New research shows 66% of architects, engineers, and consultants face cyber attacks, highlighting growing risks for UK trade supply chains.
Recent research reveals that two-thirds of architects, engineers, and construction consultants have been targeted by cyber attacks over the past three years. The figures reflect a sharp increase in digital threats aimed at the construction supply chain, where business operations, project management, and procurement rely heavily on connected digital platforms.
Construction design practices and engineering consultancies hold valuable intellectual property, building information modeling (BIM) data, and commercial payment systems. Cybercriminals increasingly target these firms using phishing, ransomware, and business email compromise. When a consultancy or subcontractor suffers a breach, project timelines stall, payments can be fraudulently diverted, and sensitive site details can be compromised.
What does this mean for a UK tradesperson or DIYer actually buying this kit — does it change what they should pay, buy, or watch out for?
While sole traders and small trade firms may not buy enterprise IT security, this trend directly impacts how they manage merchant accounts and buy materials. Sole traders buying tools and materials online via trade accounts at Screwfix, Toolstation, or Travis Perkins must watch out for sophisticated invoice fraud and fake merchant payment emails. Trades should enforce two-factor authentication on all retail trade accounts, double-check bank details before paying trade credit balances online, and avoid purchasing power tools or high-value machinery from unverified online storefronts offering suspicious discounts.
Firms operating in the sector are being urged to review their cyber hygiene. This includes securing connected site office hardware, updating digital job management software, and ensuring all trade account access points require strong, unique credentials.
Reported by Construction Management — original article
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