Reduce Your Risk of Cyberattacks to Safeguard Your Operations

In 2023, manufacturing became the most targeted industry for cyberattacks, overtaking sectors like healthcare and finance, according to IBM’s latest X-Force Threat Intelligence report. 23% of all cyberattacks were directed at manufacturers. This has placed the manufacturing industry squarely in the crosshairs of cybercriminals, and the stakes are only getting higher.

Manufacturing operations, once considered low-risk, are now a prime focus for hackers. So, how do you safeguard your business in a world where cyberattacks are increasingly sophisticated and relentless?

Why Are Manufacturers a Target?

Unlike other industries, many manufacturers still rely on legacy systems that weren't built with modern cybersecurity threats in mind. Outdated equipment, a sprawling network of connected devices, and the integration of IT and operational technology (OT) systems create a perfect storm for vulnerability. And cybercriminals know it.

When hackers target a factory, they’re not just going after data. They’re aiming for disruption. A ransomware attack can bring production to a screeching halt, costing companies millions in downtime and lost revenue. Worse, compromised systems can lead to faulty products, tarnished reputations, and even safety risks.

Common Cybersecurity Challenges in Manufacturing

To secure your operations, you need to first understand the specific threats facing the manufacturing industry. Here are the top challenges you need to address:

1. Legacy Equipment
   Many manufacturing plants still use outdated systems that weren’t designed to defend against modern cyber threats. These systems may lack basic encryption or patching capabilities, making them easy targets for attackers.
2. Increased Connectivity Through IoT
   With the rise of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), more devices are connected than ever. While IoT brings efficiency, it also expands the attack surface. Every connected device is a potential entry point for hackers.
3. Lack of Network Segmentation
   Many manufacturers fail to segment their IT and OT networks. This means if hackers infiltrate the IT side of your business (through phishing or malware), they can easily access critical operational systems as well, leading to potentially catastrophic damage.
4. Supply Chain Vulnerabilities
   Manufacturers rely heavily on third-party suppliers and vendors. Each one of these relationships represents a potential vulnerability. If your supplier is compromised, it could lead to a breach in your system as well.
5. Human Error
   In the end, even the best cybersecurity tools won’t protect you from human mistakes. An employee clicking on a malicious link or using a weak password can undo even the most secure systems. Unfortunately, this is more common than we’d like to think.

Actionable Steps to Safeguard Your Operations

Manufacturers can no longer afford to ignore cybersecurity. The good news is that you don’t need to completely overhaul your operations to improve security. Here are practical steps you can take to significantly reduce your risk:

1. Regularly Update and Patch Systems

Legacy systems may be harder to replace, but at the very least, they must be patched and updated frequently. Regular software updates ensure that known vulnerabilities are closed before attackers can exploit them. If replacing old hardware is out of the question, consider adding security layers such as firewalls and intrusion detection systems (IDS) to monitor network traffic for signs of attack.

2. Segment Your Networks

The integration of IT and OT systems creates vulnerabilities, but proper network segmentation can limit the damage if a breach occurs. Keep your IT systems separate from your OT systems. This ensures that if one system is compromised, hackers can’t jump to more sensitive systems easily. Additionally, segment within the OT network itself—devices on the factory floor shouldn’t be able to talk directly to the HR department’s network, for example.

3. Invest in Employee Training

Your employees are your first line of defense. Make sure they understand the risks and recognize phishing emails, suspicious links, and the importance of strong passwords. Invest in regular IT security training sessions and push simulated phishing attacks to test their skills. No one likes to think they could be the weak link, but education can help turn potential liabilities into assets.

4. Strengthen Your Endpoint Security

Every machine and device connected to your network is an endpoint—and each endpoint is a target. From sensors on pumps to employee laptops, all endpoints should be secured with the latest antivirus, anti-malware, and firewall software. Don’t forget to enforce policies that ensure the  devices connected to your network are regularly updated to be free of vulnerabilities.

5. Audit Your Supply Chain’s Cybersecurity

Your vendors and suppliers are critical to your operations, but they also present risks. Conduct regular audits of your third-party partners to ensure they have strong cybersecurity practices in place. Don’t assume their security protocols are as robust as yours. Create clear guidelines for security standards and make it a requirement for doing business.

6. Implement Zero Trust Architecture

The concept of Zero Trust is simple: trust no one. In a Zero Trust model, no one—whether inside or outside your network—is trusted by default. Every user, device, and application must be authenticated before access is granted. This means continuous verification, strict access controls, and regular monitoring of network activity.

7. Adopt Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Passwords alone are no longer sufficient. Adding multi-factor authentication (MFA) provides an extra layer of security. Even if hackers obtain an employee’s login credentials, they would still need a second form of verification—such as a code sent to a phone or biometric authentication—before gaining access.

What’s Next for Manufacturing Cybersecurity?

Manufacturers are up against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats, but those who invest in proactive cybersecurity measures will find themselves far better equipped to handle them. Start with the basics: update your systems, train your staff, and secure your endpoints. But don’t stop there.

In an age where manufacturing operations are interconnected and data-driven, cybersecurity needs to be a strategic priority. The risks are too great to ignore. By taking these steps, you’ll not only protect your business but also position yourself ahead of the competition.

Cybersecurity isn’t just a technical issue—it’s a business imperative. And the time to act is now.

Let’s secure the future of manufacturing, one step at a time!

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