FHNW to Bridge Construction's Cybersecurity Gap in 2025
The construction industry is facing a digital divide that leaves it vulnerable to cyber threats. In 2025, the Swiss University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW) is set to launch a research project to bridge this gap by connecting the construction industry with IT security. This comes as the construction industry's digital maturity remains low, at a mere 4 out of 10.
The construction industry's slow digitization has raised concerns about its cybersecurity. The coordination conference of construction and property authorities of public clients has published a recommendation on ICT security in building automation. The Swiss Association of Engineers and Architects (SIA) and the Federal Office for Cybersecurity (BACS) have launched a sensitization initiative to address these risks in the supply chain.
The BACS suggests technical measures such as network segmentation, multi-factor authentication, regular updates and backups, and using disaster recovery plans to protect against cyber attacks. It also recommends clear governance, embedding cybersecurity awareness in corporate culture, and using international standards like ISO 27001 or ISA/IEC 62443 to mitigate cyber risks. However, many small businesses in the construction industry lack a systematic information security management system (ISMS).
Despite the decline in the use of Building Information Modeling (BIM) for the first time in five years, cyber attacks in the construction industry can still endanger deadlines, increase construction costs, and compromise intellectual property or reputation.
The FHNW's research project in 2025 aims to integrate cybersecurity aspects into the construction process, addressing the long-term cyber risks posed by the industry's delayed digitalization. As the construction industry continues to evolve, so too must its approach to cybersecurity.
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