Why is IT Important in Construction?

As the construction industry becomes increasingly digital, keeping operations running off-site is more important than ever.

Construction is a huge target for Cyber Crime

As one of the UK’s biggest industries, Construction is being increasingly targeted by sophisticated cyber attacks. Investing in your IT and cybersecurity will not only protect you and make you more compliant, but can position you above competitors and actually help you to win business.

There are many aspects to securing your business against cyber threats, but we believe that a great place to start is by looking into Cyber Essentials and other frameworks that give you an outline to start your cybersecurity journey.

Why does Cyber Essentials matter to Construction businesses?

Watch this short video for an introduction to Cyber Essentials by our Managing Director, Martin Hynes.

What is Cyber Essentials?

Cyber Essentials is a government-backed framework that focuses on five simple but powerful controls. Think of it as the foundations of good cyber security, protecting you from the most common online threats.

Those five areas are:

Firewalls – your digital security gatekeeper.
Secure configuration – making sure systems are set up safely from the start.
User access control – giving people only the access they need.
Malware protection – stopping viruses and malicious software in their tracks.
Patch management – keeping everything updated, because outdated software is a hacker’s best friend.

There are two types of Cyber Essentials – Basic and Plus.

Cyber Essentials Basic is the entry point — a self-assessment that will give you an insight into your security posture. It’s a great first step and shows that you’ve got the basics covered.

This can be a good way to quickly show some level of certification, but our research indicates that due to the nature of self-assessments, this badge is losing it’s influence when applying for tenders and insurance.

If done properly, this is still a great framework, but businesses that are cutting corners to get the badge are bringing a bad name to it.

Then there’s Cyber Essentials Plus. This is the gold standard, as it involves external verification through auditing and testing your systems, policies and processes to ensure you’re doing what you say you are.

The assessment is identical, but most importantly, you’re held accountable for your security and given a chance to prove that you are a secure, reliable and forward-thinking Construction company.

How does Cyber Essentials help to win business?

As the frequency and complexity of cyber attacks grows, so too must the measures taken by businesses to ensure they’re doing their part to mitigate risks and protect their people.

Fewer than 5% of UK businesses are Cyber Essentials certified, presenting a huge opportunity for you to demonstrate to the government and large-scale developers that you take security seriously.

Also, due to the implementation of the “Golden Thread of Information” in the Building Safety Act of 2022, stringent access, management, and storage of important building data are more crucial than ever in the Construction industry.

Undergoing the process of obtaining Cyber Essentials will indicate that your business is compliant with the Golden Thread, and you can leverage this when applying for tenders!

When going for either level of certification it is essential that you have an experienced, accredited IT partner by your side. They can guide you through the process, help you implement the right controls, and make sure you’re fully prepared for assessment.

In short, Cyber Essentials certification, especially Cyber Essentials Plus, is much more than a security badge. It tells clients, tender boards, and partners that you take cyber security seriously — and that puts you a step ahead of competitors who don’t.

Click below to enquire and begin your Cybersecurity journey.

New to IT?

Switching providers or deciding to plan for an IT overhaul can be daunting for buyers, but with our extensive experience with helping Kent businesses, we’ve put together a short guide on how you can make this process easier.

Download our IT Buying Guide below for some helpful tips on selecting an IT support provider.

It includes specific tips for the Construction industry, as well as questions to ask your current IT provider or quiz a potential partner with to make sure your needs are being met.

IT Buying Guide

24/7 IT Support

Get fixed-price 24/7 IT support from just £5,000 per year for Kent based businesses.

Managed Cyber Security

From hands-on technology solutions to staff training, we’ll help you kick out cybercrime.

Backup & Disaster Recovery

Could your business survive a server disaster? With BCS, your data is safe, secure and recoverable.

GDPR Compliance

GDPR & Cyber Essentials have changed the world of compliance for your business. We’re here to help.

Cloud Computing

Don’t know where to start with the Cloud? We’ll keep your feet firmly on the ground.

VoIP

Stay talking and save money with our easy VoIP solutions, tailored to you and your business.

Do You Know How Secure Your Network Systems Are?

Can you say with confidence that your business is not at risk? We find that many businesses assume they’re protected, until the worst happens. Undertaking an IT Security Audit is a fantastic way to understand how all the pieces of the puzzle fit together to keep your business working consistently. It helps by identifying areas of weakness in your IT that could leave you vulnerable and put your business at risk. BCS can provide you with an independent in-depth look at your IT estate and its ability to withstand the worst.

More about the Security Audit