IT Compliance and Data Security for Engineering Projects

Chewing Through Compliance, So You Don’t Have To

Is IT Compliance Holding You Back from Bigger Projects?

The Hidden Barrier

Engineering firms often miss out on tenders or high-value contracts—not because of their capabilities, but because their IT systems don’t meet compliance requirements. Outdated software, weak security, or missing policies can quietly disqualify your business.

When Risk Becomes Reality

A single vulnerability—an unpatched system, a shared login, an unsecured file—can lead to data breaches, lost IP, and failed audits. The risk isn’t just technical—it’s commercial. Non-compliance can cost you contracts, reputation, and time.

Chewing IT Makes Remote Work… Work

We help engineering firms meet ISO, NIST, and industry-specific compliance standards with practical, tailored IT solutions. From audits to policy creation to hands-on support, we secure your systems so you can go after the contracts you want—with confidence.

Keep your projects compliant, secure, and stress-free

Let Chewing IT chew through the complexity of compliance—so you can focus on winning tenders and delivering top-tier engineering work.

Lets Get started with Compliance

Why Compliance Matters in Engineering Projects

Engineering firms deal with high-value data every day—blueprints, tender documents, site reports, client IP, and internal communications. If that data is compromised, it can lead to project delays, breach of contract, reputational damage, or lost tenders.

Government departments and large enterprise clients now expect strict adherence to IT compliance and data security standards as part of the procurement process. If your systems don’t meet baseline requirements like ISO 27001, NIST, or the Essential Eight, you may be disqualified before your proposal is even considered. Cybersecurity standards are essential and now offer a competitive edge if you are compliant.

In a competitive industry, compliance is more than just a legal requirement—it’s a sign that your firm is credible, secure, and ready to handle sensitive work. For engineering firms pursuing public sector or defence-related projects, getting IT compliance right is essential to growth.

Key Compliance Standards Engineering Firms Should Know

For engineering firms aiming to secure tenders or government contracts, adhering to recognised IT compliance standards is essential. These standards not only protect sensitive information but also demonstrate your firm’s commitment to robust security practices. Key standards include:

ISO/IEC 27001 – Information Security Management Systems (ISMS):

NIST SP 800-171 – Protecting Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI)

While NIST SP 800-171 is a U.S. standard, it can be relevant for Australian engineering firms—particularly those working with defence contractors, international tenders, or multinational primes.

This framework outlines security requirements for protecting Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) in non-federal systems. It’s commonly mandated by the U.S. Department of Defense and may appear in subcontractor requirements for global defence projects.

When NIST matters in Australia:

You’re working on defence-related projects connected to the U.S. or allied partners
You’re a subcontractor to a multinational firm that requires NIST compliance
You’re bidding for work involving international supply chains with strict data security expectations

Even when not legally required in Australia, aligning with NIST 800-171 is often seen as a sign of strong IT compliance and data security—especially in high-risk sectors like defence, infrastructure, and aerospace.

ASD Essential Eight – Mitigation Strategies

Developed by the Australian Cyber Security Centre, the Essential Eight comprises strategies to mitigate cybersecurity incidents. These include application whitelisting, patching applications, configuring Microsoft Office macro settings, user application hardening, restricting administrative privileges, patching operating systems, multi-factor authentication, and regular backups. Implementing these strategies enhances your firm’s resilience against cyber threats.

Industry-Specific Compliance

At Chewing IT, we specialise in helping engineering firms navigate these complex compliance landscapes. Our team assesses your current systems, identifies applicable standards, and implements tailored solutions to ensure you meet and maintain compliance—positioning your firm competitively for tenders and contracts.

person holding pencil near laptop computer

A man sitting at a table using a laptop computer

Common Security Gaps in Engineering IT Systems

Many engineering firms strive for compliance but may overlook critical vulnerabilities in their IT infrastructure.
Here are some prevalent security gaps:

Outdated or Unpatched Software

No Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Poor Access Control (e.g., Shared Logins)

Using shared credentials or failing to enforce role-based access controls can lead to unauthorised data exposure. It’s crucial to assign individual accounts with permissions tailored to specific job functions, ensuring that employees access only the information necessary for their roles.Using shared credentials or failing to enforce role-based access controls can lead to unauthorised data exposure. It’s crucial to assign individual accounts with permissions tailored to specific job functions, ensuring that employees access only the information necessary for their roles.

Insecure File Sharing or Cloud Storage

Lack of Clear Policies or Staff Training

No Incident Response Plan or Tested Backup

Need to Hit Compliance Targets and Stay Secure?

Let Chewing IT help you get compliant—and stay that way.

We’ll audit your current setup, patch the gaps, and keep your systems ready for whatever your next project demands.

Data Risk Assessment for Engineering Projects

Not all data carries the same level of sensitivity or risk. In engineering projects, certain information is particularly critical and requires stringent protection measures. At Chewing IT, we begin by identifying and categorising the data that, if compromised, could significantly impact your operations, reputation, or compliance status.
Key data types include:

Client Details

Technical Designs and Blueprints

Poor Access Control (e.g., Shared Logins)

Tender Documentation

Internal Communications

Field-Collected Data

Understanding the specific types of data your firm handles is crucial. By conducting a comprehensive cyber risk assessment, we can pinpoint vulnerabilities associated with each data category. This involves evaluating where and how data is stored, the methods of access, and existing security protocols.
Special attention is given to potential exposure points, such as:

Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Policies: Evaluating the risks associated with employees using personal devices for work purposes and implementing controls to mitigate these risks.
Collaboration Tools: Assessing the security of platforms used for team collaboration to prevent unauthorised data sharing or leaks.
Remote Access Systems: Ensuring that off-site connections are secure and that data transmission is protected against interception.

By systematically identifying and addressing these areas, we help fortify your data against breaches, ensuring compliance with industry standards and safeguarding your firm’s reputation and operational continuity.

How Chewing IT Helps You Stay Compliant

We don’t sell off-the-shelf “compliance packages.” We work with you to build systems that meet your actual needs—and tick the compliance boxes while we’re at it.

Here’s how we help:

IT audits aligned with ISO/NIST/Essential Eight
Data encryption, secure backups, MFA, and access controls
Endpoint protection for remote and field staff
Policy creation and staff training
Ongoing patch management and system monitoring
Incident response planning and support

At Chewing IT, we take a bite out of compliance complexities, allowing you to focus on delivering exceptional engineering projects without the headache of regulatory concerns.

The Business Case for Getting Compliance Right

At Chewing IT, we understand that engineering firms handle sensitive data—blueprints, proprietary designs, and client information—that require stringent protection. Our tailored cybersecurity solutions ensure your data remains secure, allowing you to focus on delivering exceptional engineering projects without the burden of compliance complexities.

Qualify for tenders and government contracts
Protect valuable IP and sensitive client data
Build trust with clients and project partners
Reduce risk of downtime, fines, or reputational damage
Strengthen your business against cyber threats

We know engineering environments. We understand your software, your file sizes, your workflows—and how compliance fits into that picture without slowing you down.

With local IT support on the Central Coast, we’re on hand when you need us. And with experience in compliance-heavy industries, we’re a safe bet when your next tender depends on getting IT right.

Ready to Optimise Your Cloud?

Don’t let IT challenges hinder your engineering projects. Partner with Chewing IT for proactive, reliable, and industry-specific support that drives your firm forward.

Call us today for a free IT audit or click below to schedule a consultation.

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