Architects & Engineers

All businesses need protection against cyber-attack. Architecture, engineering and design firms handle valuable intellectual property, proprietary designs, BIM models, client specifications, and project plans every day. Design files, project documentation, client contracts, and collaborative platforms are prime targets for cyber criminals and competitors.

CyberSolver was created to provide simple low-cost solutions for architecture and design SMEs to protect their business and clients. Our six tailored solutions are designed to get businesses focused on what really matters. What do we offer specifically for SMEs in the architecture, engineering and design sector?

The Growing Threat to Design Practice

Architecture and design firms are increasingly reliant on digital platforms, BIM software, cloud-based project collaboration tools, file sharing systems, and remote access for designers, engineers, and contractors. Generative AI tools are also increasingly being used and these systems introduce new risks:

Intellectual property theft - attackers steal proprietary designs, BIM models, specifications, and project plans for competitive advantage.
Phishing and social engineering - staff are targeted with urgent requests related to project deadlines, contractor payments, and client approvals.
Insecure collaboration platforms - you may think cloud services eliminate responsibility for security but misconfigured systems can expose design files or allow unauthorised access.
Malicious file uploads - SVG files and other design formats can contain embedded malware that compromises systems.
Staff and contractors - accidental and in some cases malicious activity can result in serious IP loss or project disruption.
AI vulnerabilities - data and model poisoning, prompt injection and sensitive data loss are some of the emerging risks associated with generative AI tools.

Attackers know that design files represent significant intellectual property value and that architecture projects involve multiple collaborators with varying security standards. They exploit trust relationships and file-sharing workflows to steal designs, deploy ransomware, or disrupt critical project timelines. Even a single breach can lead to IP loss, project delays, reputational damage, and client disputes. While this may sound alarming, these types of attacks can be largely prevented through focused security controls.

Digging deeper into the problem for architecture and design

According to industry reporting, major UK practices have faced significant downtime when forced to disconnect systems during ransomware attacks. The RIBA has partnered with security providers specifically to address sector vulnerabilities. Architecture and design firms are increasingly targeted by attackers using:

Compromised collaboration platforms to access design files and BIM models.
Weak passwords and lack of MFA on file sharing and project management systems.
Malicious design files containing embedded exploits in SVG, DWG, and other formats.
Supply chain attacks targeting the multiple contractors and consultants accessing shared project platforms.
Lack of staff training especially among junior designers and administrative staff.

Clients increasingly require design firms to demonstrate compliance with ISO 27001 or Cyber Essentials as contractual requirements. Meanwhile, the competitive nature of the sector means IP protection is critical to business survival, and project delays due to cyber incidents can result in significant financial penalties.

What can you do?

Start with low-cost, high-impact actions

As a minimum, consider the following:

Train your staff - especially those sharing design files, managing project platforms, and coordinating with contractors.
Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) - on email, BIM platforms, cloud storage, and project collaboration tools.
Review file sharing processes - ensure there's a clear, secure method for sharing design files with controlled access and expiry dates.
Third-party and contractor access - check who has access to your design files and project systems, and remove what's not essential.

If you're handling large projects or managing multiple collaborating firms, you should:

Harden your collaboration platforms - to prevent unauthorised access to design files and project data.
Create an incident response plan - include steps for business continuity, client notification, and project recovery.
Restrict access - review processes and access controls to ensure staff and contractors only access the projects and files they need.

If you've got the basics covered and want to go further, run a full risk assessment covering your systems, staff, suppliers, and contractors and implement simple processes to track cyber maturity and demonstrate compliance with client security requirements.

CyberSolver's six solutions — which one is right for you?

While generalised recommendations are helpful, there's no substitute for focusing on your business, your priorities, and your specific risks. CyberSolver helps you take practical, affordable steps to protect your operations. Whether you're just starting or ready to invest, we offer six packaged solutions geared up to architecture and design SMEs:

Bullet points:

Use Risk Reduction when you don't know where to start. We'll identify your greatest risks and give you a prioritised, pragmatic plan of action.
Use Compliance when you need to meet GDPR, ICO expectations, ISO 27001, Cyber Essentials, or client security requirements.
Use Staff Awareness to reduce human risk with training tailored to architects, designers, engineers, and support staff.
Use Resilience to build your breach response capability and strengthen technical defences.
Use vCISO for low-cost executive and board-level strategy, prioritisation, and reporting.
Use the CyberSolver Toolkit for templates, playbooks, and repeatable operational artefacts.