Brews & Cyber Threats: Cybersecurity Awareness for Engineers

From civil to mechanical to electrical, engineers are the architects of infrastructure, innovation, and industry. But as the engineering field embraces cloud platforms, digital modeling, IoT-connected systems, and collaborative tools, one thing becomes clear: your data is now a target.

Whether you’re submitting municipal bids, managing sensitive schematics, or working on multi-million dollar R&D projects, your files and systems are highly valuable—and vulnerable.

That’s why Info Advantage created Brews & Cyber Threats, a cybersecurity awareness campaign with a twist. We’re pairing the top five digital threats facing engineering firms with handcrafted brews from Rohrbach Brewing Company in Rochester to make cybersecurity education stick.

Because precision matters, in your work and your security.

1. Scotch Ale + Phishing (Deceptively Smooth)

Phishing emails are increasingly polished. In a deadline-driven engineering environment, they often succeed.

Why It Hurts Engineers:

• Login credentials for critical platforms get stolen

• Malware is installed on shared CAD or modeling systems

• Attackers gain access to client or infrastructure data

Info Advantage Tip:

• Train all staff to detect social engineering and phishing tactics

• Deploy MFA and email protection tools

• Run monthly phishing simulations to reinforce habits

Why Scotch Ale?
Rohrbach’s Scotch Ale is malty and mellow, inviting at first but stronger than it looks—just like phishing, which hides its sting behind a smooth façade.

2. Space Kitty + Ransomware (Bold and Unforgiving)

Ransomware doesn’t just lock files; it halts operations. If project files, simulation results, or client correspondence get encrypted, everything stops.

Why It Hurts Engineers:

• Downtime on projects worth millions

• Loss of intellectual property and operational plans

• Missed deadlines, client dissatisfaction, and financial loss

Info Advantage Tip:

• Backup all data regularly and test recovery processes

• Install EDR solutions that detect and isolate ransomware

• Keep CAD suites and document storage patched

Why Space Kitty?
This bold double IPA hits like ransomware—intensely and without warning. You’ll feel it if you’re not prepared.

3. Blueberry Ale + Business Email Compromise (BEC) (Sweet, Crisp, and a Little Sneaky)

BEC scams look ordinary: a fake email from a lead engineer, a fraudulent payment change from a subcontractor. One slip can be costly.

Why It Hurts Engineers:

• Fraudulent wire transfers to “vendors” or consultants

• Leaked project estimates or sensitive infrastructure data

• Subcontractor and partner trust compromised

Info Advantage Tip:

• Use dual-approval for financial transactions and password changes

• Implement SPF, DKIM, and DMARC for email authentication

• Educate project managers and finance leads on spotting deception

Why Blueberry Ale?
Light, crisp, and easy to underestimate—much like BEC attacks. The sweetness hides a deeper bite.

4. Helles Lager + Insider Threats (Smooth, But Needs Guardrails)

Not all risks come from the outside. Employees, ex-staff, or contractors mishandling specs can cause serious damage.

Why It Hurts Engineers:

• Theft of proprietary designs

• Non-compliance with client data policies

• Risk to intellectual property and patents

Info Advantage Tip:

• Apply role-based access to project folders and file systems

• Remove access immediately when employees leave

• Monitor file activity and flag high-risk behavior

Why Helles Lager?
Rohrbach’s Helles Lager is clean and smooth—but like trusted team members, it still needs structure and guardrails.

5. Vanilla Porter + Cloud Misconfigurations (Complex, Layered, and Needs Precision)

Engineering firms now store designs, 3D models, simulations, and deliverables in the cloud. Misconfigurations in Google Drive, Microsoft 365, Box, or BIM platforms can leave data exposed.

Why It Hurts Engineers:

• Proprietary plans or contracts accidentally made public

• Compliance violations with partners or clients

• Unauthorized access to live documents or workflows

Info Advantage Tip:

• Conduct regular audits of cloud storage and permissions

• Use encryption, MFA, and activity logging

• Set default permissions to “least privilege” by role

Why Vanilla Porter?
Complex and layered, like your cloud setup. When handled right, it’s smooth and rewarding. When neglected, it turns sour fast.

Final Sip: Secure Your Specs, Clients, and Firm

Your engineering work powers cities, bridges, and innovation. But even the strongest designs can be compromised by a weak password or misconfiguration.

Let’s build a better foundation—starting with your firm’s cybersecurity.

Engineers thrive on precision. So does cybersecurity.
Uncover strategies to protect your data and IP while enjoying expertly paired craft beers.

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