The issue of data security is becoming increasingly important in almost all areas. Technological advances and the constant use of digital media and the resulting growth in data volumes mean that data needs to be protected to a greater extent.
In several discussions with partners, experts and customers from the industry, we as a software provider have also noticed that there are justified concerns about data security and data protection in the construction industry, but either due to fear of the unknown, misunderstandings or general skepticism towards cloud-based digital solutions. The construction industry is still finding it difficult to use digitalization to make various processes easier and more efficient. For all these concerns, digital solutions offer good protection options that secure your company’s sensitive data and also allow you to benefit from the advantages of digital solutions.
Cloud versus local: a comparison
Local server locations are currently widespread in the construction industry. So-called on-premise software solutions are, as the name suggests, installed on servers on site. Due to the Internet, this in-house infrastructure is constantly exposed to attacks by professional attackers. Professional IT staff are needed to take the necessary protective measures in good time, such as
- Protection of the local network,
- Antivirus software,
- Updates of operating systems,
- regular data backups, etc.
These requirements make local installations not only expensive, but also risky.
Cloud-based software offers significant advantages in this context. Automatic online updates and security patches reduce any security gaps and keep them to a minimum. Additional security measures and encryption show how helpful and efficient digital solutions can actually be. Providers such as AWS (Amazon Web Services), Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud ensure high-level security standards and reliable security methods that protect data in the construction industry.
Server location: Security and compliance
One point that is often raised when it comes to data storage is the location of the servers. The common myth that only local data storage is legally compliant is not true. At syniotec, we use the servers of Amazon Web Services (AWS).
AWS-Server befinden sich in Frankfurt, wodurch die deutschen Datenschutzgesetze eingehalten werden.
AWS sowie weitere große Anbieter erfüllen alle geltenden Bestimmungen, wobei sich viele staatliche Organisationen auf diese Art der Datenspeicherung verlassen.
Cloud-based software also offers the advantage of being able to store, manage and change centralized information and documents in one place. For example, if you have to follow up on a request to delete a customer’s personal data, you would have to search through and modify all files on all computers in a company that stores data in traditional Office applications such as Excel or Word on employees’ hard drives.
Widespread concern about hacking
Everyone is now familiar with the term hacking. Many people are afraid of hacking attacks and the construction industry in particular naturally wants to avoid them at all costs.
Many data leaks are caused within the company itself. According to statistics*, this accounts for 83% of cases . These internal incidents can be caused intentionally or unintentionally by misconduct such as phishing attacks, lack of security training for staff, or direct sabotage.
Cloud providers such as AWS have large teams that focus exclusively on identifying vulnerabilities and optimizing security measures. AWS adheres to strict standards on security measures and uses network security and encryption. Through repeated reviews and constant updates of security protocols, potential threats are identified and remediated as quickly as possible.
We also use 2FA (2-factor authentication) at syniotec. This additional method reduces the risk of passwords being passed on (intentionally or unintentionally) or phishing.
Inspection and data access
In the case of locally stored files such as Word or Excel, it is almost impossible to manage and control access by employees. The data is often duplicated by sending it by email and the history can often not be tracked centrally.
It does not always make sense for all employees to have full access to all data. Therefore, both in SAM as well as in RAM Individual rights can be defined to regulate access control. From site managers to project managers, you can assign individual access rights to ensure that every employee can view exactly the information that is relevant to their tasks.
This step helps to prevent data breaches. An extremely important aspect when it comes to sensitive information and confidentiality. This allows you to stay in control and protect important data at the same time.
More benefits of cloud software
Another advantage of cloud-based software solutions is their high level of flexibility. Your employees have access to data and applications anywhere and at any time. Even from different locations, important data can be accessed live at any time, which makes collaboration much easier.
Digital technologies and solutions offer new opportunities to optimize workflows and overcome challenges. From planning and execution to the management of construction projects, digital tools and software solutions offer a wide range of benefits. Mobile applications and cloud-based platforms facilitate data collection and the exchange of information on site at the construction site.
Construction managers can access important project information in real time and make decisions quickly, which in turn increases efficiency and minimizes delays. In addition, modern cloud-based solutions offer a variety of interfaces to other software applications used in the construction industry. This enables seamless integration and efficient data exchange between different systems and departments.
Conclusion: cloud versus local in the construction industry
The digitalization of the construction industry brings many benefits, but also concerns about data security. However, with modern cloud-based solutions such as those offered by syniotec, these concerns can be allayed. With high security standards, regular updates and flexible access controls, companies in the construction industry can work securely and efficiently without worrying about the security of their data. Using cloud services such as AWS offers additional benefits through experienced security teams and strict standards that are adhered to in Germany.
This allows companies to take full advantage of the benefits of digitization while securing their data in the best possible way.
