With supply chain disruptions and uncertainty in the markets, manufacturing companies have a lot of challenges these days. Unfortunately, the challenges are only increasing, especially when it comes to cybersecurity.

Cybersecurity Dangers in the Manufacturing Industry

Manufacturing organizations are big targets for hackers. It’s not just for profit motives necessarily. These days, we have to seriously consider that hostile actors might be targeting certain companies for political reasons or to engage in terrorism. Manufacturing companies are prime targets for sabotage, and thus must be extremely forward thinking when it comes to their cybersecurity postures.

Many think that the main threat is the hijacking or loss of data. However, the threats are even more severe. A German steel plant was hacked in 2014 through email spear-phishing. Via the cybersecurity leak, the hackers were able to get into the plant’s operating system. They sabotaged the temperature controls for a large blast furnace. The furnace overheated and exploded. Two workers died.

This case has actually never been solved. We don’t know who did it or why.

New Cyberattack Strategies and Risks

New cyberattack strategies are dramatically impacting the manufacturing industry, underscoring the need for robust cybersecurity strategies and measures. The Association of Equipment Manufacturers outlines a number of risks for manufacturers, including: 

Ransomware

Ransomware attacks are up, by as much as 239% since 2019. The ransomware hacker installs malicious software on your computer that basically hijacks it and holds it hostage. The hackers want you to pay money typically in order to release the computer. Sometimes they will hijack data and demand ransom in exchange for the safe return of the data. If the ransom is not paid the data will be released online.

Consider also that ransomware might be used for even more nefarious purposes. Perhaps they hijack your manufacturing plant and demand money, otherwise they will use the software to effectively damage your hardware and equipment.

5G-Connected Devices and the Internet of Things (IoT)

5G connected devices and the Internet of Things have many benefits, however, they also create a lot of vulnerabilities for networks. Some IT experts believe that IoT devices and sensors may become the biggest cybersecurity risk in the next five years. Connected devices need to be vetted and secured. Companies making them should be supplying regular security patches to make sure that these devices remain safe.

Telecommuting and Remote Work

Remote work and hybrid work have many benefits both for employers and employees. Home offices can save businesses money on office space and also reduce environmental impact by lessening commute times. However, when individual employees are using their own equipment, they can unwillingly create some cyber risks for the company. Thus, all telecommuters should be given proper software solutions and security cybersecurity training to make remote work safe.

Phishing

As part of that employee cybersecurity training, phishing needs to be prioritized. This is where fake emails are sent out with logins that are designed to track credentials and steal information. Phishing is a main way hackers get into business networks.

Social Engineering

Social engineering is basically a fancy way of talking about a cyber con. The hacker acts as a con artist and tricks the target into providing the confidential information or login codes. The phone is often used for this type of attack, but emails are also increasingly used.

Does Your Manufacturing Company Lack Adequate Cybersecurity Protection?

All of the above can be major problems, especially when companies aren’t adequately protected from cyber risks. It may be that the tech team is simply too overwhelmed to handle every aspect of cybersecurity, or maybe they aren’t qualified enough. 

Cybersecurity is a specialty in IT that requires a lot of experience, training, and knowledge. Finding a good cybersecurity expert can be challenging, because IT experts are in high demand. But this is where Managed IT can help, because you will have a team of cybersecurity experts on your side.

Improve Your Cybersecurity Posture With Managed IT Solutions

Blue Technologies is the trusted partner of many manufacturing companies when it comes to cybersecurity and IT. Through our BlueProtect Managed IT solutions, we will be able to secure your networks from intrusions, providing 24/7 monitoring by certified technicians. And, with our proactive approach to cyberattack prevention, we can help ensure that your manufacturing offices and plants are kept safe and secure from malicious attackers and hackers.

Manufacturers are under threat from hackers and bad actors and good cybersecurity is critical. Blue Technologies can secure your systems with BlueProtect Managed IT. Contact a Blue Technologies consultant to schedule a comprehensive IT assessment today.