5 Best Practices for BIM Data Security

BIM data security is crucial for construction projects. Here's how to protect your sensitive information:

1. Set up strong access controls
2. Use good encryption methods
3. Check security regularly
4. Create clear data rules
5. Train people on security

Why it matters:

• Construction is the 3rd most-targeted sector for ransomware
• 71% of global firms faced attacks in 2022
• New data policies and laws are emerging

Key risks:

• Financial data breaches
• Intellectual property theft
• Project schedule leaks

Follow these practices to safeguard your BIM data, projects, and business from cyber threats.

Why BIM Data Security Is Important

BIM data security isn't optional - it's essential for every construction project. Here's why:

It's a Goldmine for Hackers

BIM projects are packed with juicy data:

• Financial details
• Employee info
• Intellectual property
• Project schedules

No wonder construction is the third most-targeted sector for ransomware attacks.

The Law Says So

New rules are popping up everywhere:

• The Department of Energy and Transportation just updated their data policies
• California and Virginia have fresh data privacy laws coming in 2023

Ignore these, and you can kiss those civil jobs goodbye.

It'll Cost You

Data breaches are expensive. In 2022, 71% of global organisations got hit by ransomware. For construction firms, that could mean:

• Project delays
• Reputation damage
• Big fines

Keep Your Project on Track

Messed up BIM data? You're looking at:

• Design errors
• Construction issues
• Project failures

That's a recipe for financial and reputation disaster.

Trust Is Everything

BIM collaboration needs trust. Everyone needs to know the shared data is safe and accurate.

"Companies doing federal work are spending loads on compliance. We're also expecting our subcontractors and carpenters to level up their practices. It's a big ask." - Rachel Riopel, HDR's digital practice leader

It's Not Just Talk

These risks are real:

• Bouygues Construction got hit twice since 2019. In January 2020, over 3,000 employees couldn't work.
• Rabot Dulliteul group faced a €8 million ransom demand in July 2020.

Bottom line: BIM data security protects your projects, keeps you legal, ensures accuracy, and builds trust. It's not just about dodging bullets - it's about making your construction projects rock-solid.

Set Up Strong Access Controls

Keeping your BIM data safe starts with solid access controls. Here's how:

Limit access by role

Only give people the data they need:

• Architects: Full design file access
• Project managers: View-only for financials
• Contractors: Limited to specific areas

Use multi-factor authentication (MFA)

Passwords aren't enough. MFA adds crucial security. In 2022, ransomware hit 71% of global organisations. MFA could've stopped many of these attacks.

Regular permission reviews

Roles change. Projects end. Don't leave old access lying around. Do a monthly check.

Encrypt the sensitive stuff

Scramble your important data:

• Financial info
• Employee details
• Intellectual property

Create a security plan

Answer these questions:

• Who needs what data?
• For how long?
• What happens after?

Murillo Piazzi, BIM Academy Technologist, says:

"Who needs to have access to this information and for how long? What should they do with this information afterwards?"

Follow the standards

Use PAS 1192-5 for a security-minded BIM approach. It covers risk assessment, access control, and data protection.

2. Use Good Encryption Methods

Strong encryption is a must for BIM data protection. Here's how to do it right:

AES-256 for stored data

Use AES-256 encryption for files at rest. It's the top choice for major BIM platforms:

Autodesk BIM 360 uses AES-256 for all cloud-stored files and backs up data across multiple data centres.

TLS for data in transit

Use TLS encryption when sending BIM info. It keeps your data safe from prying eyes.

Smart data classification

Not all BIM data needs the same protection. Sort it like this:

1. Project financials: Top-level encryption
2. Design files: Standard encryption
3. Public renders: Basic encryption

Stick to proven tools

Don't reinvent the wheel. Use tested methods:

• AES for files
• RSA for secure communication

Key management matters

Your encryption is only as good as your key management. Keep those keys safe and change them often.

3. Check Security Regularly

Keeping BIM data safe isn't a one-time deal. You need to stay on top of it. Here's how:

Make it routine

Set up regular security checks. Do them weekly, monthly, and quarterly. This way, you'll catch issues before they blow up.

Watch in real-time

Use tools that monitor your BIM data 24/7. They'll ping you if something looks fishy.

