Your engineering business can overcome cybersecurity challenges through employee awareness and training, securing your network infrastructure, data encryption and backup, conducting due diligence when selecting vendors, and an incident response plan.
Like the structural integrity of a bridge that relies on a robust foundation, your engineering firm should also have a robust cybersecurity. Did you know? According to a research from Egnyte, more than 30% of engineering firms who fell victim of cyberattacks have been attacked again one or more times. This is highly alarming since cyberattacks have proven to cause a lot of damage to businesses of any size. If you belong to the lucky ones who haven’t been attacked yet, now is the best time to think about investing in cybersecurity. In this blog, we’ll explore some common cybersecurity challenges faced by the engineering industry and how to overcome them.
Employee Awareness and Training
Challenge: One of the most significant cybersecurity vulnerabilities stems from employees’ lack of awareness and training. Human error, such as falling for phishing scams or using weak passwords, can lead to devastating data breaches.
Solution: Implement regular cybersecurity training sessions for all employees. Educate them about the various cyber threats they may encounter, such as phishing emails, social engineering, and malware. Encourage the use of strong passwords and multi-factor authentication to add an extra layer of security.
Secure Network Infrastructure
Challenge: Many engineering businesses rely heavily on interconnected devices and networks to facilitate collaboration and data sharing. However, this interconnectedness can create entry points for cyber attackers.
Solution: Secure your network infrastructure by using firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and up-to-date antivirus software. Segment your network to limit access to critical information and devices. Regularly update and patch software to close potential security gaps.
Data Encryption and Backup
Challenge: Engineering firms often deal with sensitive data, such as designs, intellectual property, and client information. In the event of a cyber attack or data breach, this information can be stolen or held for ransom.
Solution: Encrypt your data to render it unreadable to unauthorized users. This way, even if attackers gain access, the encrypted data will be useless to them. Additionally, establish a robust data backup strategy, with data stored in multiple secure locations. Regularly test data restoration procedures to ensure their effectiveness.
Vendor and Supply Chain Risks
Challenge: Many engineering businesses work with third-party vendors and suppliers. Cyber attackers may exploit vulnerabilities in these external partners’ systems to gain access to your data or network.
Solution: Conduct due diligence when selecting vendors, and prioritize those with robust cybersecurity practices. Implement contractual agreements that clearly define security responsibilities and standards. Regularly review and audit your vendors’ cybersecurity practices to ensure compliance.
Incident Response Plan
Challenge: Despite best efforts, no system is completely invulnerable to cyber threats. In the event of a cyber attack, a lack of preparedness can lead to chaos and exacerbate the damage.
Solution: Develop a comprehensive incident response plan that outlines step-by-step procedures for handling cyber incidents. Designate specific team members responsible for different aspects of the response. Regularly test and update the plan to adapt to evolving threats and technology.
Cybersecurity is an ongoing concern for businesses in the engineering sector. By prioritizing employee awareness, securing network infrastructure, encrypting data, managing vendor risks, and having a well-defined incident response plan, you can significantly reduce your vulnerability to cyber threats. Remember that cybersecurity is a collective effort that requires constant vigilance and adaptation. Invest in the right tools, educate your team, and stay up-to-date with the latest security practices to safeguard your engineering business and its valuable assets.
If you want to make sure that you are secured and cybersecurity experts are available to you 24/7 in the event of an attack, talk to us today! Every company is unique, that’s why here at Intelecis, we will thoroughly examine your business to provide you the best customized service there is. Everything will be tailored to your needs, so you won’t just be protected, you can also save money on services that your business doesn’t require.
