With IT systems powering nearly every industry, even the slightest tech failure can snowball into...
Manufacturing has entered a new era of efficiency with automation and technological advancements. But as production lines accelerate and factories become more connected, cyber threats are escalating just as fast.
In 2023 alone, cyberattacks on manufacturers surged to 25.7% of all detected incidents worldwide—a dramatic jump from just 8% in 2019. The industry’s rapid adoption of IoT, AI, and cloud-based systems has opened new doors for innovation—but also for hackers looking to exploit vulnerabilities.
This article will break down the cybersecurity threats manufacturers can experience. It will also provide insights on protecting their operations and how managed IT services can assist by providing proactive threat detection.
Are Shop Floors the New Playground for Cyberthreats?
The Internet of Things (IoT) is a network of interconnected physical devices embedded with sensors, software, and other technologies that facilitate real-time data exchange. Although integrating these technologies enhanced manufacturers' efficiency, it also exposed them to more cyber threats. Each connected device can now be considered as a potential entry point for these threats.
Aside from that, manufacturers have access to proprietary information like product designs and processes. This makes them more attractive to cybercriminals with the intention to steal or exploit such data. Additionally, the continuous nature of manufacturing operations means even minor disruptions can lead to significant financial and operational losses. This urgency often makes manufacturers more vulnerable to ransomware attacks.
Cyber Threats Every Manufacturer Must Watch Out For
With the growing threats, your concern with your operation’s safety and continuity is valid. One of the things you can do to protect your business is to know these risks. Here are some of the key threats you need to be aware of:- Ransomware Attacks
This type of malicious software (malware) can encrypt critical files once it infiltrates your system. Then, the attacker will demand payment or ransom in exchange for a decryption key. To pressure the victims, the attacker will usually threaten to leak sensitive data if payment isn’t made. Manufacturers are prime targets for ransomware due to vulnerable operational technology, costly downtime, and supply chain exposures that attackers can exploit. - Phishing
By clicking a malicious link, you can compromise your company’s sensitive data and grant unauthorized access to your systems through phishing. These links can either be sent in deceptive emails pretending to be trusted sources, impersonation of high-level executives or partners, or malicious text messages that aim to trick employees into clicking harmful links or downloading malware. - Supply Chain Attacks
Threats like this can happen through widely-used software injected with malicious code, especially during updates. If the manufacturers install these compromised updates, they open their systems to malware. It can also be passed on through manipulation of physical components during manufacturing or distribution, where attackers embed vulnerabilities that can be exploited once integrated into the manufacturer's infrastructure.
The SolarWinds Attack in 2020 is an example of this. Attackers inserted malicious code into a SolarWinds’ Orion software update file. This led to widespread unauthorized access across numerous organizations, including manufacturers. - Industrial Espionage
This is also known as corporate spying, which involves the illicit acquisition of trade secrets and proprietary information from businesses to gain a competitive advantage. It can happen through insiders leaking or stealing information or attackers infiltrating a company’s digital infrastructure.
The 2010 Operation Aurora is a prominent example of a series of cyberattacks from China that targeted U.S. private sector companies. Through phishing attacks, cybercriminals breached the networks of Yahoo, Adobe, Dow Chemical, Morgan Stanley, Google, and numerous other companies to steal confidential trade secrets.
How Can You Strengthen Your Cybersecurity?
The sheer number of cyber threats facing your business can feel overwhelming. It’s already challenging to manage daily operations, and you have to think about these threats too. However, being proactive about it can significantly reduce risks. Here are some practical measures to help increase the strength of your business's cybersecurity:
- Implement Network Segmentation
You can separate your company’s IT and OT environments and limit access to each of them. In that way, you prevent unauthorized access that may carry threats. - Conduct Regular Security Audits & Vulnerability Assessments
Identify your weaknesses before they become an issue. By conducting routine assessments, you can identify potential entry points for threats in your business and fix them before attackers exploit them. You also need to establish a clear plan for cyber incidents. This ensures quick recovery and minimizes operational downtime. - Use Access Control and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
You should implement role-based access controls and multi-factor authentication (MFA) to safeguard against data leaks and system lockouts. This approach strengthens your security by ensuring you can identify and trust those with access to your systems. - Patch Management & Software Updates
Outdated software is more vulnerable to evolving cyber threats. To prevent this, you should keep your software and systems up to date to close security gaps. - Train Employees in Cybersecurity
Equipping your employees with the knowledge to recognize threats can significantly enhance your cybersecurity. You can do this by regularly training them so they can be vigilant and know how to respond effectively to potential security risks.
How Managed IT Services Can Defend Your Operations
Cyber threats don’t operate only during office hours, and they don't choose an idle team. What if a threat appears when your employees are offline or busy with operations? This is where Managed IT Services come in.
Managed IT Services offer round-the-clock monitoring to detect and respond to suspicious activities before they escalate. By using advanced threat detection tools, AI-driven analytics, and real-time alerts, IT providers can prevent unauthorized access, malware infections, and data breaches before they impact production.
Secure Your Factory Floor with ACS Managed IT Services
Protecting your operations requires more than just basic defenses; it requires a proactive, managed strategy that addresses the specific security challenges the manufacturing industry faces. That's where ACS steps in.
With our expert-driven Managed IT Services, we offer round-the-clock monitoring, threat detection, and compliance-focused security solutions tailored for manufacturers. Don’t wait for a cyber incident to interrupt your production—take a proactive stance with ACS.
Contact us today to discover how our specialized Managed IT Services can enhance your factory’s cybersecurity.