Go deep

Every few months, dive into your security setup. Look at who's accessing what, how data moves around, and where you might have weak spots.

Pro tip: A Built Asset Security Manager (BASM) can help. They see the big picture and keep your security policies fresh.

Keep tabs on access

Make sure people only see what they need to in your BIM system. For example:

Stay sharp

Cyber threats evolve fast. Keep your team up to speed with regular training. Brush up their skills every few months to avoid slip-ups.

Update, update, update

Turn on auto-updates for all your software. This includes BIM platforms and security tools. It's an easy way to stay protected against new threats.

4. Create Clear Data Rules

To keep BIM projects safe and smooth, you need solid data rules. Here's how:

Set roles and duties

Everyone should know their data job:

Make a data plan

Write down your data handling approach:

• What data you need
• How to name files
• Where to store data
• Who can see what

Use industry standards

Stick to known rules like COBie. It keeps data consistent and shareable.

Check data quality

Catch issues early:

• Use validation tools
• Do regular audits
• Train your team to spot problems

Track changes

Know who changed what and when. It's a lifesaver if things go wrong.

Set up a central data hub

Use a Common Data Environment (CDE):

• One place for all project data
• Control access
• Everyone uses the latest file versions

5. Train People on Security

Teaching your team about data safety is crucial for BIM project security. Here's how to do it effectively:

Make it a habit

Don't settle for annual training. Monthly sessions keep security top-of-mind. Break it into bite-sized chunks for better retention.

Engage, don't bore

Forget dull slideshows. Try:

• Interactive workshops
• Real-world case studies
• Role-playing exercises
• Video content

These methods help your team grasp and apply security concepts.

Focus on the essentials

Cover everyday security tasks:

Spot the threats

Teach your team to identify:

• Fishy emails
• Odd file requests
• Unexpected pop-ups

Speak up

Make it clear: if something's off, report it. Quick action is key to stopping cyber attacks.

"At J2, we don't just invest in tech for digital protection. We also focus on training to keep our employees' cyber security skills sharp." - Hisham Ennarah, VP of Engineering at J2 Innovations

Test and tweak

Run mock phishing tests to gauge training effectiveness. Use results to improve.

Security is everyone's job

When the whole team cares about data safety, your BIM projects are far more secure.

Wrap-up

BIM data security isn't a one-time thing. It's ongoing. Here's a quick recap of the five key practices:

1. Lock it down: Limit access. Use MFA.
2. Encrypt it: Protect data in transit and at rest.
3. Check it: Audit often. Stay alert to new threats.
4. Set rules: Clear guidelines for data sharing. Everyone knows their role.
5. Train them: Teach your team to spot risks. Make security part of your DNA.

These work best together. As Rachel Riopel from HDR puts it:

"We're spending a ton on federal requirements, and we're asking our subs and carpenters to do the same. We expect them to level up their practices and get compliant."

It's a team sport. Everyone's got to play.

These numbers don't lie. Cyber threats are real and growing. Follow these five practices and you'll be in better shape to protect your BIM data, projects, and business.

Stay sharp. Keep learning. Make security a top priority. Your BIM projects depend on it.

FAQs

What are the security risks of BIM?

BIM comes with several security risks:

• Data breaches: Hackers can get their hands on sensitive project info and personal details.
• Unauthorised access: Bad actors might mess with designs or disrupt projects.
• Data manipulation: Changes to BIM models can cause costly errors and delays.

A 2022 NIBS survey found that BIM users worry most about ransomware, hacks, and losing personal info.

What are the security issues with BIM?

BIM security issues mainly come from:

1. Centralised systems

Most BIM platforms use a central setup, which can lead to:

• Design data tampering
• Denial of access attacks
• Loss of data traceability

2. Integrated networks

Rachel Riopel from HDR points out:

"We're spending a ton on federal requirements, and we're asking our subs and carpenters to do the same. We expect them to level up their practices and get compliant."

This integration spreads risk across the supply chain.

3. IoT devices

Smart building tech creates new ways for cyber attacks to happen.

To deal with these issues, companies should:

• Check the risks of their BIM solutions
• Control who can see sensitive data
• Use multi-factor authentication (MFA)

Here's a scary fact: In 2022, 71% of global firms faced ransomware attacks. Construction was the third most-targeted industry.

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