In an era where digital connectivity is integral to manufacturing processes, cybersecurity has become a paramount concern for businesses. A recent report by the EEF revealed that 59% of manufacturers have faced client inquiries demanding assurance of the robustness of their cybersecurity measures. The stakes are high, with potential fines of up to 4% of global turnover or €20 million Euros for non-compliance with GDPR. As clients increasingly scrutinize third-party data handlers, cybersecurity proficiency has become not only a necessity but a contractual prerequisite.

The Current State of Cybersecurity in Manufacturing

Merely 24% of manufacturing enterprises have executed OT security projects and carried out necessary upgrades. Notably, a significant 56.8% of total IoT data traffic originates from the manufacturing sector.

To grasp the landscape of cybersecurity in the manufacturing realm, it is imperative to recognize how operational technology (OT) is reshaping the industry. Manufacturing is swiftly transitioning from traditional, isolated machinery to integrated, digital systems. These advancements harness the power of the Internet of Things (IoT) to supervise and govern entire networks, elevating operational efficiency across the organization and extending it to the broader supply chain.

As OT and IT systems continue to converge, navigating the synchronization challenges becomes critical. To learn more about overcoming these challenges and achieving seamless integration, explore our article on IT and OT Synchronization: Navigating the Challenges.

These developments empower companies to modernize and enhance their operational capabilities, projecting a twofold increase in OT investment over the next eight years. Currently, manufacturing and retail together account for 56.8% of all IoT data traffic.

Nevertheless, despite these evident advantages, cybersecurity in manufacturing continues to occupy a relatively low position on the priority list of many industry leaders. A survey reveals that a mere 24% of manufacturing companies have successfully completed their OT security initiatives. While progress is evident, the sector requires a more concerted effort to address these security vulnerabilities.

To help manufacturers navigate this landscape and safeguard their operations, we present seven essential cybersecurity tips to mitigate the risk of cyber attacks.

7 Cybersecurity Tips for Manufacturers 

Businesses must implement these practices for cyber security into practice to lessen the risks of cyber attacks on critical areas of manufacturing processes. These Cybersecurity Tips for Manufacturers are as under:

 1. Employee Training: The Human Element in Cybersecurity

Human error has emerged as a significant factor in cybersecurity breaches, with over 80% of all cyber losses involving a human element, according to AIG. These losses may result from accidental or malicious actions, with something as simple as clicking on a link leading to dire consequences.

In a notable incident in 2015, attackers breached a German steel mill through a phishing email that an employee opened, granting access to the attackers. This breach allowed them to infiltrate various systems, including the manufacturing execution system (MES), resulting in physical damage.

Manufacturers must prioritize employee training in basic cybersecurity practices. All employees, regardless of their roles, need to recognize that they can serve as entry points for attacks when using PCs or laptops to access the network. Here are three key areas for employee training:

 - Educate employees on identifying phishing scams, as phishing emails are becoming increasingly sophisticated.

 - Promote best practices for passwords, discouraging writing down, sharing, or reusing passwords.

 - Establish a policy for employees to log in to the network only from approved company devices and locations to prevent unauthorized access.

 2. Tailored Security Measures

Implementing the right level of security is crucial when employees access the network from different locations and devices. The security requirements for an employee accessing the enterprise resource planning (ERP) system from a coffee bar using a mobile device will differ from those for an office administrator sending an internal memo via Office 365 in the corporate office.

Risk-based authentication (RBA) allocates security levels on a per-user, per-application basis, considering variables like physical location, service being accessed, IP address, and device. This flexible approach enhances security without hindering day-to-day operations.

 3. Keep Applications Updated

Manufacturers can enhance cybersecurity by ensuring that all applications employees might use are up to date. Neglecting software updates can create vulnerabilities that cybercriminals can exploit. Frequent updates from software providers are essential to address security threats and vulnerabilities.

 4. Protect Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs)

PLCs controlling hardware in manufacturing are susceptible to attacks. To safeguard them, employ a Jump Box or Jump Server on an isolated network, allowing authorized personnel to access the PLCs externally when necessary while keeping them protected the rest of the time. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) can also uplift security.

 5. Single Sign-On for Multiple Networks

Maintain separate networks for different systems, but make it easy for employees to access them securely. Single sign-on (SSO) can provide efficiency and convenience, but it must be combined with risk-based authentication to ensure security.

 6. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Use MFA to secure applications and systems, requiring users to provide multiple forms of evidence, such as passwords and numerical codes, before gaining access. Choose an MFA solution that provides efficient, flexible, and intelligent authentication.

 7. Promote Adoption

Simplify cybersecurity processes for employees to ensure maximum adoption. Streamline operations with SSO options, offer training, and help employees understand the critical role of cybersecurity in manufacturing. Share information about cyberattacks on other manufacturers to raise awareness and commitment to protecting the company.

Cybersecurity in manufacturing requires a combination of practices tailored to each company's needs to eliminate weak points in the network and ensure robust protection against cyber threats.

The Future of Cybersecurity in the Manufacturing Industry

The manufacturing industry will develop and change as technology advances. Progress brings new cybersecurity threats and attacks, thus there is a need to implement strategies that ensure security and smooth workflow.

Manufacturers must invest in modern cybersecurity solutions that can detect and respond to emerging threats in real time to mitigate these risks. To safeguard sensitive data and manufacturing operations, strong encryption and authentication mechanisms are needed. Employee training will remain important in this changing environment since human errors can still cause cybersecurity breaches.

Manufacturing and cybersecurity professionals will develop proactive measures to address threats and weaknesses. This partnership will create more secure and resilient manufacturing ecosystems, allowing the sector to benefit from technological innovation without compromising safety and integrity. 

Prepare for the future of manufacturing with cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions. Visit our IT Solutions Category Page to explore advanced tools that protect your data, secure your operations, and ensure resilience in the face of evolving threats.