2025 UAC Preview OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE UTAH ASPHALT PAVEMENT ASSOCIATION
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CONTENTSISSUE 4 2024 ©2025 Utah Asphalt Pavement Association (UAPA) | The newsLINK Group LLC. All rights reserved. On the Road is published four times per year by The newsLINK Group LLC for UAPA and is the official publication for this association. The information contained in this publication is intended to provide general information for review, consideration and education. The contents do not constitute legal advice and should not be relied on as such. If you need legal advice or assistance, it is strongly recommended that you contact an attorney as to your circumstances. The statements and opinions expressed in this publication are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent the views of UAPA, its board of directors or the publisher. Likewise, the appearance of advertisements within this publication does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation of any product or service advertised. On the Road is a collective work, and as such, some articles are submitted by authors who are independent of UAPA. While a first-print policy is encouraged, in cases where this is not possible, every effort has been made to comply with any known reprint guidelines or restrictions. Content may not be reproduced or reprinted without prior written permission. For further information, please contact the publisher at (855) 747-4003. 2025 BOARD MEMBERS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE PRESIDENT Victor Johnson Geneva Rock Product PAST PRESIDENT Bup Minardi Mountain Regional Equipment Solutions PRESIDENT-ELECT Jonas Staker Staker Parson Materials & Construction SECRETARY Kyle Smith Granite Construction Inc. TREASURER Scott Gardner ICM Solutions BOARD OF DIRECTORS Jason Klaumann Granite Construction Inc. Ryan Dalling Geneva Rock Products Tim Nevenner Kilgore Companies Brad Schmitz HF Sinclair Jim Hulse Mountain States Asphalt Jared Wright Peak Asphalt Chris Farner Wheeler Machinery Co. Mark Droubay Double D Distribution Mike Kurz Staker Parson Materials & Construction Dean Garrett Morgan Pavement Sam Beuke Suncor Energy (USA) Inc. 6 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE 2025 UAC — SHAPING UTAH’S INFRASTRUCTURE 8 REGISTER TODAY! 2025 UTAH ASPHALT CONFERENCE 10 REGISTER TODAY! UAPA ANNUAL DINNER AND RECEPTION 12 2025 UTAH ASPHALT CONFERENCE SPONSORS 13 SPONSORSHIPS STILL AVAILABLE! 14 EXHIBITION HALL MAP 14 WHY BE AN EXHIBITOR AT THE 2025 UAC? 16 KEYNOTE SPEAKER CARLOS BRACERAS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, UDOT 19 KEYNOTE SPEAKER JASON HEWLETT 22 KEYNOTE SPEAKER TREVOR FARNES CO-FOUNDER AND CVO, MTN OPS 26 KEYNOTE SPEAKER BRONCO MENDENHALL HEAD FOOTBALL COACH, UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY 28 UAPA 2025 CHARITY OF CHOICE WARRIOR RIZEN RANCH HOPE. HEAL. HONOR. HEROES. 30 REGISTER TODAY! UAPA 2025 TOPGOLF EVENT 32 CYBERSECURITY AND THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY 4
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE 2025 UAC — SHAPING UTAH’S INFRASTRUCTURE Dear Members and Industry Colleagues, As the executive director of UAPA, it is my pleasure to present you with this edition of On the Road. This issue includes important information and highlights for our upcoming UAPA Annual Dinner and Reception and the Utah Asphalt Conference. The 2025 conference is not just an event; it’s a celebration of our industry’s relentless pursuit of excellence and a testament to the pivotal role we play in shaping Utah’s infrastructure. We have a distinguished lineup of speakers who are trailblazers in their respective fields. Carlos Braceras, executive director, UDOT, will be kicking off the conference. Jason Hewlett, entertainer, author and inspirational speaker, will share a laugh and help us become better leaders and team members. Trevor Farnes, co-founder and CVO of MTN OPS, will challenge us to “Conquer More” by unlocking success through failure, faith, and family. And to wrap up the event, Utah’s own Bronco Mendenhall will be addressing us. In addition, we have a packed agenda that includes classes on a wide range of subjects. Industry experts from across the nation will be presenting everything from workforce retention to asphalt innovations and much more! For the past few months, UAPA’s Preservation Committee has been working on the Preservation & Maintenance Treatments resource guide. Municipalities, property management professionals, school districts, developers, homeowner associations, churches, and