Ransomware Defense

Core Cybersecurity Measures for Texas Engineering and Construction Firms

Ransomware Is a Business-Killer
But It's Preventable

Ransomware has evolved into one of the most destructive cyber threats facing engineering and construction companies today. It can freeze access to your project files, halt operations, and lead to six- or seven-figure financial losses. Even worse, firms without proper safeguards may have no choice but to pay up—or start from scratch.

According to recent reports, ransomware attacks on construction companies surged 41% in 2024. In the industrial sector, which includes AEC, attacks jumped 87% over the previous year. For Texas firms, the risks are acute: a single attack can cost millions—e.g., the City of Dallas ransomware incident in 2023 resulted in at least $8.5 million in recovery costs, and similar disruptions affected the Texas energy and construction sectors in 2024, including Halliburton. Globally, the average cost of a ransomware attack reached $5.13 million in 2024, including downtime, legal fees, and recovery—up 574% from 2019. In early 2025, U.S. ransomware attacks surged 149% year-over-year.

Preactive IT Solutions will help you implement a comprehensive ransomware defense strategy built on multi-layered protections: prevention through Zero Trust application control and multi-factor authentication (MFA), detection via managed endpoint detection and response (EDR) and ransomware canary files, encryption for data security, and backup continuity for recovery. These aren’t optional—they’re essential for preserving business continuity in the face of targeted threats.

How Our Multi-Layered Defenses Work Together

Ransomware protection isn’t about one tool—it’s about layering proactive defenses to prevent, detect, and respond to threats. When Zero Trust application control, managed EDR, ransomware canary detection, MFA, encryption, and secure backups are used together, they reduce your risk exposure, stop attacks in their tracks, and ensure your business can recover from any incident.

Here’s how each one plays a role:

Zero Trust Application Control

We use Zero Trust application filtering powered by ThreatLocker to prevent the execution of ransomware and other malicious software. Rather than relying on traditional antivirus to recognize and block known threats, this approach denies all applications, scripts, and executables from running unless they have been explicitly approved in advance. In the AEC sector, this protects critical tools like project management software and CAD applications by ensuring only trusted programs can operate on your systems, blocking unknown threats by default and containing approved apps to minimize risks.

Managed Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR)

Our EDR solution, backed by Huntress, provides 24/7 monitoring with AI-assisted Security Operations Center (SOC) support to identify and stop bad actors before they can execute ransomware or other attacks. This goes beyond basic detection by using advanced behavioral analysis to spot suspicious activities in real-time. Human experts in our SOC respond immediately to threats, isolating issues and preventing escalation. For construction and engineering firms, securing endpoints like field laptops and remote devices is vital, as these are often targeted in phishing attempts.

Ransomware Canary Detection

As a third line of defense, we deploy strategically placed dummy files—known as "canary files"—that act as bait to detect ransomware encryption processes early. These files mimic sensitive data but are never legitimately accessed or modified. If a ransomware attack begins encrypting files and touches these canaries, our system immediately detects the change and isolates the affected machine from the rest of the network, preventing lateral spread and containing the threat before it impacts your operations.

MFA in Action

Multi-factor authentication adds a second layer of verification to logins, making it harder for attackers to access systems even with stolen passwords. In the AEC sector, this is crucial for protecting remote access to tools like Bluebeam or AutoCAD shared drives. Types include app-based tokens (e.g., Google Authenticator) or hardware keys. MFA blocks up to 99% of credential-stuffing attacks, a common entry point in phishing campaigns targeting estimators and field teams.

Encryption Essentials

Encryption protects your sensitive files and communications so that even if stolen or intercepted, the data remains unreadable. Use standards like AES-256 for data at rest (e.g., on servers or mobile devices) and in transit (e.g., during field uploads to cloud storage). As detailed in our intrusion detection, encryption secures data flows in networked environments, ensuring backups contain only protected copies.

Backup Best Practices

Backups provide a clean recovery point that allows your business to restore operations without paying a ransom. Follow the 3-2-1 rule: three copies of data on two different media types, with one off-site and immutable (unchangeable by attackers). Routine testing—monthly at minimum—ensures viability. In 2024, 94% of ransomware attacks attempted to compromise backups, highlighting the need for air-gapped or cloud-secured options.

