Tech-Employed Equipment Is Under Threat of Cyberattacks

  • Editorial Team
  • Construction Technology
  • 8 August 2024

The digital advancement has made things transform but brought certain kinds of concerns along. Whether it is the construction industry or heavy equipment fleet, digital advancement is everywhere. But the cyberattack threats co-exist with the digital reality. Equipment equipped with telematics or advanced tech is more prone to get hacked by cybercriminals and the owners may have to face serious consequences.

How are the cyberattack threats increasing?

With more advancements in equipment technologies, the attackers are also becoming smarter. Even the slightest error in your security plan and measures, and your data and all the confidential will be blown away.

Jan Wendenburg, CEO of German IT security company OneKey says that gone are the days when cyberattacks were not more than a fiction. It is a more prevalent threat now and can easily attack your smart equipment with the latest digital tech.

How does IoT make things vulnerable?

Modern equipment is built with data collection and transmission capabilities for carbon emission, fuel usage, and maintenance need alerts. They are smart enough to even tell you about the driver’s behaviour during the operation.

Wendenburg says, “Construction equipment like cranes have been used for decades. This product, which you have been using for the past thirty years, is now a computer.”

In addition to this, James Griffith. Co-founder of cyber security associates added: “This threat is only going to grow as more and more IoT-enabled devices are being used on construction projects. Significant vulnerabilities are likely to be created when outdated proprietary systems are combined with conventional IT communication methods.”

Cybercriminals always find a cracked or hacked version of the technology that you might have been using in your heavy equipment. When you are operating motor graders for sale in Texas, cyber-attackers sitting miles away could have access to your credentials and may operate posing like you. This is even more concerning as some of the important data might get lost and be used for some odd reasons.

What action plan you should work on?

Apart from knowing the seriousness of the matter, there is a need to put an emergency plan to protect the construction sites and equipment from these attacks.

Two-factor authentication for all the important IDs and devices must be there so that you may immediately get an alert when someone is trying to be you to get access to your accounts.

Keep updating the apps used in coupling with the equipment. Also, try to install antivirus software in the computer system of your equipment so that any incoming threat can automatically vanish away.

Timely repairs and fixes are the must to keep your assets safe from further burglary and cyber thefts. The company should regularly scan and penetration tests in addition to sending updates to linked computers up to ten times a day.

Make sure that encryption is used for all communications between control systems and construction equipment. This lessens the possibility of illegal access and listening in on private data transfers.

Organize frequent staff training sessions to inform them of the significance of cybersecurity. Instruct them on how to spot odd scams, protect their gadgets, and follow best practices for preserving security throughout their regular business operations.

Close Up

Cyberattacks are a co-existing reality in the construction and equipment industry. With the increasing usage of technologies, cyberattack threats are growing. However, you can overcome the attacks by simply applying high-rise security measures to the company assets and equipment. In an increasingly interconnected world, industries can easily protect their resources and guarantee the security of their operations by remaining watchful and proactive.

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