all owners of asphalt roads and parking lots benefit from the collective experience and knowledge of UAPA’s membership. By leveraging our members’ expertise, we aim to work together to ensure the longevity and performance of our asphalt infrastructure. With all that’s happening, this is a perfect opportunity for your organization to showcase its products and services to a targeted audience. As exhibitors or sponsors, you gain unparalleled access to industry leaders and potential clients, and there is still time to sign up. Finally, I hope you will consider joining us for our Annual Dinner because it’s more than just a meal. It’s a gathering of the best and brightest in our industry, a celebration of achievements and the best work in the state as we will be recognizing all our award winners. It’s a perfect setting to network, share stories and foster new partnerships, all while surrounded by jellyfish, penguins and curious sharks. It will be a night to remember. Join us at the aquarium! Whether you’re looking to gain knowledge, network with industry leaders, or explore the latest in asphalt technology, the Utah Asphalt Conference and Annual Dinner are the place to be. All of the necessary information for registration fees, exhibitors and available sponsorships is included in this issue as well as on our website, utahasphalt.org. See you at the conference! Warm regards, Rick Johnson Executive Director, UAPA RICK JOHNSON 6
REGISTER TODAY! Mountain America Expo Center 9575 S. State St. Sandy, UT 84070 The Utah Asphalt Conference (UAC) is the premier asphalt related event in the state of Utah. The conference brings together the asphalt industry’s best and brightest for a second-to-none trade show and over 28 educational seminars. Join us for the 2025 UAC where we will provide you with all of the tools, technologies and best practices you need to accomplish your goals as well as plenty of networking opportunities. To register, scan the QR code. https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/xv3vq8m 2025 UTAH ASPHALT CONFERENCE Wednesday, Feb. 19-Thursday, Feb. 20 8
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UAPA ANNUAL DINNER AND RECEPTION Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025 Loveland Living Planet Aquarium 12033 S. Lone Peak Pkwy. Draper, UT 84020 Price: $100 per person or $800 per table Join us for a special evening at the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium on Tuesday, Feb. 18, the night before the conference. Enjoy the Aquarium starting at 5:00 p.m., with a reception at 6:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 7:00 p.m. Explore the aquarium, experience animal encounters and celebrate the Project of the Year awards. We’ll also announce the charity of the year, Warrior Rizen Ranch. Bring your spouse for a memorable night before the conference kicks off! We hope you can join us for an evening of celebration, camaraderie and appreciation. To register, scan the QR code. https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/ekvpjyt/ lp/0aa9678c-716c-44ec-a06b-9cb99da933a5 REGISTER TODAY! 10
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2025 UTTAH ASSPHALLTT BLACK & GOLD SPONSORS RDO Equipment Company Wheeler Machinery Co. RoadSafe Traffic Systems Inc. Cate Equipment Company Go Pave Utah Geneva Rock Products Mountain Regional Equipment Solutions Holbrook Asphalt Granite Construction Inc. Morgan Pavement Staker Parson Materials & Construction BLACK & SILVER SPONSORS Century Equipment Maxwell Products Inc. Arnold Machinery Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers CMT Engineering Sync Aggregate 12
SPONSORSHIPS STILL AVAILABLE! BLACK & BRONZE SPONSORS All States Materials Group Brody Chemical Seal Coat Supply Inc. BLACK & GOLD $3,000 BLACK & SILVER $1,500 BLACK & BRONZE $750 REGISTRATION SPONSOR $1,500 LUNCH & DINNER SPONSORS $1,500 TOPGOLF SPONSORS $1,500 Custom sponsorships for $500 and up. Reach out to Kayla at kayla@utahasphalt.org to learn more. CONFFEEREENCEE SSPONSSORSS Lanyard Sponsor Cate Equipment Company Lunch Sponsor Wirtgen Group Bag Sponsor Asphalt Systems Inc. 13
EXHIBITION HALL MAP WHY BE AN EXHIBITOR AT THE 2025 UAC? Being an exhibitor at the Utah Asphalt Conference is a perfect way to meet industry-minded people, build marketing lists and generate qualified sales leads. RESERVE YOUR SPACE TODAY! Space is available on a first-come, first-serve basis and is limited. Please contact Kayla at kayla@utahasphalt.org. 100 101 102 103 104 105 106 907 908 909 910 911 912 901 902 903 904 905 906 206 207 208 209 210 201 202 203 204 205 806 807 808 809 810 801 802 803 804 805 306 305 304 301 302 303 404 403 401 402 603 604 601 602 501 512 502 513 503 514 504 515 505 516 506 517 507 518 508 519 509 520 510 521 511 522 704 805 706 701 702 703 EXHIBIT HALL 3 STAGE BULK AREA 7 RESERVED: AVAILABLE: BULK 19 BULK 18 BULK 17 BULK 20 BULK 16 BULK 14 BULK 15 BULK 13 BULK 12 BULK 12 BULK 11 BULK 10 BULK 9 BULK 8 BULK 7 BULK 6 BULK 20 BULK 1 BULK 2 BULK 3 BULK 4 BULK 5 14
