Ransomware attacks targeting critical infrastructure sectors surged 34% year-over-year in 2023, with manufacturing and construction experiencing the sharpest growth (Source: Industrial Cyber). For construction innovation leaders, this statistic represents a direct threat to project schedules, budget integrity, and the adoption of new technologies. As job sites become increasingly digitized with IoT sensors, cloud-based project management tools, and advanced video platforms, the traditional "castle and moat" security model—where everything inside the network is trusted—has become obsolete.

The construction industry’s reliance on distributed teams, complex supply chains, and remote connectivity calls for a move toward zero-trust security design. This approach is not merely about locking down data; it is about enabling the secure, rapid deployment of essential tools like video AI without getting bogged down in months-long IT security reviews. By adopting zero-trust principles, innovation teams can protect sensitive Building Information Modeling (BIM) data and video evidence while helping field teams get reliable access to the insights they need to support safety and efficiency.

Key terms to know

• Zero trust: a security framework that eliminates implicit trust and requires continuous verification of every user, device, and access request, regardless of whether it originates from inside or outside the network.

• Micro-segmentation: the practice of dividing a network into smaller, isolated zones to contain potential breaches and block attackers from moving laterally across the infrastructure.

• Identity as perimeter: a security concept where user identity—verified through multi-factor authentication (MFA) and context—replaces the traditional network boundary as the primary control point for access.

• Least privilege access: the principle of granting users and systems only the minimum level of access necessary to perform their specific job functions.

• Attack surface: the total sum of all potential entry points (vulnerabilities) that an unauthorized user could use to enter a system, including IoT devices, cameras, and software interfaces.

Solving the innovation leader’s security dilemma

For Directors of Innovation, ConTech, and VDC-BIM, the pressure to modernize operations often conflicts with rigid IT security requirements. You are tasked with scaling technology without adding headcount, yet promising pilots frequently die in security review limbo. Zero-trust security design directly addresses these frustrations by creating a standardized, secure framework that speeds up deployment.

Mapping pain points to Spot AI solutions

The growing threat to construction video platforms

The construction industry has emerged as a primary target for sophisticated threat actors. In the first nine months of 2023 alone, 50% of global ransomware attacks targeted critical infrastructure sectors, including construction and manufacturing (Source: Industrial Cyber). This surge is driven by the industry's rapid digitalization and the high value of its data, from proprietary project blueprints to financial contracts.

Why video platforms are vulnerable

Video systems are often the weak link in construction cybersecurity. Traditional setups involve cameras connected to local networks with default passwords, outdated firmware, and no encryption.

1. IoT vulnerabilities: connected construction technology has widened the attack surface. Compromised IoT sensors or unpatched smart cameras can serve as initial footholds for attackers to pivot laterally into critical project management systems.

2. Legacy operational technology (OT): many sites rely on older infrastructure that is too critical to replace but lacks modern security patching mechanisms, creating persistent vulnerabilities.

3. Ransomware targets: attackers may target video management systems to disable recording capabilities, blinding security teams while they deploy ransomware to encrypt project files.

Core pillars of zero-trust for construction video

To secure video platforms against these threats, construction enterprises must move beyond simple password protection and adopt a zero-trust architecture.

1. Identity verification and access control

In a zero-trust model, identity is the new perimeter. It is not enough to have a password; the system must continuously verify that the user, device, and context are legitimate.

1. Multi-factor authentication (MFA): deploying MFA can block over 99.9% of account compromise attacks (Source: Infisign). For construction, this means requiring MFA for all users accessing video feeds, not just administrators.

2. Role-based access control (RBAC): access should be strictly limited based on role. A project manager may need access to site progress views, but they do not need administrative privileges to reconfigure camera network settings.

3. Continuous verification: modern identity systems evaluate context—such as location and time—throughout a session. If a login attempt occurs from an unfamiliar country or at an unusual time, access is blocked or challenged.

2. Micro-segmentation of video networks

A common failure in construction IT is running video systems on the same network segment as financial or BIM data servers. If a camera is compromised, the attacker has a direct path to the "crown jewels."

1. Network isolation: video systems should operate in segregated network segments (VLANs). This ensures that a breach in the physical security network cannot spread to the corporate IT network.

2. Least privilege networking: traffic should only be allowed between specific devices and services that require it. For example, a camera should only be able to communicate with its assigned recorder, not the entire internet.

3. Data encryption and protection

Construction sites handle sensitive intellectual property. Video footage can reveal security protocols, equipment locations, and proprietary methodologies.

1. Encryption in transit and at rest: data must be encrypted from the moment it is captured by the camera, as it travels to the recorder, and when it is stored in the cloud.

2. Secure cloud storage: cloud platforms must support version control, redundancy, and strict access logging to guard against data loss from ransomware or accidental deletion.

3. Audit trails: every interaction with video data—viewing, downloading, or sharing—must be logged. This creates a digital chain of custody essential for liability investigations and compliance.

