EDITOR ' S QUESTION

DIRECTOR AND INDEPENDENT CONSULTANT WITHIN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY AT GLUCK ADVISORY

To start , it ’ s important to conduct a thorough risk assessment to pinpoint potential cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities specific to your project , such as unauthorised access to sensitive contract data , phishing attacks targeting project stakeholders , inadequate encryption for data storage and transmission , vulnerabilities in third-party vendor systems and insufficient access controls within contract management software . This assessment will guide the development of a comprehensive cybersecurity plan tailored to mitigate these risks throughout the project ’ s lifecycle .

Within your contract management software , set up strict access controls to limit who can view or modify contract information . This means implementing role-based permissions and requiring multi-factor authentication , which helps ensure that only authorised individuals can interact with sensitive data .

Ongoing training is another critical component . Regularly educate all team members involved in contract management — like project managers , contract administrators and legal staff — about cybersecurity best practices .

In addition to preventative measures , having a clear incident response plan is vital . This plan should outline how to quickly identify , contain , and manage any cybersecurity incidents affecting contract management . A well-defined response strategy helps minimise the impact of breaches and ensures everyone knows their role in addressing an incident .

A key element in safeguarding your data is choosing robust contract management software . Modern systems should come with advanced security features , including strong encryption for data at rest and in transit . This encryption ensures that sensitive contract details are shielded from unauthorised access . Additionally , the use of software with multiple layers of security , such as firewalls , intrusion detection systems and regular security updates , to offer comprehensive protection against cyberthreats .

It is important to note that vendor management also plays a significant role in maintaining cybersecurity . When working with third-party vendors , include stringent cybersecurity requirements in your contracts . Regularly audit vendors to ensure they adhere to these standards , helping to protect against potential vulnerabilities introduced by external parties .

In summary , a comprehensive approach — including risk assessment , secure technology , access controls , training , incident response and vigilant vendor management — ensures strong cybersecurity throughout the project lifecycle , keeping sensitive contract and strategic commercial data secure and effectively mitigating cyberthreats in construction projects .

For more insights from Denys Shwartz , visit : constructionfront . com .

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