To illustrate integration:

Pillar	Key Benefit	AEC Example	Integration with Others

Zero Trust Application Control	Prevents execution of unapproved software, blocking ransomware by default	Stops malicious scripts from running on field devices accessing project bids	Works with EDR for monitoring approved apps; combines with MFA for secure access; ensures only trusted processes interact with encrypted data or backups

Managed EDR	Detects and stops threats in real-time with 24/7 SOC support	Identifies suspicious behavior on estimators' laptops before ransomware deploys	Integrates with canary detection for rapid response; secures endpoints alongside MFA; prevents attacks on backup systems

Ransomware Canary Detection	Early detection of encryption via dummy files, enabling immediate isolation	Traps ransomware attempting to encrypt CAD files on a shared drive, isolating the machine	Triggers EDR alerts; protects encrypted data from spread; ensures backups remain uncompromised for recovery

MFA	Blocks 99% of credential-stuffing attacks	Secures logins for estimators accessing bids from job sites	Combines with encryption to protect authenticated sessions; secures backup access; enhances Zero Trust by verifying users before app execution

Encryption	Renders stolen data useless	Protects CAD files on mobile devices in the field	Ensures backups contain only encrypted data for safe recovery; works with MFA on access points; supports canary files by securing bait data

Backups	Enables ransom-free recovery	Restores project timelines after an attack on cloud storage	MFA secures backup systems; encryption safeguards stored copies to prevent re-infection; EDR and canaries prevent attacks from reaching backups

This layered approach aligns with our network security processes, minimizes downtime, protects valuable business assets, and provides peace of mind for business owners and Chief Technology Officers.

Don't Gamble with Your Data or Reputation

Imagine halting a major Texas infrastructure project because of locked files. It doesn't have to be you. A ransomware attack can bring your operations to a standstill—and worse, damage your reputation. But with proactive defenses like Zero Trust, managed EDR, and canary detection in place, alongside MFA, encryption, and backups, these attacks become preventable, detectable, and recoverable. Let Preactive IT Solutions help you build a ransomware defense plan that works in the real world.

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What Engineering & Construction Firms Are Up Against

Firms in the AEC sector face ransomware threats that are often targeted and industry-specific. Project management software, CAD file shares, and field devices are all vulnerable entry points. These systems often lack centralized protection and may be accessed by dozens of users across different job sites. Construction was the third most targeted sector globally from April 2023 to March 2024, with 228 reported victims, and saw a 41% rise in attacks. In early 2025, construction ranked second most targeted after healthcare.

Here are common risk areas that we help mitigate for our Texas clients:

Insecure cloud storage used for sharing design documents—often exploited via unpatched vulnerabilities.
Lack of MFA on remote desktop or email accounts, leading to breaches like those in remote desktop hacking.
Unencrypted drives and mobile devices in the field, vulnerable to theft or interception.
Outdated backup systems or no off-site storage, allowing attackers to delete recovery points.
Phishing campaigns targeting estimators and project leads, up 83% in construction.

Why Choose Preactive IT Solutions?

We’ve helped engineering and construction firms across Houston, Austin, San Antonio, and beyond protect their operations from ransomware threats. Our team understands the real-world complexities of your job sites, teams, and data workflows—and we build security around that reality.

Here’s why clients trust us:

Proven Results in the AEC Sector: Reduced downtime by 90% for a San Antonio firm post-attack.
Award-Winning Cybersecurity Frameworks: Process-driven, compliant with standards, including advanced tools like ThreatLocker for Zero Trust and Huntress for managed EDR.
Structured, Process-Driven Implementation: Tailored to Texas regulations and AEC needs. End-to-End Protection with Practical Support: 24/7 monitoring integrated with ransomware protection, featuring canary file detection for early isolation.

The Preactive Ransomware Defense Process

We apply our award-winning, process-driven IT strategy to ensure your business can prevent, withstand, and recover from ransomware attacks. Our goal isn’t just to protect your data—it’s to preserve your business continuity.