Protecting BIM and project data integration

Building Information Modeling (BIM) repositories are high-value targets because unauthorized access can expose an entire project's architecture, schedule, and budget. As video platforms increasingly integrate with BIM for "digital twin" construction management, the security of these connections is paramount.

Securing the "Golden Thread" of information

The UK Building Safety Act 2022 and similar global standards emphasize the "Golden Thread"—the continuous flow of accurate, verified data throughout a building's lifecycle (Source: Brighter Graphics).

1. Verified access: only authenticated users should be able to modify or annotate BIM models with video data. Zero-trust helps make the "as-built" verification records tamper-evident and resilient.

2. Granular permissions: integrations should follow zero-trust principles. A video analytics tool integrated with BIM 360 should only have permission to read specific model coordinates and write issue tags, without full administrative access to the project file.

3. Asset classification: construction firms must classify data by sensitivity. Proprietary design files require stricter zero-trust controls (e.g., hardware key authentication) compared to general site progress photos.

Implementation guide: deploying zero-trust video

Transitioning to zero-trust does not happen overnight. It requires a phased approach that balances security improvements with the operational reality of active job sites.

Phase 1: assessment and asset inventory

1. Map protect surfaces: identify critical assets, including BIM repositories, video storage, and financial systems.

2. Inventory devices: use automated scanning tools to discover every camera, NVR, and IoT sensor connected to the job site network.

3. Audit data flows: document how video data moves from the edge to the cloud and who accesses it.

Phase 2: identity and device hardening

1. Enforce MFA: roll out multi-factor authentication for all video platform access.

2. Secure configurations: change all default passwords on cameras and IoT devices. Disable unused ports and services.

3. Update firmware: establish a schedule for patching camera firmware to close known security loopholes.

Phase 3: network segmentation and monitoring

1. Establish VLANs: move all video monitoring traffic to a dedicated network segment separate from business operations.

2. Deploy outbound-only architectures: utilize video platforms that do not require inbound port forwarding, reducing the attack surface visible to the public internet.

3. Enable continuous monitoring: integrate video platform logs with Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) tools to detect anomalous behavior, such as mass data downloads or after-hours login attempts.

Comparing video platform security models

Spot AI’s architecture is designed for the zero-trust era. By processing video at the edge and communicating via secure, outbound-only encrypted channels, it removes the need for VPNs or port forwarding in most deployments. This streamlined pilot approach helps innovation teams deploy video AI quickly while meeting enterprise IT security requirements.

From Security Roadblock to Innovation Enabler

For construction enterprises in 2023, cybersecurity is no longer an optional layer; it is a prerequisite for innovation. The surge in ransomware attacks targeting the sector highlights the vulnerability of interconnected systems, from BIM models to video platforms. Adopting a zero-trust security design—centered on continuous verification, least privilege, and micro-segmentation—provides the resilience needed to protect these critical assets.

Innovation leaders have a unique opportunity to turn security from a roadblock into an enabler. By selecting video platforms built on zero-trust principles, you can accelerate IT approvals, integrate disparate tools securely, and provide field teams with real-time, data-driven insights. This approach helps protect the company's intellectual property and costs while building a scalable foundation for construction technology.

See how Spot AI’s video AI platform supports zero-trust security for construction. Request a demo for a guided walkthrough.

Frequently asked questions

What are the key principles of zero-trust security in construction?

The key principles are: 1) Verify Explicitly: Always authenticate and authorize based on all available data points (identity, location, device health). 2) Use Least Privilege Access: Limit user access with Just-In-Time and Just-Enough-Access (JIT/JEA) policies. 3) Assume Breach: Design networks with micro-segmentation and encryption to minimize the impact if a breach occurs.

How can zero-trust be implemented on construction sites with limited connectivity?

Zero-trust on disconnected or low-bandwidth sites relies on edge computing and local authentication caching. Systems like Spot AI process data locally on the Intelligent Video Recorder (IVR), so security rules and recording continue even if the cloud uplink is temporarily down. Secure, encrypted synchronization occurs once connectivity is restored.

What are the cybersecurity challenges specific to the construction industry?

Construction faces unique challenges including: 1) Distributed Operations: Managing security across multiple temporary job sites. 2) High Turnover: Frequent changes in subcontractors and personnel make identity management difficult. 3) Legacy Tech: Reliance on older equipment and diverse IoT devices that lack built-in security features.

How do I ensure compliance with data protection regulations on construction sites?

Compliance requires a combination of technology and policy. Deploy video platforms that support GDPR and CCPA through features like automated data retention policies, privacy masking, and comprehensive audit logs. Ensure that all personal data (including video of workers) is encrypted and that access is strictly controlled and documented.

About the author

Joshua Foster is an IT Systems Engineer at Spot AI, where he focuses on designing and securing scalable enterprise networks, managing cloud-integrated infrastructure, and automating system workflows to enhance operational efficiency. He is passionate about cross-functional collaboration and takes pride in delivering robust technical solutions that empower both the Spot AI team and its customers.