KEYNOTE SPEAKER CARLOS BRACERAS Executive Director, UDOT 16
Carlos M. Braceras was appointed executive director of the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) by Gov. Gary Herbert on May 6, 2013. He was reappointed to serve as executive director by Gov. Spencer Cox in January 2021. In this capacity, he is responsible for UDOT’s more than 1,600 employees and the design, construction and maintenance of Utah’s 6,000-mile system of roads and highways. He has recently launched a redefining of the Department’s goals and mission and has overseen the completion of several massive highway projects like the Utah County I-15 Corridor Expansion (I-15 CORE) and the Mountain View Corridor in west Salt Lake County. Both projects used innovative contracting methods that allowed each to be completed in record time. Braceras joined UDOT in 1986. Prior to being appointed as executive director, he served as deputy director for 12 years. Braceras has also served as the director of UDOT’s Region Three Office, chief geotechnical engineer, chief value engineer, a member of the Legacy Parkway/I-15 North Project team and as a roadway design engineer. He was named the 1998 State of Utah Governor’s Manager of the Year and was the 1998 recipient of the UDOT Leader of the Year Award. Prior to joining UDOT, Braceras worked as a well-site geologist doing oil and gas exploration and development. Braceras is currently chair of the AASHTO Design Committee, chair of the Center for Environmental Excellence Advisory Board, member and past chair of the TRB Executive Committee, member of the board of directors and past president of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, member of the board of directors and past president of the Western Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, past chair of ITS America, and past chair of RUC West. Braceras received an undergraduate degree in geology from the University of Vermont and an undergraduate degree in civil engineering from the University of Utah. He is a registered professional engineer. Braceras moved to Utah in the summer of 1980 and instantly fell in love with the mountains and the people. Soon after he arrived, Braceras met his wife, Laurie, while both were working at Snowbird Ski Resort. In their free time, he and Laurie enjoy spending time in the Utah outdoors. Their favorite activities include skiing, bicycling, golfing, camping, windsurfing and sailing on the Great Salt Lake. 17
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KEYNOTE SPEAKER Having delivered thousands of presentations over two decades, Jason Hewlett is the only speaker in the world teaching leadership in a performance of uncanny musical and comedy impressions, utilizing the stage legends. “The Promise” is a keynote speech that feels like a show, with proven processes and immediately implementable takeaways to transform your business and leadership skills. Jason is the author of the Facebook post entitled, “I Saw My Wife at Target Today,” which has been seen by more than 100 million people. A recent, and one of the youngest inductees in the prestigious Speaker Hall of Fame, his talks inspire leadership from the perspective of a Promise, while giving attendees an engaging, entertaining and educational experience all in one. With over 2,000 presentations for Fortune 500 companies and clients such as American Express, Delta Airlines, the Salt Lake Olympics, Experian, NuSkin, Younique, Coca-Cola and Wells Fargo, Jason Hewlett is your go-to solution for a keynote speaker, entertainer and emcee. JASON HEWLETT 19
Credentials: • Inducted into the prestigious Speaker Hall of Fame, one of the youngest ever inducted with the CPAE Council of Peers Award for Excellence. • Invited to be part of a Middle East Tour in support of the U.S. military in Kuwait, Afghanistan and Africa. • Author of “The Promise to the One.” • Recipient of the National Outstanding Eagle Scout Award from the Boy Scouts of America, awarded to only 800 men in the history of scouting (Jason has also earned the Eagle Award). • Recipient of the prestigious Star Award from the SCERA Center for the Arts. Jason’s hobbies include hiking in the mountains, writing music, playing with his kids and staring at his wife. His greatest accomplishments all live within the walls of his home. He is a husband to the most beautiful woman in the world, Tami, and a dad to four incredible young children who serve as his inspiration and help deliver material for his presentations. As a family, the Hewletts donate over 20 hours per month in community service, volunteering, mentoring, outreach and philanthropy to worthy causes in their home state of Utah. 20
