Running a construction company in New England isn’t what it used to be…
From Boston to Hartford to Portland, every project now depends on Wi-Fi, tablets, project management software, and cloud-based systems as much as heavy equipment and manpower. This shift has created serious vulnerabilities for contractors.
In fact, cybercrime in construction alone has surged 23% since 2024 and potential damages are estimated to cost 1.2 TRILLION DOLLARS by the end of 2025. (AscendantUSA)
When a cyber incident hits a contractor, it doesn’t just slow down the office. It can shut down field operations, delay inspections, throw off schedules, and damage client trust. With short building seasons and tight margins, most New England contractors can’t afford to be offline.
Here are the most common cybersecurity threats showing up on jobsites today — explained with real-world construction examples.
Unsecured Wi-Fi Connections on Jobsites
Temporary Wi-Fi networks and mobile hotspots are common on construction sites across New England, but most are unprotected. These unsecured connections are an open door for hackers to intercept logins, project files, and even financial data.
Take a crew in Worcester as an example. They used a public hotspot to upload project updates. A hacker sitting nearby intercepted their credentials and gained access to the company’s project management system.
For contractors, that means jobsite schedules, blueprints, and subcontractor info can all be exposed. Every Wi-Fi network on a site needs to be password-protected, encrypted, and restricted.
Mobile Devices on the Jobsite
Smartphones and tablets are critical tools for foremen, supers, and project managers. They carry blueprints, time tracking apps, contracts, and emails. But when devices are stolen or lost, they can hand hackers a direct line into your company’s systems.
In Providence, a foreman left his tablet in a truck overnight. It was stolen, and with it went access to sensitive client contracts stored in email.
Construction companies can prevent this by requiring strong passcodes, enabling multi-factor authentication, and using remote wipe tools. Without those protections, one missing device can become a full-blown data breach.
Phishing Attacks on Construction Teams
Hackers know construction workers are busy and under pressure to keep projects on schedule. That’s why phishing is one of the most common ways they break into systems. Emails and texts are made to look like they’re from a subcontractor, vendor, or even a project manager — but they’re designed to steal logins or push malware.
A project manager in Portland received what looked like an email from a subcontractor asking her to confirm payment details. She clicked and unknowingly gave attackers her login credentials.
This style of attack has increased by 800% in just the last 5 years alone, 1 in 5 attacks on the construction industry happen this way. (Cybelangel.com).
Training your crews to double-check emails and slow down before clicking is now as important as hard hats on a jobsite.
Ransomware Threats in Construction
Ransomware is one of the fastest-growing threats hitting construction firms. Hackers lock up your scheduling software, blueprints, contracts, or payroll data and demand payment to release them.
A contractor in Manchester logged into scheduling software one morning only to find a ransom note demanding Bitcoin. The project shut down until systems were restored.
For contractors, ransomware doesn’t just mean downtime — it means missed deadlines, lost trust, and possible legal exposure. The only reliable defense is having daily backups and a tested recovery plan. Without them, ransomware can take your whole business offline.
Third-Party Vendor Risks on Projects
Every construction project involves multiple players: subcontractors, architects, engineers, and suppliers. Each connection creates a new cybersecurity risk. If one vendor uses outdated systems or insecure platforms, hackers can use them to gain access to your entire network.
Consider a crew in Springfield. A supplier shared files through an insecure platform. Hackers exploited that weak link to break into the general contractor’s network and steal project data.
With more subs and partners accessing digital project tools, New England contractors need clear cybersecurity standards for vendors and must use secure file-sharing. Otherwise, someone else’s weak cybersecurity becomes your problem.
Why Are So Many Construction Companies Being Hit With Cyberattacks?
One major reason is reliance on outdated systems. Old servers, aging networks, and unpatched software were never built to handle today’s cyber threats. Hackers actively look for contractors still running older IT infrastructure.
Another issue is how interconnected construction projects are. Between subcontractors, suppliers, architects, and clients, there are dozens of access points into your systems. A single weak link is all it takes for an attacker to get in.
And finally, construction runs on deadlines. If a ransomware attack or phishing incident locks you out, the impact is immediate — projects stop, costs rise, and the pressure to pay attackers builds fast. That urgency is exactly what cybercriminals count on.
What You Can Do About IT: Build a Stronger Cybersecurity Culture
Cybersecurity doesn’t have to be overwhelming. The key is making sure everyone on your team — from the office to the jobsite — understands the role they play in protecting the company.
That’s why we created a free guide for construction leaders. It gives you practical steps to start building awareness and stronger habits across your whole team.
👉 Download our guide on how to create a “Cybersecurity Culture” today and start making cybersecurity part of your daily routine.
Because in construction, protecting your crew, your projects, and your reputation now means protecting your data too.
Attain Technology: Your IT Partner for New England Construction
Since 2008, Attain Technology has been the trusted IT partner for construction companies across New England. Our team understands the unique challenges contractors face — from short building seasons to strict regulations — and we provide construction-focused IT support, managed cybersecurity services, and disaster recovery solutions to keep projects moving without interruption.
If you’re a contractor in Massachusetts, Connecticut or Rhode Island, Attain Technology can help you reduce downtime, defend against cyber threats, and protect the critical project data your business runs on.
When it comes to cybersecurity for construction companies in New England, we’ve been supporting contractors for nearly two decades — and we’re ready to support yours.
FAQ:
1. Why are construction companies in New England being targeted by cybercriminals?
Construction companies handle valuable data like blueprints, financial records, and vendor information. Many still rely on older systems that lack modern security updates, making them prime targets for hackers seeking easy entry points across interconnected project networks.
2. What are the most common cyber threats facing New England contractors?
The most frequent threats include phishing attacks, ransomware, unsecured Wi-Fi on jobsites, and compromised mobile devices. Because construction projects involve multiple vendors and partners, even one weak system can expose an entire operation to risk.
3. How can contractors protect jobsite Wi-Fi and mobile devices?
Every jobsite Wi-Fi network should be password-protected, encrypted, and restricted to authorized users. Contractors should also enable multi-factor authentication on all devices, enforce strong passcodes, and activate remote wipe tools in case a device is lost or stolen.
4. What steps can construction companies take to build a strong cybersecurity culture?
Start by training all employees — from office staff to field crews — on how to recognize phishing emails and protect sensitive data. Regularly update systems, use secure file-sharing platforms, and partner with a trusted IT provider like Attain Technology to implement managed cybersecurity and backup solutions.
