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Construction Industry Leaders Enhance Technology Focus Amid Cybersecurity Concerns

The construction industry is undergoing a significant transformation as leaders increasingly recognize the importance of technology in their operations. According to a recent survey conducted by Wipfli, a prominent advisory and accounting firm, nearly 70% of construction executives reported experiencing at least one cybersecurity incident in the past year. As the industry faces rising threats from cyberattacks, enhancing technology infrastructure and focusing on cybersecurity measures have become integral to business strategies.

Key Findings from the Wipfli Survey

The survey, which gathered insights from 308 construction executives, revealed several critical findings:

• - 70% of firms faced a cybersecurity incident last year.
• - 54% plan to upgrade or replace construction project management technology in the next 12 to 24 months.
• - 68% have established centralized technology standards or governance practices.
• - 58% increased investments in cybersecurity solutions.
• - 34% identified cost reduction as the primary opportunity technology presents for business enhancement.
• - 33% see the most significant benefits from streamlining operations and reducing project delays.

Brad Werner, partner and head of the construction and real estate sector at Wipfli, emphasized that technology is no longer viewed as an overhead expense but as a vital component of strategic business management. He stated, "The firms that succeed in the upcoming decade will recognize their technology investment as a key asset, similar to how they manage their work backlog."

Emphasis on Technology Modernization

Many construction firms continue to invest heavily in modernizing their technology. Executives reported significant planned expenditures on project management systems, customer relationship management (CRM) software, enterprise resource planning (ERP) platforms, and other essential business tools. The primary drivers behind these investments include the need for improved scalability, enhanced integration across platforms, and the necessity to replace outdated systems.

Interestingly, nearly 70% of the surveyed firms reported having centralized technology governance processes, indicating a trend toward creating connected and efficient technology ecosystems. Larger companies, particularly those generating over $250 million in annual revenue, were more likely to have established these standards.

Prioritizing Cybersecurity

With cybersecurity threats on the rise, construction leaders are taking proactive measures to secure their operations. Many organizations have ramped up their investments in cybersecurity technologies and improved their incident response protocols. The data from the survey shows that larger firms, in particular, have faced multiple cybersecurity incidents and have expanded their security initiatives accordingly.

Werner points out, "The construction sector has historically underinvested in technology, making it vulnerable to cyber threats. Cyber incidents not only jeopardize data but also disrupt critical operations like payroll and affect client trust. Consequently, cybersecurity has evolved from being a mere cost center to a pivotal aspect of business continuity for resilient firms."

Realizing the Value of Technology

When construction executives were asked where technology had the most significant impact on their business, lowering operational costs, improving operational efficiency, and leveraging data analytics for informed decision-making were among the top responses. Technology investments are increasingly viewed as essential for boosting productivity and maintaining competitiveness in a rapidly changing industry landscape.

For more detailed insights, the full report from Wipfli's 2026 State of Technology in the Construction Industry is available for download. It compiles data-driven findings that highlight the evolving technological landscape within construction firms.

About Wipfli

Wipfli has a century-long history in providing advisory and accounting services to middle-market clients. Their approach combines national capabilities with localized expertise to help clients navigate their unique challenges through various services including assurance, tax, advisory, and technology solutions. To learn more, visit wipfli.com.

In conclusion, as the construction industry grapples with increasing cybersecurity threats, leaders are recognized the necessity of modernizing their technology and prioritizing investments in security measures. With the right strategies in place, firms can not only mitigate risks but also enhance their overall efficiency and growth prospects.