You’re locked out of your system. Estimating files, payroll, project schedules—gone. A message on your screen demands $85,000 in bitcoin to unlock it. The attackers already know you can pay because they have access to your financial records.
Work stops. Crews are waiting. Payroll is due tomorrow. So you pay.
This isn’t a worst-case scenario. Cyberattacks are rising year over year, with construction being the third most targeted industry globally.
“The culture of construction companies is not one of security,” says Nick Espinosa, Chief Security Fanatic at Security Fanatics.
The difference between a disruption and a shutdown comes down to what you’ve done before an attack happens.
“Why do we get hacked? Because we trust, even when we shouldn’t.”
—Nick Espinosa, Security Fanatics
WHY CONTRACTORS ARE VULNERABLE
Cyber risk in construction isn’t just about technology; it’s about how work gets done.
Construction companies are attractive targets because attackers understand how the business operates. Tight schedules, high-value payments and constant coordination between offices, jobsites and vendors create pressure to move quickly—often without verification.
That urgency is exactly what attackers are exploiting. They don’t rely on sophisticated hacks. They rely on predictable behavior in high-pressure situations.
“Why do we get hacked? Because we trust, even when we shouldn’t,” Nick explains.
That trust shows up in everyday decisions from approving a payment change without verification to sharing logins across crews or connecting to unsecured jobsite networks.
Understanding your risks is the first step in protecting your business.
WHAT CONTRACTORS CAN DO RIGHT NOW
Focus on what stops work first
Identify the systems that would halt operations immediately: payroll, scheduling and project management. Prioritize protection and backups there instead of trying to secure everything at once.
Tighten access in the field
Shared logins and unsecured devices are common gaps. A lost tablet with automatic access to project software can become an entry point for your entire company. Get ahead of potential attackers by requiring multi-factor authentication and enabling remote lock or wipe capabilities. Have a tracking system so you know where every device is at all times.
Plan for operations without systems
Crews still need direction. Payroll still needs to go out. Define ahead of time who makes decisions and how teams communicate if an attack happens. Ensure work can continue by having simple backups like printed contact lists or manual time tracking.
Train and test your team
Technology won’t catch everything. Phishing emails and fake vendor requests are common entry points. To test your company, periodically send a suspicious-looking internal email to see who flags it and who engages. This helps identify weak points before an attack happens.
Make sure insurance matches reality
Cyber insurance can help but only if it reflects how your business operates. Walk through a real-world scenario with your provider, so you understand exactly what’s covered and what steps to take. Don’t store your cyber insurance on your company’s computer network or else a fraudster infiltrating your system will know exactly how much you can pay to unlock your systems.
Use standardized guidelines and checklists
Some contractors are also formalizing their approach using frameworks from the National Institute of Standards and Technology. These frameworks include practical checklists and quick-start guides. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency also offers trainings and resources centered around the latest in cyber threats.
WHAT TO WATCH AS TECHNOLOGY EXPANDS ON THE JOBSITE
As construction adopts more connected tools like cloud platforms and IoT-enabled equipment, there are more access points for hackers.
That changes where risk shows up and what contractors need to watch for.
Red flags: Unexpected requests to change payment details. New vendors asking for system access. Devices connecting from unfamiliar networks.
These small signals are often where problems start. The priority for leadership is to build habits that catch those signals early across your company.
- Designate a senior leader to oversee both cybersecurity protection and recovery efforts
- Require verification for any payment or account changes
- Review system access regularly as projects and teams change
- Standardize how devices and software are used across jobsites
- Run simple “what if” drills so teams know how to respond if systems go down
“Cybersecurity has to be top down,” Nick says. “Leadership has to set the tone.”
Dive deeper into this topic in the CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 session, Protecting Your Business in the Digital Age, available by purchasing On Demand Education Access from the 2026 show.
PHOTO CREDIT: SHUTTERSTOCK/VIDEOFLOW