KEYNOTE SPEAKER TREVOR FARNES Co-Founder and CVO, MTN OPS CONQUER MORE The story of how one man learned to Conquer More by unlocking success through failure, faith, and family. This inspiring presentation reveals Trevor’s Seven Perspectives to Conquer More, guiding you to overcome ego, own pivotal moments, commit to your core values, endure daily challenges and lift others as you progress. Through connection, diligence and purpose-driven action, you’ll learn to align your life with your mission and achieve more than you thought possible. Join us to gain the tools and mindset needed to conquer obstacles and create a lasting impact in every area of life. 22
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1 IN 8 AMERICANS DO NOT EAT ENOUGH FOOD ON A DAILY BASIS.1 3.1 MILLION CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF FIVE DIE EACH YEAR DUE TO POOR NUTRITION.1 66 MILLION CHILDREN GO TO SCHOOL EVERY DAY ON AN EMPTY STOMACH.1 ¹Source: https://bountifulfoodpantry.org/donate/pantry-packs OPERATION CONQUER HUNGER Every Purchase from MTN OPS Donates a Meal HOW IT STARTED Trevor Farnes is the Co-Founder and CVO of MTN OPS, an energy and nutritional product company focused on the outdoor industry in Fruit Heights, Utah. Trevor’s focus and mission at MTN OPS was that of improving the lives of individuals and families through transformational products and a community built to inspire individuals to conquer more in life. Recently, MTN OPS was recognized as one of Utah’s Fastest Growing Companies, one of Utah’s Best Places to Work, and Trevor was honored by being recognized as Utah Business CEO of the Year. After many years of facing hunger issues themselves, Trevor and his wife Jenna founded the MTN OPS initiative, Operation Conquer Hunger, to conquer hunger within the most vulnerable households in Utah, throughout the country, and Malawi, Africa. For every MTN OPS order, the company donates a meal to a child or family in need. Within just a few short years, they have donated millions of meals and are committed to conquering hunger, one order, one meal, one child at a time. HOW IT WORKS Every time a purchase is made at mtnops.com, a nutritious meal is prepared for families in need. The Operation Conquer Hunger team works with charity partners to manufacture these nutritious meals. Charity partners work with validated organizations and local governments for transportation and distribution. Donations are welcome. Please email Cheryle at cheryle@mtnops.com to learn more. To learn more, scan the QR code. https://youtu.be/dvikgLar9iw?si=MBNYtWHy15v9k3y0 24
Proven Performance aymont.com nt Hydrated Lime formance Hot Mix r anti-stripping agent ness and reduces rutting ng, oxidation and aging nomical ▪ synergistic benefits nt Representative today Hydrated Lime can improve mix performance. ont.com ▪ 801 783 6835(ph) ▪ West Wendover, Nevada QUALITY LIME & STONE PRODUCTS THAT IMPROVE YOUR WORLD Lime in Asphalt Hydrated Lime To learn more about how you can improve the quality of your construction projects, while saving time and money, Graymont Hydrated Lime Proven Performance aymont.com nt Hydrated Lime ormance Hot Mix anti-stripping agent ess and reduces rutting g, oxidation and aging omical ▪ synergistic benefits t Representative today Hydrated Lime can improve ix performance. nt.com ▪ 801 783 6835(ph) West Wendover, Nevada QUALITY LIME & STONE PRODUCTS THAT IMPROVE YOUR WORLD Lime in Asphalt Hydrated Lime Proven Performance nt.com rated Lime nce Hot Mix ipping agent reduces rutting tion and aging synergistic benefits esentative today ed Lime can improve ormance. 17836835(ph) over, Nevada QUALITY LIME & STONE PRODUCTS THAT IMPROVE YOUR WORLD Lime in Asphalt rated Lime Available at our Cricket Mountain in Delta, UT and Pilot Peak West Wendover, NV plants (subject to seasonal availability) Graymont Quicklime or Lime Kiln Dust Use for High-Performance Hot Mix Superior anti-stripping agent Improves stiffness and reduces rutting Reduces cracking, oxidation and aging Cost effective Economical Synergistic benefits Call Jimmy Hachenberger TODAY! 303.919.2059 | jhachenberger@graymont.com Graymont.com Stabilization Chemically transforms clay soils Permanently increases strength Eliminates soil expansion Drying Creates excellent freeze-thaw resistance Minimizes weather-related construction delays Extends construction season Modification Speeds construction with stable working platform that resists subsequent rain Reduces plasticity Improves compactability Available at our Pilot Peak West Wendover, NV plant (subject to seasonal availability) Call Trent Anderson TODAY! 801-716-2634 | tanderson@graymont.com
