Technological Transformation and Cyber Security Insights from Construction Contractors

The National Federation of Builders (NFB) has launched a new research briefing revealing contractors’ perceptions and behaviours regarding digital transformation and cyber security in their businesses. The research was conducted during the NFB’s Construction Summit conference in April 2023, utilising technology to digitally ‘straw-poll’ attendees. The findings, while non-scientific, indicate that the contractors present at the NFB’s Construction Summit are well and truly on the digital transformation journey. If these results were reflected across the sector, it would suggest that most contractors have implemented digital transformation, have introduced digital-related training for staff and are reaping the benefits of doing so.

Key findings include:

Cyber Security

24% of contractors said they had been cybe-rattacked in 2022

Half of all contractors said they have a senior person accountable focybersecurityty

One in three contractors know they assess cyber risk on a monthly basis

Only a quarter of contractors have one of the two Cyber Essentials certifications

There is a lack of awareness about cyber policies within the companies, as 20% did not know whether they had been cyberattacked in 2022 or whether they had a senior person responsible for cyber security. 40% did not know how often they assessed cyber risk and a third didn’t know if they had a Cyber Essentials certification.

Digital Transformation

8 in 10 contractors say they have implemented digital transformation in their company

Two-thirds of contractors report sustainable business improvements from digital transformation

The majority of contractors are motivated to undertake digital transformation because of competitive advantage

Most contractors do not have a specific person responsible for digital transformation

Only 20% of contractors have not yet invested in digitalrelated training for their staff

James M. Butcher, NFB Director of Policy commented: “The National Federation of Builders exists to help its members thrive and to do that we must help the construction companies we represent to be at the forefront of their industry. That’s why we are committed to assisting members to navigate digital transformation in their businesses.”