When it comes to protecting your engineering firm from cyberthreats, the fundamentals matter more than ever. According to IBM’s 2023 Cost Of A Data Breach Report, 82% of breaches involved data stored in the cloud—and most could have been prevented with foundational safeguards.
This is where “cyber hygiene” comes into play. Think of it as daily maintenance on your IT systems, the same way you wouldn’t skip preventative maintenance on your surveying equipment or large-format plotter. It may not feel urgent in the moment, but neglecting the basics can bring entire projects to a standstill.
For engineering leaders in Salt Lake City searching for managed IT services or cybersecurity support, here are four cyber hygiene essentials every firm should have locked in:
Keep Your Network Secure
Engineering workflows depend on stable, secure access to CAD models, BIM data, and project management platforms like Deltek and Procore. A breach doesn’t just put sensitive client information at risk—it can halt progress on multimillion-dollar projects. Protect your network by:
- Encrypting sensitive design and project data.
- Using enterprise-grade firewalls.
- Securing and hiding your WiFi network (SSID).
- Requiring password protection on all routers.
- Enforcing VPN connections for remote staff, ensuring field engineers and project managers have secure access to files without exposing the network.
Teach Your Team How To Stay Protected
The greatest vulnerability isn’t always the software—it’s often the people using it. One misplaced click on a phishing e-mail can compromise access to entire project directories. Establish firm-wide security policies that cover:
- Strong password requirements.
- Multifactor authentication (MFA).
- Secure handling of CAD, Revit, and Civil 3D files.
- Phishing awareness training and simulated testing.
At Qual IT, we provide IT services for Salt Lake City engineering firms that include specialized training to help teams spot and avoid these risks before they derail project timelines.
Back Up Your Critical Data
Your CAD files, Revit models, and compliance documents aren’t just files—they’re intellectual property worth millions in client trust and billable hours. Losing access due to ransomware, hardware failure, or a crash could devastate your operations. That’s why automated, redundant backups are non-negotiable. Best practices include:
- Automatic backups for all devices.
- Secure cloud storage for large design files.
- Offsite server copies for disaster recovery.
- Regular testing of recovery procedures to ensure uptime when it matters most.
Limit Data Access
Not every engineer or contractor needs access to every dataset. Overexposure of sensitive files increases your risk. Implement strict access controls by:
- Granting staff access only to the systems required for their roles.
- Restricting admin privileges to trusted IT personnel.
- Offboarding employees promptly to close access gaps.
By controlling who can see what, you protect critical design data while maintaining compliance with standards like NIST and CMMC.
Security Is Well Worth The Hassle
While proactive security may feel like added overhead, it is far less costly than the downtime, lost bids, and client frustration caused by a breach. For engineering firms in Salt Lake City, where deadlines are tight and compliance can make or break contracts, strong cyber hygiene isn’t optional—it’s essential.
Want To Get Ahead Of The Threats?
If you’re unsure how your engineering firm measures up, now is the time to find out. Our free Cybersecurity Network Assessment will uncover hidden vulnerabilities, identify gaps in your defenses, and give you a clear, actionable plan to strengthen your cyber hygiene fast. Qual IT specializes in managed IT services for engineering firms in Salt Lake City—and we’re ready to help.
Click here to book your free network assessment with Qual IT.