KEYNOTE SPEAKER BRONCO MENDENHALL Head Football Coach, Utah State University 26
Bronco Mendenhall is one of college football’s most experienced coaches, but Bronco’s success goes far beyond football. He deeply cares about and is committed to growing the young men he coaches. Bronco has consistently built programs that emphasize character, discipline and excellence in every aspect of these student-athlete lives, helping to create proven leaders. Bronco returned to Utah State University after serving as the head coach of the University of New Mexico last year. In total, he has 18 years of head coaching experience, including a six-year stint at the University of Virginia and 11 seasons at Brigham Young University (BYU). With a 140-88 career record as a head coach, including taking Virginia to its first Orange Bowl in 2019, more than 60 of Bronco’s former players have signed contracts to play in the NFL. He was named the Mountain West Coach of the Year in 2006 and was nominated by the Football Writers Association of America as one of nine finalists for the illustrious Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year Award. During BYU’s six-year tenure as a member of the Mountain West under Bronco, the team won two conference championships. He led the Cougars to a bowl game appearance in each of his 11 seasons as head coach, and during that time, BYU was one of only 11 programs in all of the FBS to go to a bowl in all 11 years. Under his leadership, BYU tied for seventh among all FBS programs for the most Academic All-American awardees. After leaving Provo, Bronco was hired as the head coach at Virginia in 2016. Taking over a struggling program that had not posted a winning record in five seasons, he led a strong turnaround. The team made bowl games in three consecutive years beginning in 2017 and won the Atlantic Coast Conference Coastal Division in 2019 with a 6-2 mark, playing Clemson for the ACC title. Virginia was bowl-eligible in the final five seasons he coached, the longest streak in school history since 1996-2000. After a two-year hiatus from coaching, Bronco returned to the Mountain West, taking over as head coach of New Mexico. In his lone season, the Lobos went 5-7, with two players being named first-team all-MW and nine overall receiving all-conference honors. New Mexico ranked fourth in the FBS in total yards, averaging 484.2 per game. A Utah local, Bronco graduated from American Fork High School. He began his collegiate playing career at Snow College, where he was an All-American and team captain during the team’s NJCAA National Championship season in 1985. From there, he played safety for Oregon State University, where he served as captain his senior season and later as a graduate assistant on the football staff. He would later coach as an assistant at Snow College, Northern Arizona, Louisiana Tech, New Mexico and BYU. The move back to Utah allows Bronco to be closer to his 93-year-old mother, Lenore Mendenhall, who lives in Alpine. He and his wife, Holly, have three sons: Cutter, Breaker and Raeder. 27
UAPA 2025 CHARITY OF CHOICE Warrior Rizen Ranch is a 501 (c)(3) 6,500 acre dude ranch in Morgan, Utah, for military and survivor families. They invite veterans and their families to escape their day-to-day and come to the ranch to experience a week-long vacation where they work hard and play hard. There, you will learn to raise animals and grow your own food, push cattle and play cowboy for a week. From farm-to-table meals to horseback riding, gardening, animals, family history resources, recreation, volunteer opportunities, community events and service projects, Warrior Rizen Ranch has it all. Warrior Rizen Ranch welcomes you to stay as a veteran family, give back by volunteering at the many ongoing service projects, or attend the multiple events held throughout the year! Visit today and get involved! Donations are welcome. To learn more, scan the QR code. https://warriorrizenfoundation.org/ WARRIOR RIZEN RANCH Hope. Heal. Honor. Heroes. 28
