Is your architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) firm effectively protecting your data across multiple locations? With AEC firms often working collaboratively through satellite offices, joint ventures, or active construction sites for flexibility and growth, this also introduces significant cybersecurity risks.
Let’s explore why cybersecurity is especially critical for multi-site AEC firms, the challenges they face, and the strategies firms can implement to protect their data.
Why Cybersecurity Matters for the AEC Industry
The AEC industry has become increasingly targeted in recent months, attracting cybercriminals due to the high value of its digital assets – including blueprints, engineering data, bids, and proprietary designs.
In fact, ransomware attacks have been on an all-time increase, with this article reporting that January 2025 saw nearly five times more attacks than in January 2022, with 34% above the monthly average of 2024.
Additionally, for AEC firms, they’re also vulnerable due to complex supply chains, multiple collaborators, relying on legacy systems, and insecure file-sharing methods. A ransomware attack can result in project delays, lost revenue, legal penalties, and reputational damage.
Cybersecurity Challenges for Multi-Site AEC Firms (and How to Solve Them)
Operating across multiple offices or active construction sites leaves AEC firms facing unique cybersecurity challenges. The distributed nature of teams, heavy reliance on digital design tools, and volume of sensitive project data all create potential vulnerabilities.
Let’s explore the main issues AEC firms face and how these can be efficiently and securely solved:
Data Dispersed Across Sites, Devices, and Platforms
- Sensitive data such as architectural blueprints, engineering models, and proprietary designs are regularly shared between offices, sites, and contractors. This is often across different networks and devices, which increases the risk of data leaks, unauthorized access, and accidental loss.
- To solve this, AEC firms can implement centralized security management to gain visibility and control across all devices and locations. This allows IT teams to apply updates, enforce policies, and monitor threats in real-time from a single dashboard.
- Moreover, tools that support endpoint detection and response (EDR) are especially valuable for identifying and responding to threats across various endpoints.
Inconsistent Cybersecurity Policies Across Locations
- Operating across multiple locations means varying practices. Where one office may enforce strong password policies, another might allow insecure file-sharing methods, and it’s these inconsistencies that create weak links in the cybersecurity chain.
- To fix this, develop and enforce firm-wide cybersecurity policies that include clear guidelines on password hygiene, software usage, remote access, and data handling. Infinity Technologies explores this further in their recent article on overcoming IT challenges to simplify workloads.
Risks with Remote File Access and Collaboration
- Engineers, architects, and field staff often need to collaborate on large design files remotely. When teams rely on email or unsecured file-sharing platforms, it exposes sensitive information to unauthorized access.
- To avoid this, use more secure collaboration platforms that offer end-to-end encryption, access controls, and file tracking. These tools should support large file sizes like CAD or BIM files and allow for seamless collaboration between teams.
Backing Up Large Files Effectively
- AEC firms work with massive files that can be difficult to back up using conventional systems. Inadequate backup strategies may result in data loss during a cyberattack or disruption to continuity.
- Preventing this, cloud-based backup solutions are optimized for large design and project files. These systems should offer version control, automated backups, strong encryption, and the ability to restore data quickly in case of an incident.
Coordinating Incident Response Across Multiple Sites
- If a breach or attack occurs, responding across multiple sites can be chaotic and slow. Disjointed communication and unclear responsibilities can delay containment and recovery efforts.
- It’s important to establish a comprehensive incident response plan that covers all locations. This should outline key contracts, escalation paths, response procedures, and recovery steps. Additionally, the plan should be tested regularly and updated as your firm changes.
Why AEC Firms Trust SD IT Support for Cybersecurity
At SD IT Support, we strive to expertly support AEC firms in managing large, complex files, protecting valuable intellectual property across multiple job sites, and so much more. Whether your firm is managing two offices or twenty construction sites, our team provides the tools you need to remain secure and operational.
Our comprehensive cybersecurity solutions are designed specifically for the AEC industry, with a focus on 24/7 threat monitoring and response, unified endpoint and device management, secure file access for remote and on-site teams, CAD and DIM file backup optimization, and regulatory compliance and audit support.
Don’t Let Cybersecurity Be Your Weakest Link
The AEC industry’s digital landscape is growing increasingly complex, especially with the rise of cyber threats. If your firm operates across multiple locations, your cybersecurity approach must be as dynamic and well-coordinated as your projects.
Book a free consultation with our AEC cybersecurity experts and find out how SD IT Support can help protect your data, files, and projects – across every site you operate.
