Research by cloud-security provider Egnyte shows architecture, engineering and construction firms are more than twice as likely to suffer ransomware attacks than all other industries studied, according to www.forconstructionpros.com.
Thirty-one percent of AEC companies that were victims of ransomware were attacked at least twice during a 16-month period, and a small percentage were attacked even more frequently.
Egnyte’s “State of Ransomware Research Report for Architecture, Engineering and Construction” gathered insights from more than 2,700 AEC firms. It found companies with more than 1,000 employees were at the highest risk of attack, with most ransomware attacks targeting North American companies.
Egnyte’s analysis revealed various factors specific to AEC firms that make them larger targets, including:
- The construction industry runs on a strict schedule, so delays resulting from lack of access to project files significantly can affect costs and project timelines and damage company reputations.
- Many AEC employees work remotely, and companies maintain a shared information environment with outside contractors on job sites, creating additional entry points for attackers.
- Tight profit margins along with the other factors mentioned make AEC firms more likely than other industries to pay a ransom so they can get back to work more quickly.
Check out tips to help protect your company from a ransomware attack.