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REGISTER TODAY! Topgolf 920 Jordan River Blvd. Midvale, UT 84047 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. Join us for a fun evening of networking, food, drinks and friendly competition at Topgolf! Unwind after a full day of conference sessions and connect with fellow professionals in a relaxed atmosphere. All skill levels welcome! UAPA 2025 TOPGOLF EVENT Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025 SPONSORSHIP AVAILABLE! $1,500 Includes dinner, your own bay for 6-8 people and a sponsor sign. https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/mxyf2rp/ lp/0675d2d5-3d73-4fb8-9db7-f985c10505c6 30
TO REGISTER, SCAN THE QR CODE. https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ ev/reg/mxyf2rp/lp/0675d2d5-3 d73-4fb8-9db7-f985c10505c6 31
CYBERSECURITY AND THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY The U.S. depends on the construction industry for everything, from new homes to the infrastructure the country needs to function every day. In addition to keeping its physical assets safe, the industry must keep its digital assets safe, too. This article is an overview of cyber risk throughout the construction industry, an overview of attacks and suggestions for preventing them. THE BASICS Cyberattacks are nothing new. For years, contractors have been targeted by data breaches, phishing theft, ransomware attacks and theft of sensitive information. In recent years, cyberattacks have begun to include industrial espionage and disruptions related to geopolitical struggles. The stress and financial burdens from a large-scale ransomware event can be severe. It can also damage your brand. Why is the construction industry such an attractive target for criminals? • Many contractors don’t invest in cybersecurity infrastructure because they don’t see it as a need. Engineering and construction companies are often already operating on narrow margins, and they also don’t want to spend money and time on something that seems unnecessary. But any company that ignores cybersecurity leaves itself open to a potential attack. Cybercriminals look for easy targets and the potential for a big payoff. That description fits far too many construction companies. • Some attacks are politically motivated attempts to get sensitive information. If nation-states want information about infrastructure, intellectual property or public works, the construction industry is a weak link. Cybercriminals are motivated to look for proprietary information and intellectual property. This can include security information and construction plans and designs. • New technologies can be risky. Engineering and construction services have been quick to use technologies that increase efficiency, productivity and connectivity, such as advanced analytics, artificial intelligence, cyber-physical systems, drones, machine learning and robotics. Entire new industries, such as Building Information Modeling (BIM) and the Internet of Things (IoT), have become part of the construction industry. For example, BIM was valued at $7.9 billion in 2023 and could be worth more 32
than $25 billion in 2030. Companies see the chance for improved safety, sustainability and service but sometimes overlook cyber and data privacy risks. • The construction industry often uses a temporary workforce. Vetting and training subcontractors and temporary employees presents a challenge, but not vetting and training them gives cybercriminals another way into your business. • Legacy systems can give cybercriminals an easy in. Operating systems that are no longer being supported have known vulnerabilities and no patches to fix them. It can be impossible to recover data encrypted by cybercriminals on a legacy operating system. • Doing business with third parties creates additional vulnerability. By its very nature, construction involves collaboration. The stakeholders and operations include architects, engineers, subcontractors and vendors, and everyone is often connected to a common network. A cybercriminal who accesses a vulnerable network can cause potential data breaches. The result is expensive in terms of money and damaged reputations, and there may also be consequences related to regulatory noncompliance. • Lack of industry regulations about cybersecurity is still an issue. Banks and financial services have been required to follow strict rules for decades. The same hasn’t been true for the construction industry, but that has changed. If a contractor wants to bid on federal works projects, they are often now required to show what they have in place to provide cyber security and protect data. Increasingly, contractors are expected to be familiar with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Cybersecurity Framework and to comply with Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification. • Regulations and cybercrimes have become global. Businesses must pay attention to more than just national regulations. Companies that want to compete on a global level must also know about any applicable regulations and penalties. Even if companies choose to operate locally instead of nationally, they must still deal with persistent, increasingly sophisticated global attacks. The days when cybersecurity was only a concern for larger corporations are over. 33
