By Neil Jones, Director of Cybersecurity Evangelism, Egnyte
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Digital Risk: A New Frontier
Construction firms have always faced physical risk. What has changed dramatically over the past several years is the scale of digital risk that’s embedded in every project. From bid documents and design files to contracts, payroll records and compliance data, construction firms manage vast volumes of sensitive information across a fragmented ecosystem of partners, platforms and jobsites. That complexity has made the industry an increasingly attractive target for ransomware and data exposure.
Ransomware attacks are no longer rare or theoretical. They are operational disruptions capable of halting projects, locking firms out of critical files and forcing costly downtime at the worst possible moment, whether that is mid-bid, mid-build or mid-closeout. At the same time, sensitive data exposure has become just as dangerous. Publicly accessible folders, excessive permissions and dormant accounts create silent vulnerabilities that go unnoticed until damage is done.
What makes construction uniquely vulnerable is not a lack of awareness, but a lack of visibility. Data is shared broadly and quickly, internally and externally, often under tight deadlines. Subcontractors, consultants, owners and inspectors all require access, and access decisions are generally made for speed rather than for long-term control. Over time, permissions accumulate and projects close, yet users’ access continues.
In most ransomware incidents, attackers do not rely on sophisticated exploits. They leverage weak or reused passwords, compromised credentials or accounts that were never properly deactivated. Once inside, movement across systems is easy when access policies are inconsistent or outdated. The result is a breach that feels sudden but is usually the product of years of unmanaged risk.
Maximize Cyber-Preparedness
The good news is that many of the most common ransomware and exposure risks are highly preventable.
Strong password policies remain a foundational defense, yet they are inconsistently enforced across the industry. Password reuse, lack of multifactor authentication and shared credentials significantly increase exposure. Enforcing strong and unique passwords, paired with MFA for all users (even external collaborators), raises the barrier for attack prevention.
Access governance is equally critical. Firms must move away from the assumption that user access is permanent. Project-based access should be time-limited, role-specific and reviewed regularly. When a project ends or a role changes, access should expire automatically. Dormant accounts, particularly those belonging to former employees or vendors, are among the most common entry points for ransomware attacks.
Visibility into where sensitive data actually lives is just as important. Many firms are surprised to discover how much project or corporate data is publicly accessible or shared far beyond its intended audience. Regular audits of folder permissions, external sharing links and data classification policies help surface those risks early before they escalate into incidents.
Cyber-Hygiene: A Core Business Requirement
Construction leaders should recognize that ransomware preparedness is no longer just an IT issue. Owners, insurers and regulators increasingly expect firms to demonstrate basic cyber-hygiene as part of doing business. A firm’s ability to show that it enforces password standards, manages access responsibly and monitors for exposure can influence insurance terms, compliance readiness and even bid competitiveness.
Ultimately, improving ransomware resilience does not require massive disruption or wholesale technological replacement. It requires discipline, clear access policies, consistent enforcement and regular review. And leadership alignment around the reality that data risk is synonymous with project risk.
Construction companies excel at managing physical hazards through planning, controls and accountability. Applying the same mindset to digital risk is a mandatory next step. Ransomware and data exposure may be invisible threats, but with the right access and password policies in place, they do not have to be inevitable.
Join Us for an Upcoming Live Webinar
Ransomware and data exposure are no longer abstract risks for construction firms but active operational threats. Sign up for a live webinar, From Risk to Readiness: Securing Construction Data in an Era of Ransomware, Compliance and AI, featuring Satyam Verma, construction practice leader, and Neil Jones, cybersecurity evangelist at Egnyte.
Jan. 27 | 2 p.m. ET
Learn practical steps construction firms can take today to reduce cyber risk and prepare for what’s next.