Why Glazing Fabricators Are Prime Cyber Targets

In our new series of articles, Greg Du-feu, Managing Director of Du-feu IT Solutions, explains why fabricators are one of the most targeted by cyber attackers within the whole construction sector, and how they can protect themselves.

If you think cybercriminals only go after big corporations, think again. Across the UK, fabrication businesses are being targeted daily — not because they’re huge, but because they’re vital.

Attackers know that a fabricator can’t afford downtime. When your ERP system is locked, deliveries stop, installations are delayed, and supply chains break. That’s exactly the pressure hackers exploit.

Here’s why glazing fabricators are now among the most targeted businesses in the construction sector — and what you can do to protect yourself.

1. You Handle Valuable Data

Fabricators store large volumes of customer and financial data — contact details, invoices, payment information. To attackers, that’s all worth money.

Once stolen, this data is sold on the dark web or used for invoice fraud, identity theft, or phishing campaigns against your customers and suppliers.

2. ERP and Order Systems Are Critical

Your ERP or production management software is the engine of your operation. If ransomware encrypts it, your entire workflow freezes.

Even a day of downtime can cause lost production slots, angry installers, and expensive project penalties.

3. Supply Chain Connections Create Weak Links

You’re not just responsible for your own cybersecurity — you’re connected to customers, contractors, and suppliers through digital portals.

If one partner is breached, attackers can move laterally into your systems. This “supply chain contagion” is becoming one of the most common attack routes in the UK.

4. Financial Systems Are a Goldmine

Accounts software often contains saved banking details and supplier invoices. Cybercriminals frequently impersonate legitimate suppliers and send fake “updated bank details” emails.

Without proper verification, it’s easy to lose thousands in one payment.

5. Smaller Teams = Easier Targets

Larger companies have IT teams monitoring for threats 24/7. Most fabricators don’t. Attackers know this. Automated bots constantly scan the internet looking for small businesses with exposed ports or outdated firewalls.

6. The Ransomware Payoff

Attackers know that fabricators can’t afford downtime. That makes ransomware their weapon of choice. They encrypt your systems and demand thousands in cryptocurrency — knowing that you’re desperate to get back online.

Even if you pay, there’s no guarantee you’ll get your data back.

How to Protect Your Fabrication Business

1. Train Staff to Spot Phishing
   Most attacks start with a single click. Teach your team to recognise suspicious emails.
2. Review Security on ERP and Accounting Systems
   Enable MFA, restrict access, and update software regularly.
3. Keep Systems Patched and Updated
   Outdated devices are easy entry points for attackers.
4. Segment Your Network
   Separate production systems from admin systems — if one is compromised, the other stays safe.
5. Get a Professional Risk Assessment
   You can’t protect what you can’t see. A risk assessment will highlight the weak points before attackers find them.

Final Word

Cybercriminals don’t discriminate by size — only by opportunity. If your defences are weak, you’re a target.

This Cybersecurity Awareness Month, Dufeu IT is offering a Cyber Health Check Bundle, which includes:

• Risk Assessment
• Microsoft 365 Review
• Penetration Testing

Take control of your cybersecurity before someone else does. Book your Health Check Bundle today and keep your fabrication line safe, your data secure, and your business running.

To find out more information, or how to book your Cyber Health Check, visit: Contact – Dufeu IT Solutions