Cyber Threats Are Evolving: Is Your Manufacturing Business Ready?

As manufacturers adopt new technologies like IoT and automation to improve efficiency, they also expose themselves to new cyber risks. In 2022, nearly 40% of manufacturing firms reported experiencing a cyberattack, making this sector one of the most vulnerable to evolving threats¹. With the increasing reliance on connected devices and complex supply chains, manufacturing businesses must ensure their cybersecurity strategies are robust and adaptable. 

The Growing Cyber Threats in Manufacturing 

Supply Chain Vulnerabilities

Manufacturers are heavily dependent on a network of suppliers and partners. This interconnected supply chain increases the risk of supply chain attacks, where cybercriminals exploit third-party weaknesses to infiltrate systems. These attacks can disrupt operations, cause financial losses, and compromise sensitive data. 

IoT-Based Attacks 

As manufacturing operations become more reliant on Internet of Things (IoT) devices, these connected devices present additional vulnerabilities. Attackers can use insecure IoT devices as entry points to gain access to critical infrastructure, potentially shutting down production lines or causing widespread disruptions. 

Industrial Espionage 

Cybercriminals are increasingly targeting manufacturing firms for industrial espionage, seeking to steal valuable intellectual property, designs, and data that can give competitors an edge. 

How Active Secure 365 Protects Manufacturing Firms 

BDO Digital’s Active Secure 365 offers manufacturers comprehensive protection against the wide range of cyber threats they face. Here’s how it works: 

• Continuous Threat Monitoring and Response: Active Secure 365 provides 24/7monitoring of your connected devices, helping ensure real-time detection of suspicious activity. 
• IoT and Endpoint Security: With Extended Detection and Response (XDR), Active Secure 365 secures IoT devices and workstations, helping prevent attacks that can disrupt operations. 
• Proactive Security Validation: Manufacturing firms can benefit from Active Secure 365’s continuous security validation, helping mitigate security misconfigurations leaving your business vulnerable to threats.

Managing the Costs of Cybersecurity in Manufacturing 

Many manufacturing firms struggle to balance the need for cybersecurity with limited IT budgets. However, with the growing threat landscape, it’s critical to ensure your business is protected. Active Secure 365 provides a predictable subscription-based pricing model, making it easier to manage cybersecurity costs while ensuring comprehensive protection. 

Additionally, for manufacturers looking to improve efficiency and reduce costs, BDO Digital offers a Free Posture Health Check to help optimize cloud usage and improve security controls, providing cost-effective management of your cybersecurity environment. 

The Importance of Proactive Cybersecurity in Manufacturing 

With cybercriminals becoming more sophisticated and targeting manufacturing firms for their valuable data and complex supply chains, having a proactive cybersecurity strategy is essential. By leveraging Active Secure 365, manufacturing firms can protect their operations from supply chain attacks, secure IoT devices, and prevent costly disruptions. 

Get Started Today 

Prepare your manufacturing business for the future of cybersecurity by scheduling a Free Attack Simulation to see how well your systems hold up against real-world threats. 

References 

¹ 40% of manufacturing firms experiencing cyberattacks: Deloitte Manufacturing Cybersecurity Report, 2023 (https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/pages/manufacturing/articles/manufacturing-cybersecurity.html)