The Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry is more digital than ever, with cloud collaboration, real-time data sharing, and complex project workflows. But with this digital transformation comes an increasing risk of cyber threats. Data breaches, ransomware attacks, and insider leaks are becoming more common, and AEC firms must take proactive steps to secure sensitive project information.
In this article, we’ll explore the biggest risks in AEC data management and best practices for secure data sharing.
The Growing Cyber Threats in AEC
Cyberattacks targeting AEC firms have surged, with major incidents highlighting vulnerabilities in construction data security:
- Construction Industry Council (CIC) Cyber Attack (2024): The CIC fell victim to a cyberattack that disrupted operations and exposed sensitive data. The breach underscored the risks construction firms face when handling large-scale project data.
- FOUNDATION Accounting Software Breach: A brute-force attack on FOUNDATION accounting software left construction companies exposed to cyber intrusions. Weak password policies and inadequate monitoring made these firms easy targets.
With the rise of cloud-based tools and remote collaboration, AEC firms must address these risks head-on.
Common Security Vulnerabilities in AEC Data Management
AEC projects involve multiple stakeholders—architects, contractors, engineers, and suppliers—each requiring access to project data. Without proper security controls, construction firms face several vulnerabilities:
- Unsecured file sharing – Sending project files via email or using public cloud storage can lead to unauthorised access.
- Cloud misconfigurations – Poorly configured cloud storage can expose sensitive project files to external threats.
- Insider threats – Employees or subcontractors with excessive permissions may leak or misuse confidential data.
- Cyberattacks – Ransomware, phishing, and brute-force attacks can compromise entire projects.
Understanding these risks is the first step toward securing your projects and data.
Secure Data Sharing Best Practices
To ensure safe collaboration, organisations should follow these best practices:
Implement Role-Based Access Control (RBAC):
- Assign permissions based on user roles (e.g., project manager, subcontractor, client).
- Restrict access to only necessary files and data.
Use Controlled Links:
- Instead of sending email attachments, share files via controlled links with restricted permissions.
- Limit downloads and set expiration dates for sensitive documents.
Enforce Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA):
- Require a second form of authentication (e.g., SMS code, authentication app) for logins.
- Prevent unauthorised access even if passwords are compromised.
Enable Audit Logs & Monitoring:
- Track file access, downloads, and modifications.
- Get real-time alerts for suspicious activity.
Secure Third-Party Access:
- Ensure that subcontractors and external teams follow security protocols.
- Provide limited, controlled access to external parties.
Protecting AEC Data from Cyber Threats
Beyond choosing the right platform, AEC businesses should actively defend against cyber threats by:
- Conducting regular security training – Educate teams on secure file sharing and cyber hygiene.
- Raising phishing awareness – Train employees to recognise suspicious emails and avoid clicking malicious links.
- Developing an incident response plan – Have clear procedures for handling security breaches and data leaks.
- Using real-time monitoring and detecting anomalies – Monitor for unusual access patterns or data transfers that could indicate a breach.
How Vismo Helps Your Organisation with Secure Data Management
Vismo provides a secure, user-friendly platform tailored for AEC projects, ensuring teams can collaborate without compromising data security. With secure storage, file and folder permissions, and per-project user-based access control, Vismo helps businesses meet compliance standards while keeping setup and integration as simple as possible.
Invitation to Try Vismo’s Secure Platform for AEC Projects
If your organisation needs a data management platform that prioritises security without compromising ease of use, Vismo offers a secure, efficient way to manage AEC project data.
Ready to see what Vismo can do for your business? Try Vismo today for free.