Safeguarding Your Roofing Business: How Los Angeles Contractors Are Battling Cybercriminals in 2024

As digital technology becomes increasingly integrated into roofing operations, Los Angeles contractors face unprecedented cybersecurity challenges. Cybersecurity firm Kroll reported that cyberattacks on construction companies doubled from 2023 to 2024. Analyst John Dilgen of ReliaQuest noted that phishing and ransomware attacks in the industry rose by 83% and 41%, respectively, in that period. For roofing companies handling sensitive customer data and project information, the stakes have never been higher.

The Rising Threat Landscape for Roofing Companies

Roofing contractors have become prime targets for cybercriminals due to several factors. Experts say that half the cyber-attacks are against small to medium size enterprises (SMEs) with under 500 employees, and most will eventually have a severe breach or face ransomware. Four hundred eighty-one construction organizations were listed on data-leaking websites used by ransomware attackers in 2024—a 41% increase year over year—according to a report from Tampa, Fla.-based cybersecurity technology company ReliaQuest.

The construction sector’s appeal to hackers stems from multiple vulnerabilities. This is mainly due to: Multitudes of third-party suppliers used. Mass of personal data being collected. Roofing companies, in particular, handle extensive customer databases containing personal information, financial details, project specifications, and proprietary business data that cybercriminals find valuable.

Primary Cybersecurity Threats Facing Roofing Contractors

Ransomware Attacks

Ransomware attacks are a significant cybersecurity threat in the construction industry. In these attacks, hackers gain unauthorized access to a company’s network, encrypt important data, and demand payment in order to restore access. For roofing companies, this can mean losing access to customer databases, project files, scheduling systems, and financial records, potentially bringing operations to a complete halt.

A recent example highlights this threat’s reality. Most recently, SPANN Roofing & Sheet Metal, a South Carolina contractor serving commercial, industrial, institutional, and residential roofing clients, experienced a breach by the Akira ransomware group. This included sensitive employee records containing personal information and company documents including contracts, financial records, and client information. The stolen data was later posted on the dark web, indicating a “double extortion” threat where attackers both encrypted files and threatened to leak them.

Phishing and Social Engineering

Phishing attacks, where cybercriminals trick employees into revealing sensitive information or downloading malicious software, are rampant across all industries. The sector’s reliance on third parties and contractors, combined with high-pressure project timelines, makes it particularly vulnerable to phishing attacks, including spearphishing.

As an example, criminals target professionals with fake job offers tailored to them based on information from their LinkedIn profiles. I almost got caught by one of these asking me with references to my past roofing experience to be a paid advisor — just open a link on an email to confirm my interest.

Data Breaches and Customer Information Theft

Data breaches pose one of the most pressing cybersecurity threats to construction companies. The potential consequences of a data breach can be far-reaching, ranging from disruption of critical operations to financial losses and damage to the company’s reputation. Construction firms often handle sensitive information such as project blueprints, financial data, and personal information of employees and clients.

Protecting Customer Data: Essential Security Measures

Multi-Factor Authentication and Strong Password Policies

The two most standard and effective ways to protect data are to ensure that you are enabling multi-factor authentication and implementing a strict and strong password policy. When possible, require employees to use a dual authentication system, as well as change their passwords regularly. This creates multiple barriers that make unauthorized access significantly more difficult.

Employee Training and Awareness

All employees, subcontractors, and temporary workers should be thoroughly trained in cyberattack prevention essentials. It is essential to educate employees on cybersecurity best practices, such as recognizing phishing attempts, using strong passwords, and safeguarding sensitive data. A well-trained workforce is the first line of defense against cyber threats.

Secure Data Backup and Recovery Plans

A huge step in the prevention of security breaches is to have an incident response plan in place for when and if a breach happens. Create a solid strategy and know how to exercise it if that is ever the case. On the note of disaster recovery, it is also critical to have secure backups in place or already established to further ensure your data is protected.

Technology Solutions for Enhanced Security

Zero Trust Security Systems

Zero trust security systems ensure that every login attempt and user device are authenticated whenever employees want to access sensitive company information. Zero trust security policies assume that each attempt to access the system is a likely threat until proven otherwise For a construction company employing high numbers of workers, each of whom is logging in from a different location, zero trust security can be a good blanket policy that protects widely dispersed points of entry. Zero trust security also provides an added layer of data encryption so that even if a bad actor can pass through the authentication process, they cannot decrypt the data stored there.

Modern CRM and Data Management Systems

Advanced Customer Relationship Management systems designed for contractors offer built-in security features. Built for contractors, Leap offers secure workflows, customizable permissions, and tools that protect your business and customer information. These systems help roofing companies maintain secure customer databases while streamlining operations.

Royal Roofing Company: A Model of Trust and Security

When choosing a roofing company los angeles area residents can trust, it’s essential to consider firms that prioritize both quality workmanship and data security. Royal Roofing Company, serving Orange and Los Angeles Counties, exemplifies the values that modern consumers should expect from their contractors.

By treating every client like family and consistently delivering superior quality and service, we strive to become your local roofing contractor for life. As a family-owned and operated business, we focus on building long-term relationships that span generations. After decades in business, our values haven’t changed. We still—and always will—believe in doing the job right and standing behind our work.

With nearly 50 years in business, Royal Roofing has built its reputation on reliability and trust—qualities that extend to how they handle customer information and project data. Steve Pinkus, President and CEO of Royal Roofing since 1995, brings nearly four decades of hands-on experience to our company. With more than $75 million in roofing, restoration, and repair sales, he leads with a deep commitment to quality construction and total customer satisfaction. Earning and keeping the trust of his clients, colleagues, and team has always been his top priority.

Industry Preparedness: The Current State

Despite growing awareness of cyber threats, many roofing contractors remain vulnerable. However, contractors still are behind when it comes to protection against cyber threats. Although 80% of construction industry respondents believe having proper cybersecurity controls in place is crucial, 70% do not use endpoint detection and response tools; 70% do not have a post-breach team; 56% do not have an incident response plan; 50% lack cyber insurance; and 45% do not use multifactor authentication for remote access.

Building a Comprehensive Cybersecurity Strategy

Roofing companies must take proactive steps to protect their digital assets. Construction companies should develop a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy to mitigate the risks posed by cyberattacks. Regular Security Audits: Regular security audits can help identify company system vulnerabilities before attackers can exploit them. Audits should include both internal systems and those of key vendors and subcontractors.

Following government-issued cybersecurity regulations, enacting zero trust policies, educating and training employees, crafting and testing an incident response plan, vetting company software, purchasing cyber insurance, and including cybersecurity in contracts are all smart measures to take to protect your construction company from the all too likely occurrence of a cyberattack.

The Future of Roofing Industry Cybersecurity

As the roofing industry continues to digitize, cybersecurity will become increasingly critical. Ransomware remains the biggest threat to the sector, as demonstrated by the 41% rise in organizations appearing on data-leak sites over the past year. This is likely driven by the vast amounts of sensitive data that organizations hold and their critical need to maintain operational continuity. These factors, exacerbated by inherent weaknesses such as inadequate government regulations and underinvestment in cybersecurity, make the sector particularly vulnerable to ransomware attacks.

The message is clear: roofing companies can no longer afford to treat cybersecurity as an afterthought. In construction, delays cost money – and cyberattacks cause delays. Whether it’s ransomware locking up blueprints or payment fraud draining your project funds, cybersecurity must be part of your business plan. By implementing comprehensive security measures, training employees, and partnering with trusted technology providers, roofing contractors can protect their customers’ data, safeguard their operations, and maintain the trust that forms the foundation of their business relationships.