GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Cybersecurity In The Construction Industry Statistics

The construction industry experiences an average of 22 cyberattacks per week, highlighting the increasing vulnerability of this sector to cyber threats.

Highlights: Cybersecurity In The Construction Industry Statistics

  • 75% of construction industry players experienced a cyber incident in the past 12 months,
  • It is suggested that 64% of construction companies experience phishing attacks in a given year,
  • The construction industry rates as the 13th most targeted sector for cyberattacks globally,
  • More than half of the construction companies believe they have a problem with cybersecurity,
  • Small construction companies are often most at risk, with 75% of all cybersecurity incidents affecting businesses with fewer than 100 employees,
  • Investment in cybersecurity in the construction industry is considerably low, with only 1% of IT budgets allocated to it,
  • Only 29% of construction companies have a comprehensive IT security policy,
  • Around 29% of all cyber attacks in 2020 on the construction industry involved insider threats,
  • Nearly 33% of construction companies in the U.S. reported data breaches in 2016,
  • The recovery time for a data breach in a construction related firm averages 46 days,
  • Roughly 80% of the construction industry is not taking adequate steps to protect information assets,
  • Almost 83% of construction firms have not achieved best practice cybersecurity standards,
  • Only 45% of construction businesses have Incident Response Plans in case of a Cyber Attack,
  • 32% of construction companies in the UK experienced a cybersecurity incident in the past 12 months,

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The Latest Cybersecurity In The Construction Industry Statistics Explained

75% of construction industry players experienced a cyber incident in the past 12 months,

The statistic that 75% of construction industry players experienced a cyber incident in the past 12 months indicates a high prevalence of cybersecurity breaches within the industry. This suggests that a significant majority of organizations within the construction sector have been impacted by various forms of cyber threats such as data breaches, malware infections, or phishing attacks. This statistic underscores the vulnerability of construction companies to cyber risks and highlights the critical need for robust cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive information, operations, and infrastructure from digital threats. Organizations in the construction industry should prioritize cybersecurity awareness, training, and investment in advanced security technologies to mitigate the growing risks posed by cyber incidents.

It is suggested that 64% of construction companies experience phishing attacks in a given year,

The statistic suggests that a significant majority, specifically 64%, of construction companies encounter phishing attacks within a one-year period. Phishing attacks are fraudulent attempts to obtain sensitive information such as passwords, credit card details, or other confidential data by posing as a trustworthy entity in electronic communication. The high prevalence of these attacks among construction companies highlights the vulnerability of the industry to cyber threats and the importance of implementing robust cybersecurity measures to protect against such malicious activities. This statistic underscores the need for increased awareness, training, and vigilance within the construction sector to mitigate the risks associated with phishing attacks and safeguard sensitive information and digital assets.

The construction industry rates as the 13th most targeted sector for cyberattacks globally,

The statistic stating that the construction industry ranks as the 13th most targeted sector for cyberattacks worldwide indicates that construction businesses are increasingly becoming prime targets for cybercriminals. This suggests that the industry faces a significant level of cyber risk and vulnerability to various forms of cyber threats, such as data breaches, ransomware attacks, and phishing scams. The ranking of 13th highlights that construction companies need to prioritize enhancing their cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive data, intellectual property, and operational systems from potential cyber intrusions. Additionally, it underscores the importance of implementing comprehensive cybersecurity strategies and awareness training within the construction sector to mitigate the growing cyber threats they face.

More than half of the construction companies believe they have a problem with cybersecurity,

The statistic indicates that a significant majority of construction companies, specifically more than half of them, believe they are experiencing issues related to cybersecurity. This suggests that a considerable portion of businesses in the construction industry are concerned about the security of their digital information and systems, potentially indicating vulnerabilities or gaps in their cybersecurity measures. The prevalence of this belief among companies in the industry highlights the importance of prioritizing cybersecurity practices and investing in measures to protect sensitive data and mitigate potential cyber threats within the construction sector.

Small construction companies are often most at risk, with 75% of all cybersecurity incidents affecting businesses with fewer than 100 employees,

The statistic stating that small construction companies are often most at risk, with 75% of all cybersecurity incidents affecting businesses with fewer than 100 employees, highlights a concerning trend in the cybersecurity landscape. It indicates that small businesses, particularly those in the construction sector, are disproportionately vulnerable to cyber attacks. The statistic draws attention to the limited resources and capabilities of smaller companies to implement robust cybersecurity measures, making them attractive targets for cybercriminals. Such attacks can have detrimental consequences on these businesses, leading to financial losses, reputation damage, and operational disruptions. Therefore, it underscores the importance for small construction companies to prioritize cybersecurity efforts and invest in protective measures to safeguard their digital assets and sensitive information from potential breaches.

Investment in cybersecurity in the construction industry is considerably low, with only 1% of IT budgets allocated to it,

The statistic indicates that cybersecurity investment in the construction industry is disproportionately low, with only 1% of the total IT budget allocated to it. This suggests that the construction industry may not be prioritizing cybersecurity measures to safeguard its digital assets and infrastructure adequately. Given the increasing frequency and sophistication of cyber threats targeting various sectors, including construction, the low investment in cybersecurity raises concerns about the industry’s vulnerability to potential cyber attacks and data breaches. It highlights the need for construction companies to reassess their cybersecurity strategies and allocate resources more effectively to mitigate the risks associated with cyber threats and protect their sensitive information and operations.

