The manufacturing industry has undergone a dramatic transformation in recent years, embracing digital technologies to drive productivity, efficiency and innovation. At the same time, this increased reliance on connected systems and devices has exposed manufacturers to a growing array of cybersecurity threats.

Increased operational technology and internet of things device adoption have significantly expanded the manufacturing industry’s attack surface. Each entry point is an opportunity for cybercriminals to disrupt production and compromise critical systems. 

Supply chain attacks have become increasingly sophisticated, and manufacturing stakeholders should prepare for the cyber threats that are most likely to impact their operations. For example, ransomware attacks put data at risk and can bring entire production lines to a standstill. Intellectual property theft is another potential issue, where both external and internal parties can steal trade secrets, patents or unreleased designs.

The consequences of cyber incidents are well known, extending beyond immediate operational setbacks. Such disruptions can have far-reaching consequences, including reduced customer trust and safety implications for partners or other stakeholders. Cybersecurity incidents can impact even the most established, tech-advanced companies, underscoring the critical importance of solidifying cybersecurity measures across the manufacturing sector. 

Manufacturers have the power to take control of their cybersecurity posture and build resilience against evolving threats. By implementing a proactive, multi-layered approach to cybersecurity, they can safeguard assets, maintain the trust of stakeholders, and position themselves for long-term success. Four core elements create a powerful defense against cyber incidents.

Ensure early threat detection and response. To protect against cyber threats, manufacturers can implement systems that allow them to identify and prevent potential issues. Research from IBM found that organizations take an average of 204 days to detect a breach. The more time it takes to identify an issue, the longer companies are vulnerable to damage.

With this in mind, manufacturers can consider deploying security information and event management (SIEM) and extended detection and response (XDR) tools. They offer real-time monitoring and rapid-response capabilities. SIEM and XDR tools can prevent an attack from becoming a crisis by detecting anomalies and responding swiftly.

Cultivate a cyber-savvy workforce. Human error continues to be a critical weak point in cybersecurity, with nearly 75% of attacks resulting from simple mistakes. Ongoing education and immersive training are indispensable in addressing these vulnerabilities. By engaging employees in active learning experiences that model real-world cyber threat scenarios, every person in the organization can learn how to identify and prevent attacks, and the organization can foster a more cyber-aware culture.

Comprehensive cybersecurity training prepares the entire team, from the factory floor to the executive level, with the knowledge to act as the company's first line of defense against online threats. By engaging in regular, realistic training exercises, employees sharpen their ability to detect and respond to security risks.

Training the general workforce can include everyday cybersecurity best practices, such as identifying and reporting phishing emails, using strong passwords, and practicing safe browsing habits. Interactive modules and simulated phishing exercises can help employees sharpen their ability to detect and respond to common threats.

IT and security teams require more technical training to prevent, detect and respond to cyber incidents effectively. One effective approach is to run "tabletop exercises," where teams practice responding to hypothetical scenarios such as a distributed denial of service (DDoS) attack, ransomware or insider threat. These exercises help gauge the effectiveness of the company's incident response plan and identify areas for improvement.

Leadership training needs to include everything the general workforce receives and can also cover topics such as risk management, compliance and incident response from a strategic perspective. 

Targeted, engaging training experiences for all employees transform the workforce into an effective first line of defense against online threats.

Follow strong risk management frameworks. Navigating the cybersecurity landscape requires more than vigilance; it demands a resilient and adaptable framework. Following the guidelines of ISO 27001, the premier global standard for an information security management system (ISMS), equips manufacturers with a solid cybersecurity infrastructure. 

ISO 27001 was introduced in 2005 and updated in 2013 and 2022 based on the changing digital landscape. The latest standard sets a new benchmark for cybersecurity. As the 2025 deadline to transition from the old version approaches, now is the time to consider existing defenses against digital threats.

It’s important to note that ISO 27001 outlines rules and procedures rather than a precise to-do list. Following are a few best practices that will assist organizations in preparing to meet ISO 27001 standards:

• Conduct an internal security audit to get better visibility over security systems, apps and devices. 
• Define security policies, including how the organization manages and implements security controls.
• Monitor data access and consider keeping login records for future reference.
• Implement device security measures. Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 have in-built device security configurations to help.
• Consider the security of employee offboarding. An exiting employee shouldn’t retain access to the organization’s systems.
• Encrypt organizational data to ensure integrity and confidentiality.
• Back up critical data and define the backup location, frequency and data retention period.

Deploy technology for a stronger defense. Technology can be valuable for manufacturers, especially those with limited resources or without a dedicated security team. The right cybersecurity software can help enhance security posture without necessarily increasing headcount. When selecting tools, it's essential to consider those that provide comprehensive security features, while being mindful of the workload and capabilities of your IT team.

A well-designed system can automate critical tasks, provide clear insights, and help maintain compliance. However, it's important to recognize that no one cybersecurity software can do everything. The integration process may require adjustments to ensure optimal performance within your unique environment.

Ultimately, the right cybersecurity solution should empower your team to focus on core business objectives while providing strong protection against evolving threats. By carefully selecting and layering appropriate tools, manufacturers can strengthen their cybersecurity posture and build resilience in the face of digital risks.

When vetting cybersecurity solutions, manufacturers can ask questions to ensure a secure and efficient integration, such as:

• How does the tool guard against both known vulnerabilities and emerging threats? 
• What is the process for real-time threat detection and alerting? 
• Can the solution integrate seamlessly with our existing tech infrastructure?

With questions like these in mind, manufacturing leaders can ensure the system they choose will give them maximum protection tailored to their unique situation.

Building a cyber-resilient manufacturing sector requires collaboration between manufacturers, cybersecurity experts, industry groups and other stakeholders. By sharing knowledge, intelligence and resources, businesses can enhance their collective ability to predict, prepare for and respond to cyber threats.

By embracing a culture of cyber resilience and adhering to industry-leading practices, the manufacturing sector can safeguard its operations and uphold its critical contribution to the global economy.

Matt Warner is chief technology officer and co-founder of Blumira.