LIKELY TARGETS Common cybersecurity threats in the construction industry include the following: • Data breaches: Client information, financial information, intellectual property and project designs are all at risk. Cybercriminals hack systems, use malware or engineer attacks that take advantage of social norms. • Supply chains: Every entity in supply chains can be a potential point of entry for cybercriminals. Once in, they can disrupt operations, find sensitive information or take advantage of networks. • IoT devices: Drones, sensors and wearable technology sometimes lack security and can be exploited by cybercriminals to manipulate data or gain unauthorized network access. • Ransomware: Encryption is easier than decryption, and even if files can be recovered, it takes time. Cybercriminals use software to encrypt important files and demand a ransom to decrypt them. Noncompliance can cause missed deadlines, and that interferes with getting paid for work. • Physical attacks: In addition to the risks any site has of unauthorized access, theft and vandalism, cybercriminals can also choose to access control systems or target HVAC. THE SHORT LIST OF CYBERSECURITY MEASURES The following list presents a starting point for companies within the construction industry. You can do more than the following, but you should not do less. • Follow cybersecurity regulations and standards. The NIST Cybersecurity Framework or the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) can help you set up the policies and practices for an effective and comprehensive cybersecurity program. • Think about possible security risks that may have been created when digital solutions have been implemented. • Schedule regular and robust data backups. That way, you can restore essential data when necessary. • Protect equipment and materials by using a physical security system for construction sites. Include access controls, perimeter fencing and surveillance cameras. • Work with vendors and subcontractors to reduce risks by talking about prevention and including cybersecurity standards and clauses about data protection in contracts. • Safeguard confidential information and trade secrets by using data breach prevention strategies. Encryption protocols, firewalls and intrusion detection systems may deter unauthorized access and malware attacks. • Provide robust phishing simulations to train rain employees. They should understand why data protection matters, know how to create strong passwords and recognize a phishing attack. Cyber insurance carriers may offer employee training as part of your insurance policy. • Use multifactor authentications for all accounts and webmail, especially those involving remote access. • Make social engineering fraud more difficult to carry out by having strict dual controls with callback requirements. This can prevent cybercriminals from modifying accounts and changing invoices. • Ensure the company can locate and wipe equipment that is lost or stolen by using endpoint detection and response (EDR) and mobile device management (MDM). • When software is installed or updated, including with patches, use software sandboxing so that the work will be done in a controlled environment. Also, monitor systems regularly for signs that a breach has occurred. • Back up critical systems and databases. Look for proven and protected systems that have been tested and are segmented and protected. • Write an incident response plan for your business, test it and update it once a year. The plan should include a list of resources and tasks, strategies to use ahead of time and ideas for public relations scenarios. The days when cybersecurity was only a concern for larger corporations are over. Every business is a potential target. Developing a cybersecurity defense plan is crucial to business continuity. Sadly, it’s not a question of if but of when and how bad. 34
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