Our step-by-step approach includes:

Cyber Risk Assessment: We analyze your systems, user behaviors, and infrastructure to pinpoint your biggest vulnerabilities, including AEC-specific risks like IoT on job sites.
Zero Trust Implementation: Deploy ThreatLocker to enforce application allowlisting, blocking unapproved software from executing.
Managed EDR Deployment: Set up Huntress EDR with 24/7 AI-assisted SOC for real-time threat detection and response.
Ransomware Canary Setup: Place and monitor dummy canary files to detect encryption attempts and automatically isolate affected machines
MFA Implementation: We roll out MFA across all key services—including email, remote access, and cloud platforms—to block unauthorized access.
Data Encryption: We encrypt sensitive drives, mobile devices, and data at rest and in transit to protect against theft or interception.
Backup and Recovery Planning: We create automated, secure backups with routine testing and off-site redundancy to ensure you can always recover.
Ongoing Maintenance: Post-implementation, we offer monthly audits, training, and integration with our network monitoring services for proactive threat detection.

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What Our Client's are Saying

8 FAQs on Ransomware Defense for Engineering and Construction Firms

What is ransomware and how does it impact engineering and construction firms?

Ransomware is malicious software that encrypts files and demands payment for access, often halting operations in the AEC sector by locking critical project data like CAD files and timelines. It can lead to significant financial losses, with average global costs reaching $5.13 million per incident in 2024, including downtime and recovery expenses. Firms without defenses may face prolonged disruptions, damaging reputations and delaying projects across job sites.

How does multi-factor authentication (MFA) help prevent ransomware attacks?

MFA adds an extra verification layer beyond passwords, blocking unauthorized access even if credentials are stolen through phishing. In the AEC industry, it secures remote logins to tools like project management software, reducing breach risks by up to 99% for credential-stuffing attacks. Implementing MFA across email, cloud platforms, and remote desktops ensures attackers can't easily infiltrate systems used by field teams and estimators.

What role does encryption play in protecting against ransomware?

Encryption scrambles data at rest and in transit, making it unreadable to unauthorized parties even if intercepted or stolen. For construction firms, it safeguards sensitive files like design documents on mobile devices or shared drives, preventing exploitation during breaches. Standards like AES-256 ensure that, combined with other defenses, stolen data remains useless, minimizing the incentive for ransom demands.

Why are secure backups crucial for ransomware recovery?

Secure backups provide a clean restore point, allowing firms to recover without paying ransoms and resume operations quickly. Following the 3-2-1 rule—three copies on two media types with one off-site—protects against attacks that target backups, which occurred in 94% of incidents in 2024. Regular testing ensures viability, helping AEC companies avoid average downtimes of 24 days and maintain project continuity.

What are common ransomware risks specific to the AEC sector?

AEC firms face targeted threats like phishing aimed at estimators, insecure cloud storage for design sharing, and unencrypted field devices vulnerable to theft. Outdated backups and lack of MFA on remote access points exacerbate risks, with attacks surging 41% in construction during 2024. Emerging AI-enhanced threats exploit IoT devices on job sites, leading to data breaches that rose 800% recently in the industry.

How do our defenses integrate to form a strong ransomware protection?

Our multi-layered defenses—Zero Trust application control (ThreatLocker), managed EDR (Huntress), ransomware canary detection, MFA, encryption, and backups—provide comprehensive protection: prevention blocks threats at the source, detection identifies and isolates issues early, and recovery ensures business continuity. In AEC workflows, these integrate to secure endpoints, protect data, and prevent spread, reducing exposure and aligning with best practices in network security for resilience.

What steps should be taken immediately after a ransomware attack?

Isolate affected systems to prevent spread, notify your IT team or experts, and avoid paying the ransom to discourage future attacks. Assess the breach through a cyber risk evaluation and use secure backups for restoration, ensuring no malware lingers. Follow up with enhanced training and audits to strengthen defenses, minimizing long-term impacts like financial losses or reputational damage.

How can firms assess their cybersecurity vulnerabilities to ransomware?

Conduct a thorough risk assessment that analyzes systems, user behaviors, and infrastructure for potential weak points, such as unsecured remote access. Review tools for Zero Trust, EDR, canary detection, MFA implementation, encryption coverage, and backup redundancy, with a focus on AEC-specific risks, including field device exposures. Engage professionals for audits and ongoing monitoring to identify gaps, ensuring proactive measures align with industry threats and compliance needs.