In manufacturing, cybersecurity is not optional. In light of increasing attacks on industrial processes, it is an absolute necessity. Just this year, circuit board manufacturer Unimicron experienced a terrifying ransomware attack that reportedly endangered almost 400 GBs of data. Make no mistake: your systems are vulnerable, and threat actors are already considering how best to exploit that.
Fortunately, it’s not hopeless. With the right strategy, focused on your industry and needs, you can strengthen your security posture and prevent these threats from destroying everything you have worked to build.
Why Manufacturing Cybersecurity is Crucial
Many manufacturing firms make the mistake of assuming that cyber attackers will not target them. The logic used takes many forms: they are too small, they don’t carry data a threat actor would want, etc. Unfortunately, these assumptions are all incorrect. The truth is that any business can be targeted, regardless of size, industry, or any other factor.
In fact, some attackers go out of their way to strike small businesses in niche industries. They are fully aware that these organizations often underestimate the importance of security, and are thus vulnerable. They are seen as high-reward and relatively low-risk, making them extremely tempting.
If you do experience an attack, the consequences can be dire:
- Financial losses
- Downtime
- Data loss
- Legal penalties
- Reputational damage
In the worst-case scenario, your firm could close down entirely.
The Unique Threats Facing Manufacturing Firms
Manufacturing firms face a unique set of cyber threats that endanger their operations and finances
Ransomware Attacks
During a ransomware attack, threat actors lock down data and systems. Once they have control, they threaten to release data or keep systems offline until a payment is made. In some cases, they may employ both threats at once as a double extortion tactic.
Data Breaches
From proprietary designs to supplier contracts, manufacturers handle more sensitive data than one might expect. If this information is accessed without authorization, it can be stolen and leaked, sold, or used to launch further attacks. Data breaches erode trust in your company and put you at risk of harsh compliance penalties.
Intellectual Property (IP) Theft
IPs are at particularly high risk of theft, due to the amount of value they hold. IP theft severely damages your profitability by endangering the designs, formulas, and trade secrets that keep your company running. These important assets might be sold to competitors, or even used to manufacture counterfeit goods for a lower price.
Operational Technology (OT) Vulnerabilities
Manufacturers operate within a unique environment. In addition to IT, they also work with OT systems. These are often intertwined, creating a dangerous situation. OT is often not secured the same way IT is, providing an easy attack vector. Once cyber threats have gained access to that, they can spread throughout your entire firm.
Top Industrial Cybersecurity Solutions
Here is the good news: these cybersecurity risks can all be avoided. Here are some key strategies that can help boost your defenses and reduce your chances of experiencing an attack:
Network Segmentation
Segmentation splits your network into smaller chunks that can be easily disconnected during an emergency. When working with combined OT and IT environments, this is especially important. Should your company experience a cyber-attack, segmentation will prevent it from spreading across your entire IT infrastructure – making it easier to isolate and remove the threat.
OT Security Solutions
OT security solutions help close an important entry point for threat actors, preventing them from breaching your business. Since these systems often lack built-in security, the best way to do this is by controlling availability. Implement a Zero Trust policy, monitor systems closely, and only allow remote access when absolutely necessary.
Restricting communications between your OT and IT environments can also serve as an effective final line of defense if the former is somehow breached. Similarly to segmentation, it prevents threats from successfully crossing the barrier into your main IT infrastructure.
Industrial Control Systems Security
Industrial control systems (ICS) security is essential. If threat actors gain access to these critical systems, they can cause a significant amount of damage very quickly. You can secure industrial control systems by using multi-factor authentication, disabling unnecessary ports on devices, performing regular security patches, and using only vendor-supported software.
Staff Training
Human error is one of the biggest cyber risks any business can face. Regularly educate your team on the danger presented by cyber threats and teach them how to implement your security controls effectively. Create a calm, non-judgemental space where they can approach you with questions or concerns.
Incident Response Planning
If all else fails and you still experience an attack, your incident response plan determines how well your firm will fare. Create a strong plan that outlines emergency procedures, responsibilities, and communications. Provide additional training for staff, and remember to place your plan somewhere where it can be easily accessed by all individuals.
Managed Services
If you struggle with managing cybersecurity on your own, then partnering with a managed service provider (MSP) might be the right decision. These third-party experts will take care of security for you, implementing advanced solutions and monitoring constantly for threats. This frees you up to focus on strategic initiatives, rather than battling cyber threats.
FAQs
What Makes Cybersecurity for Manufacturing Firms Unique?
Cybersecurity is unique for manufacturing firms because of the set of circumstances they operate within. Legacy systems, OT that is tightly interwoven with IT, and remote work all create an environment that requires a specialized approach.
How Do OT Security Solutions Help Manufacturers?
OT systems are often used as a gateway into the IT infrastructure, due to their weaker defenses. Specialized OT security solutions mitigate this risk factor, primarily by preventing threats from crossing the OT/IT barrier.
What is the First Step for Implementing Industrial Cybersecurity Solutions?
Step one should always be a comprehensive audit of your IT and OT systems. Identify your biggest risk factors, and prioritize them by their level of importance. This helps guide your efforts throughout the process.
How Much Do Managed Security Services Cost?
The cost of managed security services varies widely based on your organization’s size, IT and OT infrastructure, and existing risk factors. Ask your chosen provider for a quote to receive accurate information.
Protect Your Manufacturing Firm With Advanced Security Solutions
In manufacturing, cybersecurity is critical for long-term success. It protects you from operational disruptions, financial losses, and reputational harm. While the threats you face are immense and often frightening, the right approach will help you get ahead of them. Investing in the right manufacturing cybersecurity solutions now can preserve your profitability for years to come.
Ascentient’s security experts understand that threats are only becoming more advanced, and that to stop them, you’ll need to leverage every tool at your disposal. We’re dedicated to teaching you modern solutions that will have a real impact on your security. Get started by discovering how AI is protecting businesses across the globe.