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Top Cyber Threats to Manufacturing Companies and How to Mitigate Them



The manufacturing industry is under constant threat from cyberattacks. In fact, IBM’s X-Force Threat Intelligence Index 2022 states that the manufacturing sector became the most cyber-attacked industry in 2021.

This means manufacturers must be extra vigilant in protecting their systems and data from cybercriminals. In addition to a workshop on lean manufacturing, business owners should also focus on security threats and solutions. This blog post will quickly talk about the top cyber threats to manufacturing companies and how to mitigate them. Here are some of them:

1. Cyber Espionage

Cyber espionage is a cyberattack carried out to steal trade secrets or other sensitive information from a company. This can be done by infecting a company’s systems with malware or gaining access to its network through social engineering techniques.

For instance, cybercriminals may pose as suppliers or customers and trick employees into giving them access to the company’s network. Once inside the network, they can steal data or plant malware that can disrupt operations. You should have robust security measures, such as firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems, and employee training on cybersecurity best practices to mitigate this threat.

2. Denial of Service (DDoS) Attacks

DDoS attacks are another common type of cyberattack that can target manufacturing companies. In a DDoS attack, cybercriminals flood a company’s servers with traffic in an attempt to overload them and take them offline. This can disrupt operations and prevent customers from accessing the company’s website or services.

Companies should have DDoS protection in place to prevent this threat, such as a cloud-based DDoS mitigation service. They should also monitor their network for any unusual activity and have a plan ready to respond to any incidents quickly.

3. Phishing Attacks

Phishing attacks are another common type of cyberattack that can target manufacturing companies. In a phishing attack, cybercriminals send emails or other messages that appear to be from a trusted source, such as a bank or government agency.

These messages usually contain links or attachments that can infect a company’s systems with malware or trick employees into giving up sensitive information. Companies should have robust email security measures, such as spam filters and employee training on how to spot phishing emails to avoid this threat.

4. Malware Attacks

Malware attacks are another common type of cyberattack that can target manufacturing companies. In a malware attack, cybercriminals infect a company’s systems with malicious software, such as viruses or ransomware. This software can disrupt operations, steal data, or hold it hostage until a ransom is paid.

To prevent this threat, you should have robust security measures, such as antivirus software and intrusion detection/prevention systems. You must also regularly back up your data so that they can be restored if they are lost or corrupted.

5. Data Breaches

Data breaches are another common type of cyberattack that can target manufacturing companies. Cybercriminals gain unauthorized access to a company’s systems in a data breach and steal sensitive data, such as customer credit card information or trade secrets.

To avoid this threat, you should have robust security measures, such as firewalls and intrusion detection/prevention systems. Also, encrypt your data and regularly back it up so it can be restored if lost or corrupted.

In addition, consider hiring a third-party service provider, such as DVIRC, that can help you with the manufacturing process and cybersecurity.

The Bottom Line

Cybercriminals often target manufacturing companies due to their sensitive data and their critical role in the economy. Companies should have robust security measures, such as firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems, and employee training on cybersecurity best practices to mitigate these threats. 

You should also consider hiring a third-party service provider to you with the manufacturing process and cybersecurity. You can visit this page for more tips and find a manufacturing blog that discusses this topic in more detail.