Even with cutting-edge protection in place, simple human errors can create devastating security breaches. For small and midsized AEC firms, these vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous, as they typically lack the extensive recovery resources of larger organizations.
These are the most common human-related risks to cybersecurity for engineering firms (and our top tips on how to address them):
Social Engineering: The Art of Manipulation
In this AEC business podcast, Egnyte’s Senior Director of Global AEC Practice, Kevin Soohoo, shared that 59% of AEC firms faced cybersecurity threats between 2022 and 2024. It’s no accident that attacks are on the rise – cybercriminals have become experts at exploiting human psychology:
- Phishing attacks use convincing emails that appear to come from clients, vendors, or even colleagues, often with urgent requests for project files or password resets
- Baiting schemes tempt employees with free software downloads (like CAD tools or plugins) that contain malware
- Pretexting involves impersonating trusted parties over the phone to extract sensitive information
In the AEC industry specifically, attackers often target project managers and administrative staff who handle multiple file transfers daily, making suspicious requests harder to spot.
Critical Handling Errors for Complex Files
In addition, the sheer volume of data this sector’s staff handles and the complex nature of AEC documentation create unique security challenges of their own:
- Improper version control leading to outdated or unauthorized modifications
- Using unsecured channels (like personal email) to transfer large BIM files
- Failing to properly encrypt drawing files containing sensitive infrastructure details
- Neglecting to remove metadata that might reveal proprietary information
Insider Threats: The Enemy Within
As you can see, not all security threats come from outside your organization. Insider threats in AEC firms take two primary forms:
Unintentional breaches: Staff who accidentally share sensitive blueprints with unauthorized parties, misconfigure access permissions, or fall victim to credential theft.
Malicious activities: Disgruntled employees who deliberately leak proprietary designs or sabotage project files.
What makes insider threats particularly dangerous is the legitimate access these individuals already have. They know where valuable data resides and often understand exactly how to exploit it, whether intentionally or accidentally.
Best Practices for AEC Industry Cybersecurity
So how do you address these human vulnerabilities? As we explained in this article, it requires a combination of three simple tenets: awareness, training, and clear protocols.
Tips for Employees: Secure File Handling Protocols
- Always verify requests for sensitive files through a secondary channel (phone call or in-person)
- Use company-approved file-sharing platforms with encryption and access controls
- Follow mandatory watermarking practices on critical documents
- Never circumvent security measures, even when facing tight deadlines
Tips for Remote Access: IT Security for Engineering Firms
Remote work has become standard in the AEC sector, but it introduces additional risks and thus warrants its own set of best practice tips:
- Use company-approved VPNs when accessing project files remotely
- Implement multi-factor authentication for all cloud-based tools
- Never save sensitive documents to personal devices
- Be extra vigilant about public Wi-Fi networks when reviewing project materials
Tips for Leadership: Creating a Security-Conscious Culture
Preventing successful cyberattacks isn’t solely your employees’ responsibility. As a firm owner or manager, your role in establishing proper security practices is crucial.
It’s up to you to:
- Implement the principle of least privilege – limiting access to only those who need it
- Develop clear written policies for handling different types of documents
- Schedule regular security awareness training tailored to AEC workflows
- Regularly share resources like this guide to spotting a phishing email with your staff.
- Create a blame-free environment for reporting potential security incidents
You’ve Got the Human Side Covered – Now What?
Alright, that’s the ‘people’ part addressed. While reducing human risk factors is essential in ensuring cybersecurity for engineering firms, comprehensive protection requires the right technical foundation as well.
This is where SD IT Support’s experience with AEC firms can make a difference. As specialist service providers, we understand that your security needs aren’t the same as those of a retail business or medical practice.
You need solutions designed for:
- Handling large, complex file types securely
- Managing appropriate access across project teams
- Protecting intellectual property throughout the design process
- Maintaining compliance with industry standards
Which is why our approach to IT security for engineering firms includes:
- 24/7 threat monitoring specifically calibrated for AEC workflows
- Secure cloud solutions for project collaboration
- Automated backup systems for critical design files
- Scalable support based on escalating AEC industry standards and your personal firm requirements
Don’t Wait for a Security Breach to Expose Your Vulnerabilities
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.
