Cybersecurity Risks in Construction

combating cybersecurity risk THE RISE OF CYBERSECURITY RISK IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY BY: DAVID FRIEDENBERG, MANAGER IN IT ADVISORY SERVICES, WEAVER

Reprinted from Construction Executive, Saturday, September 26, 2020, a publication of Associated Builders and Contractors. Copyright 2020. All rights reserved. Cybersecurity attacks are making headlines these to a business from cyberattacks: days, and the construction industry is not immune. For some construction companies, recent ransomware • Down time. The construction industry is heavily attacks have led to the loss of confidential data or a reliant on the ability to deliver projects per a timeline. systems shutdown. Cyberattacks can take many forms, An attack on company software or equipment can put and as they adopt more technological solutions, this in jeopardy. Few project timelines can absorb 12.1 construction companies need to prepare to defend days of reduced productivity. themselves. From project, team and customer relationship highly sensitive blue prints or schematics, a breach software to drones and autonomous construction of these could mean major reputational damage and machinery, the construction industry technology has potentially lawsuits. replaced paper documents such as project drawings, purchase orders, field directives and time cards. A • Breach of bid data. Having bid strategies accessed company’s major assets are no longer just materials inappropriately can lead to loss of competitive and equipment, but also technology devices that advantage or job loss. provide critical services and often represent significant investments. • Workforce injuries. If autonomous equipment WITH THE ADOPTION OF TECHNOLOGY ineffective, the result can be bodily injury to the COMES THE RISK OF CYBERATTACK workforce.

Recent news examples of cyberattacks in the construction industry include ransomware attacks on Bird Construction in December 2019 and Bouygues Construction in January 2020. Ransomware works by encrypting the data within the breached system, preventing companies from accessing the data and critical systems without the encryption key, which is held by the attacker. The attackers then demand a sum of money to provide the key to decrypt the data; usually, requiring the ransom be remitted in cryptocurrency, such as bitcoin. Refusing to pay may result in not being able to access company data or systems in the near term, if at all. Paying the ransom creates a bigger market for this type of attack.

Ransomware is not the only threat. And ransoms are not the only damages. Here are a few of other threats • Breach of intellectual property. If the company has is overtaken, or physical access restrictions are • Property damage. Compromised equipment could cause or allow damage to additional equipment or facilities.

WHAT CAN CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES DO TO PROTECT THEIR ASSETS FROM CYBERSECURITY RISKS?

According to the 2020 Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report, 67% of all 2019 confirmed data breaches were due to leaked user credentials, misconfigured cloud assets and web applications, and social media attacks, such as phishing.

This means implementing good, common sense controls and processes can prevent a large majority of attacks. Start with an asset inventory to clearly

identify what needs to be protected. Then conduct a risk assessment to evaluate the risks posed to these assets. This will provide a clear picture of vulnerable areas, and provide clarity about where to spend time, money and resources to address the most critical risks.

The weakest link in any cybersecurity defense system is always people. To protect their assets, construction companies should provide cybersecurity training and information for employees and also ensure that the company has the right security protocols in place if a data breach occurs.

Here are some questions companies should be asking of their IT staff:

• Do employees receive appropriate training and information about cybersecurity?

• Are mechanisms in place, such as multi-factor authentication, to mitigate the exposure when people make mistakes?

• Do web applications, which have back-end access to some of the most sensitive data, have appropriate defenses in front of them, blocking common web application security threats?

• Does the company have the appropriate skills inhouse to properly secure modern web applications?

• Does the business have a comprehensive, layered strategy for security, or is it relying on “magic bullet” solutions to solve security needs?

Addressing unsatisfactory responses to these questions are a good place to start, but cybersecurity is an ongoing process that needs to be part of every construction company’s risk assessment and abatement protocols. With regular checkups and the right protections in place, technology can continue to drive the construction business forward into the future.

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2020 Fall Golf Classic SOCIALLY DISTANCED WHILE DRIVING THE DISTANCE

BY: LINDSEY RUSS, DIRECTOR OF MEMBER SERVICES Golf is the ideal socially distanced sport. And good thing, because we were thrilled to finally bring our members together in a safe environment for our annual fall golf classic at University Club on September 28. We have missed these smiling faces because the last time we saw most of them was back at our spring golf tournament in March.

After a quick drive-thru temperature check, provided by Prime Occupational Medicine, players checked in with our staff and great volunteers, warmed up their swings, listened to the rules of the tournament and loaded up their carts. ABC Pelican took extra safety precautions for our golfers by placing each participant’s swag bag on their assigned golf cart.

