Email has become the lifeblood of the construction industry — and for good reason: nearly every project hinges on continuous coordination with suppliers and subcontractors through a constant flurry of emails at every critical phase of the process. For companies seeking Los Angeles IT support, phishing threats are a growing concern tied directly to that same communication reliance.
However, this convenience also introduces a serious threat: phishing attacks. Construction firms are frequent targets of email-based scams, where bad actors attempt to deceive recipients into believing fraudulent emails are legitimate. These attacks can cause financial loss, reputational harm, and major operational disruption — far from just a nuisance.
A single deceptive email can cause catastrophic consequences for your firm. Let’s examine how phishing works and why construction companies are especially vulnerable.
Understanding the Threat: Phishing in the Construction Industry
Construction firms are especially susceptible to phishing scams due to their financial workflows and sensitive communications. Criminals often mimic legitimate bid requests or project updates to exploit this trust.
According to a 2022 Verizon study, 82% of data breaches involved human error, including phishing attacks targeting unsuspecting employees.
The High Cost of Falling for Phishing Scams
If a phishing attack is successful, consequences may include rerouted payments, stolen credentials, project delays, and a damaged reputation.
Key statistics:
- IBM’s 2024 Data Breach Report shows the average cost of a breach is $4.88 million.
- 30% of phishing emails are opened, according to CISA.
- Over 90% of successful cyberattacks begin with a phishing email.
Why Construction Companies Are Targeted
- Frequent Supplier Communication: Scammers pose as vendors to mimic invoices, project updates, and contracts.
- Mobile Workforce: On-site workers using mobile devices may lack robust protections and are more prone to distractions.
- High Turnover: New or temporary staff may not be trained to spot phishing attempts.
Why Los Angeles IT Support Is Crucial for Construction Firms
Construction companies in Los Angeles are increasingly targeted by phishing scams due to their high transaction volume, reliance on mobile devices, and vendor-driven workflows. Choosing a local Los Angeles IT support partner means quicker response times, on-site availability, and a better understanding of regional business challenges.
Learn more about our Managed IT Support Services for Los Angeles businesses.
Best Practices for Phishing Prevention
1. Invest in Email Security Tools
Solutions like Microsoft Defender, Proofpoint, Sophos, and IRONSCALES use AI to detect and block phishing attempts before they reach inboxes. Partnering with a qualified IT provider ensures proper configuration and management.
2. Conduct Regular Training & Phishing Simulations
Educate your team through workshops and simulated phishing tests. Below is a great example of what a phishing email might look like:
3. Verify Financial Transactions and Invoices
Always confirm invoice and payment requests through a secondary channel, like a phone call, especially when handling large or unusual transactions.
Moving Forward with a Proactive Approach
We hope this blog helped you better understand the risks phishing poses to the construction industry — and what you can do about it. The key takeaway: be proactive, stay vigilant, and train your team regularly to reduce your risk.
Looking for Reliable Los Angeles IT Support?
SPN Networks helps construction companies in Los Angeles prevent phishing scams and improve cybersecurity posture. Contact us today at info@spnnetworks.com or call (562) 903-8499 to schedule a consultation.
