5 Reasons AEC Firms Are Prime Targets for Cyberattacks — and How to Fight Back 

In today’s digital age, AEC firms are increasingly becoming targets for cyberattacks — and while the industry is rapidly embracing digital transformation, this accelerated adoption also presents new vulnerabilities. Many firms, despite the critical nature of their projects and sensitive data they handle, often underestimate the evolving threat landscape. 

Understanding the reasons behind these vulnerabilities is the crucial first step toward strengthening your firm’s cybersecurity posture. Let’s explore five key reasons why AEC firms get hacked, the devastating risks these attacks pose, and how ATG’s trusted IT partner, Advance2000, provides comprehensive solutions to keep your firm secure. 

The Alarming Risks of Cyberattacks

  • Financial: The average cost of a data breach is projected to reach $4.2 million. For businesses that experience a cyberattack, over 60% of them close their doors within six months. 
  • Operational: When a company is infected with Malware, everything comes to a halt. Your data is no longer accessible; your company’s data becomes encrypted and sold to the highest bidder. 
  • Reputational: When an Architecture or Engineering firm is compromised, their client’s data is also compromised. This affects models, projects, and confidence. 
  • Insurance Rates: Have you seen an increase in insurance rates due to cyber security risk factors? Employing MFA and MRD can mitigate those cost increases while also protecting your company, your employees, and your own clients. 
  • Collaboration: Collaboration is essential to all successful projects; however, it’s that exchange of data that exposes firms to the most risk. When you receive a file from another discipline or partnering firm, you are potentially exposing the entire company and all the companies you work with to malware. 

5 Reasons AEC Firms Get Hacked

Reason One: Inadequate Cybersecurity Measures

Many AEC firms operate under the dangerous assumption that they are not prime targets for cybercriminals. This “it won’t happen to us” mentality often leads to a severe underinvestment in cybersecurity measures. Without robust firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and regular security audits, firms leave their digital doors wide open. 

Solution💡 Advance2000 provides Cybersecurity Risk Assessments that evaluate all your IT assets for known and unknown vulnerabilities. They develop and present detailed reports with prioritized guidance for remediation.  

Reason Two: Sensitive Data Handling

AEC firms handle a wealth of sensitive information. From intricate blueprints to detailed project plans, client specifications, intellectual property, and financial records, this data is highly valuable to cybercriminals. These criminals seek to exploit vulnerabilities for financial gain or competitive advantage. Inadequate encryption, access controls, and backup strategies amplify these risks. 

Solution💡 — With Advance2000’s High-Performance Private Cloud Computing platform, your data is encrypted, secured, and stored in U.S.-based, Advance2000-owned data centers. They offer Cloud Backup Services with advanced features like deduplication, compression, immutability, and multiple copies, ensuring your critical data is always protected and recoverable. Furthermore, their ACC DR Service provides seamless recovery for Autodesk Construction Cloud projects. 

Reason Three: Third-Party Vulnerabilities

AEC projects often involve collaboration with various third-party vendors, contractors, and consultants. While essential for project success, these external entities can introduce vulnerabilities into your firm’s network. A weak link in a partner’s security can become a backdoor into your own systems, making stringent third-party risk management absolutely critical to establish clear protocols for data sharing and access.

Solution💡 Advance2000’s Private Cloud Collaboration Hub is a unique service that allows independent organizations to work together on a common project while protecting their data and networks. They provide a secure “co-location” space in the cloud, enabling firms to access shared project files with the performance and ease of working locally, all while maintaining strict security boundaries and robust oversight of all connected entities.  

Reason Four: Phishing and Social Engineering Attacks

Phishing and social engineering attacks are some of the most common methods used by cybercriminals to gain access to a firm’s network. A single click on a malicious link, a download of an infected attachment, or a response to a spoofed email can compromise an entire firm. 

Solution💡 Advance2000 offers comprehensive Cybersecurity Training and Phishing Campaigns to empower your staff to recognize and respond to common attacks like phishing, malware, and social engineeringThey also offer Advanced Email Protection Services, providing robust defense against inbound malware, spam, and phishing attempts. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) services are also available to add an extra layer of security to user access.

Reason Five: Legacy Systems and Software

The AEC industry often relies on specialized, powerful software that may not always keep pace with the latest cybersecurity advancements. Many firms still operate on legacy systems and outdated software that are no longer supported or patched by vendors. These unaddressed vulnerabilities are prime targets for cybercriminals.  

Solution💡 Advance2000’s managed IT services include proactive patch management to ensure all your software and systems are up to date, minimizing exposure to known vulnerabilities. Their Private Cloud Computing platform is built on cutting-edge infrastructure, providing a secure and high-performing environment for even the most demanding AEC applications.

Conclusion

Cybersecurity is no longer an optional add-on for AEC firms — it’s a fundamental pillar of your business’s success. By understanding cybersecurity risks and proactively addressing them with robust, modern solutions, AEC firms can significantly reduce their vulnerability. 

Don't wait until a breach occurs.

Contact ATG to learn how Advance2000 can help your AEC firm stay secure in a complex digital world.