Participants enjoyed about four hours of golf and networking before some rain came through. While on the course, our 144 golfers had access to additional handwashing stations and sanitizer, were served delicious food like boudin, bacon wrapped shrimp, fried catfish, charbroiled oysters and enjoyed beverages like an Old Fashioned, Superior Grill Margaritas and Bloody Mary’s.

Thanks to these wonderful sponsors, many said that this is the most fun that they’ve had in months: 3S Team, ACE Enterprises, Angelle Materials, Ardaman & Associates, Austin Industrial, Baker Gulf Coast Industrial, Bengal Transportation, Bottom Line Equipment, Braun Intertec, Breaux Petroleum Products, Classic Industrial Services, Cody’s Transportation Systems, LLC, Diversified Materials & Consulting, Draeger, Equipment Share, Eustis Engineering, EXCEL Group, Gainey’s Concrete Products, GLO Resources, Great River Industries, Hannis T. Bourgeois, HORNE, Iberville Insulations, Industrial Supply & Rental, Lodge Lumber, Momentum Rental and Sales, On-Site Medical Solutions, Prime Occupational Medicine, SJB Group, Sun Coast Resources, Tolunay-Wong Engineers, United Site Services, and Westgate.

Raffle winners included golfers with EXCEL, Brown & Root, Westgate, Worley, Willscott and Southern Earth Sciences. A big congratulations to the 2020 tournament winner, United Rentals!

Our hope is that the participants enjoyed a safe and muchneeded reprieve after months of working hard in and for an essential industry.

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS GROUP UPDATE LEARNING FROM LEADERS, VIRTUALLY AND IN-PERSON JULY 23, AUGUST 12, SEPTEMBER 30

ABC PELICAN JOINS ABC BAYOU FOR VIRTUAL MEETING WITH NEW ORLEANS SAINTS PUNTER, THOMAS MORSTEAD

The ABC Pelican Young Professionals were excited to join the ABC Bayou Young Professionals for a virtual luncheon with the New Orleans Saints punter, Thomas Morstead. What an experience. From the root of his home, Morstead dialed in to share his story with nearly fifty young professionals from the Pelican and Bayou area.

Morstead has been with the Saints for more than 11 years as punter and has had tremendous impact on his teammates through his leadership skills. Some leadership/life tips Morstead shared include:

•Just show up and be available

•Be prepared – Do everything you can in the role you are in. Being prepared often starts with selfawareness. Understand your role and how that role may change over time. Being prepared also creates a level of confidence that is hard to share. Once you prepare – just let it happen.

•Provide value - It’s not just about doing your job, but how can you add value in other areas. Don’t be afraid to mentor others, even if it means mentoring them will lead to them surpassing where you are currently. Seeing those you mentor excel past where you are is very rewarding.

•Invest in yourself. Investments you make now will pay off later. Just like any investment, progress isn’t linear, it doesn’t just shoot straight up. You may not see the payoff of the investment you are making in yourself right away, but you have to believe investments you make in yourself will pay off down the line. Just give yourself the best shot at success. Invest in yourself constantly.

After Morstead shared some background on himself, his career and his leadership advice, Chad Pierce, ABC Bayou YP Chair, asked him a handful of questions submitted by the attendees.

A couple of the questions were:

Q: What kind of leadership tactics do you use to try to maintain a team mindset rather than an individual mindsets?

A: It’s kind of like raising a family; certain buttons you push for one person don’t always work for another. You have to learn what works for each team member, in the end each person feels heard and leadership of the whole is smoother. Also, trust is so important. On top of those two things – leaders should always try to provide a clear path for success for those that they are leading, especially for those who are working hard and putting in the effort. Set clear expectations so they know that there is a path to success.

Q: How has COVID affected the morale of the team

positively or negatively?

A: I have not seen much effect on morale during these times. We have a great group of guys on the team that all like to have fun. There is also a deep-rooted trust that the guy next to you has your back, so morale hasn’t really been affected when you know you are all in this together.

Morstead went on to compliment the people of New Orleans, Louisiana and the long time Saints fans for their passion and dedication/perseverance.

In summary, Morstead says: “It’s just different down here than anywhere else I have lived. It’s tough to be down here with the weather ever changing and the heat and hurricanes, but the people here have experienced hard times and have overcome them; together. There is a deep seeded history that goes back to the grandparents and great-grandparents being fans of the Saints when we were terrible and now that we are a great team it’s fun to see families invested in it with us, many of which have stuck with us through the worst years.”

