems that can be vulnerable to cyber threats. Whether it’s managing your contracting bonds, payroll systems, or project management tools, cybersecurity is essential to your business's success.

It’s time to consider a standalone cyber insurance policy. Many businesses mistakenly rely on low-limit riders or add-ons to existing insurance policies, which often have exclusions and insufficient coverage. A separate, dedicated cyber policy offers much more comprehensive protection and peace of mind. The risks are much higher today—cyber attacks are a greater threat to your business than traditional risks like fire or physical damage.

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Talk to an insurance broker or a cybersecurity expert about how you can protect your construction business. At ActualHuman.com, we offer one-on-one consultations with experts in cybersecurity, cyber insurance, construction, and many other fields.