Cybersecurity in Manufacturing: Protecting Your Operations and Data

By Mary A. Stevens II
Senior Relationship Manager
EZ Micro Solutions

The manufacturing industry is rapidly evolving with smart technology, connected equipment, and digital supply chains (digital tools, platforms, and data to manage the flow of goods, information, and finances from suppliers to manufacturers to customers). While these innovations drive productivity, they also create new vulnerabilities. Cybersecurity for manufacturers is no longer optional—it’s essential to protect sensitive data, maintain operational uptime, and meet compliance requirements.

Why Manufacturers Are a Target for Cyber Threats

Manufacturers are prime targets for cybercriminals because they hold valuable intellectual property, production data, and often operate on legacy systems that aren’t built with modern security in mind. Ransomware, phishing attacks, and supply chain breaches are some of the most common threats.

Common Cybersecurity Risks in Manufacturing:

• Ransomware attacks that halt production lines until a ransom is paid. In 2023 over half of the recorded cyberattacks on manufacturing were ransomware-induced.

• Example: You fall prey to a Ransomware attack. Production halts for two weeks. On top of the lost Production income, you also pay attorneys, digital forensics analysts, and your insurance deductible (provided you had adequate coverage)

• Phishing and/or social engineering scams target employees with access to critical systems.

• Example: Your employee believes an email actually came from you and spends $250,000 of company money paying a faked invoice.

• Unsecured Industrial IoT devices that serve as entry points for hackers.
  • Example: In 2025, attackers exploited vulnerabilities in smart conveyor systems, robotic arms, and environmental sensors, injecting ransomware that halted production lines resulting in millions of lost revenue.
• Third-party vulnerabilities in supply chain networks.

• Example: Your accountant is hacked, and a threat actor gains access to your system. This results in your bids being leaked and the loss of contracts as your competitors undercut you.

• Crypto-mining and Crypto-jacking are when a hacker uses company resources to mine cryptocurrency. In 2023, North America saw a 36% increase in cryptojacking attempts.
  • Example: In late 2024, USAID suffered a cryptojacking attack that resulted in $500,000 in cloud service charges.

Manufacturing Cybersecurity: Top Threats & Essential Defenses

Key Cybersecurity Best Practices for Manufacturers

To prevent incidents like ransomware, phishing, and supply chain breaches, manufacturers need a multi-layered cybersecurity approach. Proactive measures are essential to minimize risks and keep operations running smoothly. This means combining technology, processes, and people to create strong defenses at every level of your organization.

Implementing these best practices can help manufacturers:

• Detect vulnerabilities before attackers do
• Protect critical systems and sensitive data
• Respond quickly to threats and recover from incidents
• Meet compliance requirements and build trust with partners

1. Regular Vulnerability Assessments

Routine assessments help identify security gaps before attackers do. These can range from monthly scans to annual reviews, depending on your risk profile and cyber insurance requirements. Many insurers now expect documented assessments as part of your coverage eligibility. A good assessment includes both internal and external scans and should be followed by prioritized remediation. Even if you’re not subject to compliance mandates yet, proactive assessments reduce risk and demonstrate due diligence.

2. Multi-Layered Protection

A strong cybersecurity posture relies on multiple layers working together:

• Perimeter Defense: Firewalls and intrusion detection/prevention systems help block unauthorized access.
• Endpoint Security: Antivirus, EDR, and device hardening protect individual machines and mobile devices.
• Identity & Access Management: Role-based access, MFA, and Zero Trust principles ensure only the right people access the right systems.
• Monitoring & Response: Continuous logging, alerting, and incident response planning help detect and contain threats quickly.

This layered approach is especially important in manufacturing, where operational technology (OT) and IT often coexist. A breach in one layer shouldn’t compromise the entire environment.

3. Employee Training

Human error is one of the biggest risks in manufacturing environments. Consistent, documented training in Cyber Security reduces the likelihood of phishing or social engineering attacks. Ideally this training empowers employees to actively participate in your security culture. The Manufacturer’s Resource Center offers resources and workshops that can support your team’s training initiatives alongside internal IT or MSP guidance.