ABC PELICAN YPS CONVENE IN PERSON TO RECONNECT AND SHARE BEST PRACTICES

After almost seven months since our last in-person event, our ABC Pelican Young Professionals were full of excitement and energy as we came together for a YP Summer luncheon at Healing Place Church across the street from the ABC Pelican office on Highland Road. Healing Place provided a space large enough for our group of nearly 40 Young Professionals to gather-together for an event while still maintaining safe distancing guidelines. Upon arrival, each YP was required to be wearing a mask and have their temperature taken. Once verified that they did not have a fever of 99.9 or higher, they were asked to review the COVID-19 event policy. If they could answer “no” to a series of questions ensuring they had not been exposed to the virus, they were asked to signin to attend the event. The main objective of this informal event was to get our Young Professionals back together to catch up and reconnect. The event kickedoff with a welcome from 2020 YP Chair, John Freeman and then an ABC Pelican update from chapter president, David Helveston. Helveston shared some construction industry/business friendly wins achieved during the 2020 Legislative session including: repeal of the seatbelt gag order, reform of the direct action statute; protection for employers in the event an employee contracts COVID-19 at work if the employers was acting in the employees best interest, and the passing of the horticulture legislation protecting companies whose sod work makes up less than 5% of their business from the required horticulture license. Helveston then reported that the ABC Training Centers both in Baton Rouge and Lake Charles have opened their doors and have begun classes again with very strict guidelines and precautions being enforced to provide a safe environment for our students.

Freeman then returned to the stage to call up his fellow YP Executive committee members: Jeff Romig (Barriere), Derek Foret (HTB), Adam Landry (Great River Industries), Lance Arvel (Baker GCI), and Brian Hooks (Triad). These six executive committee members each shared some challenges they have experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting solutions their companies have implemented. Some of the best practices shared include:

•Wear masks, if you aren’t feeling well at all, work remotely from home – John Freeman, Brown & Root

•Derek Foret encouraged all in attendance to use the video conference option when attending virtual meetings. “Don’t underestimate the quality of connection that can be made from being face to face on the screen.” Foret shared that his company, HTB, has encouraged employees to stay

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS GROUP UPDATE Cont. in touch via virtual meetings. They hosted a “cooking and keep in touch however you can. There are demonstration” virtual meeting to give employees a still ways to be creative and stay in touch with your chance to come together and have some comradery clients. even through a screen. •Brian Hooks shared one of the best practices he •Lance Arvel wrapped up the panel discussion with •Adam Landry shared that Great River’s corporate similar sentiments of Romig. Business Development office has prohibited employees from flying to jobsites is a challenging environment during these times, but and is requiring road travel to all jobsites. He spoke you have to think outside of the box. Being aware of the benefits and challenges that come along with and adapting to each client’s policies is a must. Some this decision, but supported that they are doing their companies are more strict than others, and you have best to keep their employees safe. to respect their policies even if it makes your job more difficult. has seen his company implement is “zoning” of Following open discussion on challenges and their corporate office. Employees are assigned a solutions experienced over the last several months, zone within the building to limit the traffic at each Brian Hooks shared an update on the ABC entrance/exit point and throughout the building. Construction Management Competition. Although the in-person competition was canceled, twice; •Jeff Romig shared that being in business the LSU Construction Management team made development during these times has presented some the cut as one of the top 10 teams which allows challenges, but he encouraged those in a similar role them the opportunity to participate in Step 3 of the to stick to the fundamentals, believe in your mission competition virtually. The presentations will take

Everything that we do is based on our performance;

it’s our namesake and our crowning jewel. We hang our hat on a

good, safe day’s work and our ability to execute jobs at the highest

level. By raising the bar and driving the standard of our industry

forward, we’ve made a career out of changing what it means to be

an industrial contractor.

place virtually August 17 and August 18 with a panel of judges chosen by ABC National.

To wrap up – John Freeman shared some upcoming ABC Pelican event dates and encouraged our Young Professionals group to get involved with the Construction Management Competition. One way of doing this is to volunteer to help out at the annual ABC Pelican Clay shoot fundraiser benefitting the ABC Construction Management LSU team.

Katie Routh, ABC Pelican staff left the group with one last encouragement – get involved and express interest in participating on the ABC YP Executive Committee. This committee gives the Young Professionals a chance to lead a group of peers and provides an opportunity to gain recognition from not only the leaders within their own companies, but leaders throughout ABC Pelican membership.

