The cost of inaction: Cybersecurity in architectural and engineering consultancies

More than 600,000 businesses experienced a cybersecurity threat in the last 12 months according to a government survey – and the most common sectors or industries were “Information or communications” and “Professional, scientific or technical.” 

Many architectural and engineering (A&E) Consultancies perceive cybersecurity as unnecessary, a luxury, or a cost reserved for large corporations. They often believe they’re too small to be targets, underestimating the risks.

However, this overlooks the potential consequences of cyberattacks, which are especially high when proprietary designs, confidential client data, and strict deadlines are involved.

It wouldn’t happen to me

Consider Alex, a partner at a successful mid-sized engineering consultancy, known for innovative designs and high-profile public works projects. Alex’s firm excels at complex engineering but sees cybersecurity as an unnecessary overhead. They believe their systems are secure enough, and that their data isn’t valuable to attackers. That is, until a ransomware attack encrypts their servers and they receive a demand in their main email account.

Financial fallout

The immediate financial impact was substantial. Apart from having project work grind to a halt, the firm had to hire specialist cybersecurity experts to identify the breach, clean up malicious software, and attempt to restore their systems. They lost billable hours and faced penalties for missing project milestones agreed in their client contracts.

Beyond the financial strain, the firm’s reputation and client trust suffered immensely. News of the breach – and the potential theft of highly valuable, proprietary IP – spread quickly on social media and in industry news outlets. Existing clients grew wary of entrusting the firm with sensitive designs, and securing new contracts became more and more difficult, especially for government projects.

Operationally, the business came to a standstill. Critical design files, structural analysis reports, and confidential client contract details were inaccessible or lost. Employee morale declined as time was diverted from core design work to damage control, giving the firm’s competitors an immediate advantage in the market.

Long-term pain

When the cyberattack hit, everything unraveled quickly, but building back took much longer. The long-term viability of Alex’s consultancy was in jeopardy. The combined impact of financial penalties, reputational damage, and operational paralysis pushed the firm close to closure. Their story highlights that a significant percentage of small businesses do not survive a major breach, and the ability to secure professional liability or cyber insurance at an affordable rate would likely disappear.

The cybersecurity gamble

Alex’s story reflects the reality for countless A&E consultancies. When a malicious hacker or group targets a firm, they are often after the intellectual property (IP) – the unique designs, algorithms, and processes that form the core of the business. 

Like many A&E firms, Alex’s company deals with sensitive data and government projects, which often come with regulatory requirements. Their inaction was a gamble that resulted in financial and reputational losses, directly jeopardising their client contracts and proprietary designs.

Basic cybersecurity measures like employee training, strong passwords, and regular data backups are not an extravagance. They are a fundamental aspect of risk management and contract compliance, acting as a vital shield protecting your firm’s most valuable assets: its IP and its reputation.

Secure your consultancy

A small amount of proactive cybersecurity, would protect the business and deliver many benefits, such as enhanced client trust, a competitive advantage, and potentially reduce insurance premiums. At a minimum, these are the most important items on our cybersecurity checklist for an architectural or engineering firm:

• Employee awareness training: Educating staff on recognising phishing attempts and secure handling of sensitive design files and client data reduces human error, which is the leading cause of breaches.
• Strong password policies & Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Enforcing complex, unique passwords and using MFA on all critical systems (especially those holding design IP) helps prevent unauthorised access.
• Regular, encrypted data backups: Automated and off-site encrypted backups ensure business continuity and the ability to recover all project files and designs in the event of ransomware or system failure.
• Software updates and patch management: Keeping all CAD, BIM, and structural analysis software up to date closes known vulnerabilities that attackers often exploit.
• Strict access controls: Limiting access to sensitive project designs and client contract data based on roles prevents unnecessary exposure and internal threats.
• Firewall and endpoint protection: These tools act as the first line of defence against malware and unauthorised network traffic, protecting your network perimeter.

Don’t let your consultancy become another statistic that loses its IP and client base. BN-IS offers tailored cybersecurity solutions designed specifically for A&E firms. From comprehensive employee training and robust password management systems to automated data backup and recovery plans, we provide the essential protection you need to safeguard your intellectual property and maintain client trust.

Take action today to safeguard your future. Contact BN-IS for a free cybersecurity assessment and let us help you build an impenetrable defense against cyber threats so you can focus on your designs and projects. Contact Us