4. Secure Remote Access

Implement MFA for all logins to critical systems—not just remote access—to ensure only authorized users can access sensitive data and controls. Regularly renew tokens and update authentication methods as part of your security policy.

5. Data Backup and Disaster Recovery

Backups are your last line of defense against ransomware and system failures. Ensure production-critical data is backed up securely—ideally using a combination of local and offsite/cloud storage. Backups should be encrypted, versioned, and protected from unauthorized access. Just as important: test your backups regularly to confirm they can be restored quickly and completely. A well-documented recovery plan supports business continuity and minimizes downtime in the event of an incident.

6. Support for Legacy Systems

Many manufacturers rely on older equipment and software that may not be compatible with modern security solutions. These systems need regular updates, patching, and monitoring. You may also need to consider network isolation or implementing compensating controls to reduce risk.

7. Network Segmentation

Divide your network into distinct zones (e.g., separating production systems from office IT) to limit the spread of malware and restrict access to sensitive areas. This way, if one segment is compromised, attackers can’t easily move laterally across your entire environment.

Compliance in the Manufacturing Sector

All industries face a level of compliance for protecting personal information and payment processing. Additionally, manufacturers must often comply with industry regulations like NIST, ISO 27001, or CMMC. Staying compliant not only reduces legal risks but also builds trust with partners and clients. Manufacturers face a range of compliance requirements, which can be grouped into levels:

1. Basic Compliance (for all industries):

• Cyber hygiene: Regular patching, antivirus, secure passwords, and documented policies.
• Data protection: Adherence to general standards like NIST Cybersecurity Framework or CIS Controls.
• Incident response: Basic plans for responding to breaches or outages.

2. Advanced Certifications (industry-specific or regulatory):

• ISO 27001: International standard for information security management.
• ITAR: Required for manufacturers dealing with defense-related products.
• CMMC: For those working with the Department of Defense supply chain.

For certifications requiring external audits or specialized expertise, consider partnering with both your IT team and a specialized compliance provider to achieve and maintain these higher standards.

3. Sector-Specific or Emerging Compliance:

• OT Security Standards For operational technology (e.g., ISA/IEC 62443).
• State-specific regulations: Such as Pennsylvania’s data breach notification laws.
• Supply chain security: Requirements from major OEMs or government contracts.

If you’re unsure which compliance level applies to your business, the Manufacturer’s Resource Center and/or an MSP such as EZ Micro Solutions can help you assess your needs and connect you with the right resources.

Building a Cyber-Resilient Future

The cost of downtime in manufacturing can be devastating—recent studies show that the average cost of a cyberattack in manufacturing exceeds $1.5 million, with production halts, lost contracts, and reputational damage.

As manufacturers embrace emerging technologies like AI-driven automation, smart sensors, and cloud-based production management, the attack surface grows. Protecting your operations means staying ahead of both current and future threats.

Emerging technologies bring new opportunities—and new risks:

• Industrial IoT: Smart devices increase efficiency but require robust security controls.
• AI and machine learning: Can detect threats faster but also introduce new vulnerabilities.
• Cloud adoption: Enables remote work and data sharing but demands strong access controls and monitoring.

A cyber-resilient manufacturer is one that invests in continuous improvement, adapts to new threats, and builds security into every process. The Manufacturer’s Resource Center frequently shares insights on securing emerging technologies, making it a valuable resource for staying ahead.

Next Steps:

If your organization hasn’t recently evaluated its cybersecurity posture, now is the time.

Don’t wait until your production line is halted by a cyberattack. Contact the Manufacturers Resource Center for guidance on assessing your risks, strengthening your defenses, and ensuring business continuity

Curious about where you stand? Download our free IT Cybersecurity Checklist to identify gaps, document which cybersecurity frameworks and industry standards apply to your business, and add notes for your IT team.

About the Author: Mary A. Stevens II, Senior Relationship Manager, EZ Micro Solutions

Mary A. Stevens II

Mary and the team at EZ Micro Solutions work with manufacturers to create the best IT solutions for their businesses. All MRC members can receive a free IT assessment and penetration test by contacting Mary at mstevens@ezmicro.com or 610-264-3991. Their experts will help you identify risks, strengthen your defenses, and ensure you’re ready for the future.