NETWORKING IS KEY, NO MATTER YOUR INDUSTRY

“Persistence and the ability to network are key in almost any career because relationship building crosses over every industry.”

This takeaway, plus many others surrounded LSU Football and the Saints, occupied the lunch break of our Young Professionals Group the afternoon of September 30. The 20+ YPs from the Bayou and Pelican chapters had the chance to hear these words and talk sports with ESPN New Orleans Radio and Off the Bench co-host Jordy Culotta about his upbringing, career path and love of radio.

John Freeman, 2020 Chair of the ABC Pelican YPs with Brown & Root Industrial Services, lead the Q&A with Culotta. Below is an abbreviated version of the dialogue between Freeman and Culotta.

Q: Tell us your career path.

A: I finished college in 2007 and spend time on the LSU Basketball staff as a student assistant, and I thought I would one day become a basketball coach. That dream changed and shifted to sports media. I did a variety of sports reporting, including high school sports. Really, anything I could get. The beginning of my career path taught me the importance of about networking and communicating. Gordy Rush was always around and I knew I had to get the gig and be part of the lineup.

Q: Tell us about your career now, and your journey to where you are today.

A: I love radio, and I learned early on that radio is about repetition, and I knew I wanted to be a part of a statewide radio show. A career highlight for me was getting the Coach O interview as soon as he was hired, and I remember him saying it was his dream job. I’m fortunate to work with T Bob Herbert and we are pretty much in all of South Louisiana, and we hope to take the show statewide. We’re just getting started.

Q: What’s some advice you can give these young professionals in the construction industry. Is there any crossover between sports reporting and construction?

A: Absolutely. Persistence is key, and the ability to network is key. Relationship building crosses over every industry.

Q: Tell us about your concerns with and big takeaways from the LSU v. Miss. State game.

A: It looks like LSU has an identity crisis again. They are trying to figure out who they are, what they want to be, what they want to do well. We were so spoiled last season and we will probably never see 2019 again. I have no doubts that we will contend for championships again, but 2019 was the perfect storm, so filling the shoes of 2019 will be literally impossible to do.

Q: Now, let’s talk about the Saints’ season so far.

A: Brees’ arm is an issue, and what is concerning is that this is the first time I’ve seen accuracy be a problem for him. They’ve got a top-notch roster and it’s being tested at the beginning of this season.

Q: YP’s spoke to Thomas Morestead about leadership recently. How do Saints turn the season

around? CONTINUED ON PAGE 17

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS GROUP UPDATE continued A: I am giving this team a pass and grace period because of no training time and truncated schedule, but by week three for this veteran group, we expect this stuff to be cleaned up.

Q: Now for the New Orleans Pelicans. Will we get Doc Rivers as a new head coach?

A: I hope so, Doc Rivers can get the job done

Q: We just saw the first NFL game get postponed because of COVID. Is this the beginning of the end of the NFL season?

A: I don’t think so because we’ve seen the NFL stand strong in the face of this. This is the first time they’ve changed their schedule. It would take a catastrophe, in my opinion, for the NFL to call the season

The virtual lunch and Q&A gave our YPs an inside look at the life of a radio host and the vital importance of networking, no matter what career path we choose. A big thank you to Jordy for his time, wisdom and candidness on America’s Sport and other athletics!

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United we feed SERVING SINGLE MOTHERS IN LOUISIANA DURING A PANDEMIC

JULY 18, BATON ROUGE TRAINING CENTER

On Saturday, July 18, more than 310 single moms lined up in their vehicles in the parking lot of the ABC Pelican Baton Rouge Training Center to receive care packages put together by Women United, an organization that’s part of Capital Area United Way. Women United – United We Feed is helping single moms who were impacted by COVID-19, through job loss or school closures.

Volunteers from many companies, including ABC Pelican member Turner Industries, wore masks and gloves while handing out boxes filled with gift cards ($75 value), face shields, fresh produce, hand sanitizer and clothing to hundreds of single moms in the area.

D-D Breaux, former LSU Gymnastics Coach, and Nikki Fargas, LSU Women’s Basketball Coach, served as honorary chairs for the event, and helped load boxes into cars, greeted the mothers as they drove up and brought a positive energy to this event that they were excited to co-chair together.

“Nikki and I are committed to raising money and bringing awareness to this important issue,” said Breaux. “These women are under so much stress given the circumstances but are committed to providing for their families. It’s been really gratifying, people are excited and happy and I’m just excited to be a part of it.”

The Pelican Chapter was honored to host this event on our campus and look forward to being a part of more events like this, in the future.