Only 29% of construction companies have a comprehensive IT security policy,

The statistic indicates that a relatively low percentage, specifically 29%, of construction companies have implemented a comprehensive IT security policy. This finding suggests that a significant portion of construction companies may not have adequate measures in place to protect their digital assets and infrastructure from cyber threats. The lack of a comprehensive IT security policy could leave these companies vulnerable to cyberattacks, data breaches, and other potential cybersecurity risks. Implementing such policies is crucial in today’s digital age to safeguard sensitive information, maintain operational continuity, and uphold the reputation and trust of the organization among stakeholders and clients. Addressing this gap in IT security policy adoption within the construction industry is essential to enhance resilience against cyber threats and ensure the overall security of the sector.

Around 29% of all cyber attacks in 2020 on the construction industry involved insider threats,

The statistic that around 29% of all cyber attacks in 2020 on the construction industry involved insider threats indicates that a significant portion of security breaches within the construction sector originated from individuals within the organization rather than external entities. This suggests that there may be vulnerabilities or lack of proper security measures within the industry that allowed insider threats to perpetrate cyber attacks. Insider threats can come from employees, contractors, or other affiliated parties with access to sensitive information, highlighting the importance of implementing robust security protocols, employee training, and monitoring systems to mitigate the risks associated with insider attacks in the construction industry.

Nearly 33% of construction companies in the U.S. reported data breaches in 2016,

The statistic that nearly 33% of construction companies in the U.S. reported data breaches in 2016 indicates a significant vulnerability in the industry’s cybersecurity practices during that year. Data breaches refer to incidents where unauthorized individuals gain access to sensitive information, potentially compromising the security and privacy of the affected companies and their clients. The high percentage suggests that a substantial portion of construction firms were targeted by cyberattacks or experienced security lapses leading to data breaches. This highlights the importance of implementing robust cybersecurity measures within the construction sector to protect against such threats and safeguard confidential data from unauthorized access.

The recovery time for a data breach in a construction related firm averages 46 days,

The statistic “The recovery time for a data breach in a construction related firm averages 46 days” indicates the average amount of time it takes for a construction firm to recover from a data breach incident. This statistic suggests that, on average, it takes around 46 days for the firm to address the breach, mitigate its impacts, and resume normal operations. A longer recovery time may imply more complex or severe breaches, while a shorter time may indicate effective incident response measures in place. Understanding this statistic can help construction firms in preparing and strengthening their cybersecurity measures to minimize the impact of potential data breaches and expedite recovery processes in the event of an incident.

Roughly 80% of the construction industry is not taking adequate steps to protect information assets,

The statistic stated that approximately 80% of the construction industry does not implement sufficient measures to safeguard their information assets. This suggests a widespread lack of attention to data security within the industry, potentially leaving sensitive information vulnerable to breaches, theft, or other security incidents. Inadequate protection of information assets can have serious consequences for construction companies, including financial losses, damage to reputation, and regulatory penalties. These findings highlight the urgent need for the industry to prioritize and invest in enhancing their cybersecurity measures to mitigate risks and protect their valuable data assets.

Almost 83% of construction firms have not achieved best practice cybersecurity standards,

The statistic “Almost 83% of construction firms have not achieved best practice cybersecurity standards” indicates that a large majority of construction companies are lacking in meeting the optimal cybersecurity protocols. This suggests that there is a significant gap between the cybersecurity practices in place at these firms and the best practices recommended for protecting digital assets and sensitive information. The high percentage underscores the potential vulnerabilities and risks that these construction firms face in terms of potential cyber threats and attacks. Implementing stronger cybersecurity measures, training staff on best practices, and investing in up-to-date security technologies may be necessary for these firms to enhance their cybersecurity defenses and safeguard their operations.

Only 45% of construction businesses have Incident Response Plans in case of a Cyber Attack,

The statistic that only 45% of construction businesses have Incident Response Plans in place for a Cyber Attack indicates a concerning lack of preparedness within the industry. An Incident Response Plan is essential for effectively managing and mitigating the impact of a cyber attack on a business, including ensuring timely response, minimizing disruption to operations, and safeguarding sensitive data. The fact that a majority of construction businesses do not have such a plan suggests a significant vulnerability to cyber threats, highlighting the need for increased awareness and investment in cybersecurity measures within the sector to prevent financial losses, reputational damage, and potential legal liabilities.

32% of construction companies in the UK experienced a cybersecurity incident in the past 12 months,

The statistic that 32% of construction companies in the UK experienced a cybersecurity incident in the past 12 months indicates a concerning level of vulnerability within the industry. This suggests that a significant proportion of construction companies are at risk of cyberattacks, which can result in data breaches, financial losses, and reputational damage. The high incidence of cybersecurity incidents highlights the need for increased awareness, investment, and implementation of robust cybersecurity measures within the construction sector to protect sensitive information and infrastructure from potential threats.

References

0. – https://www.www.enr.com

1. – https://www.www.constructiondive.com

2. – https://www.www.ecsc.co.uk

3. – https://www.the-eic.com

4. – https://www.builtworlds.com

5. – https://www.www.itgovernance.co.uk

6. – https://www.www.forbes.com

7. – https://www.www.cyberark.com

8. – https://www.www.ey.com

9. – https://www.www.welivesecurity.com

10. – https://www.www.itproportal.com

11. – https://www.www.aiim.org

12. – https://www.interestingengineering.com

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

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