Cybersecurity is top of mind for businesses across all sectors – from healthcare and financial services to retail and manufacturing. Within the manufacturing industry, companies face increasing pressures to secure their growing digital operations. If hackers gain access to critical information, they can cause businesses and their customers significant problems like financial harm, reputational damage, intellectual property theft, and operational disruptions.
Companies must ensure that their workforce, machines, systems, and processes are all aligned with a security-first mindset. Manufacturing facilities are integral to the global supply chain, making them an increasingly popular target for cybercriminals. If any part of the supply chain is compromised, its effects can be felt across operations – from the factory floor to the end customer, causing a myriad of negative results, including production delays, material shortages, higher costs, and a decrease in customer satisfaction.
The current manufacturing cybersecurity landscape
The World Economic Forum’s 2025 Global Cybersecurity Outlook highlights the increasing complexity of the cyber landscape, noting that an increased dependence on more intricate supply chains leads to a more unpredictable risk landscape. And, while many industries have robust cybersecurity processes already in place, manufacturers are still in the early stages of building a culture of cyber resilience.
This presents manufacturers with the chance to refine their cybersecurity strategies and strengthen the tools and programs they have in place to proactively prepare for evolving threats rather than reactively mitigate damage in the case of an attack.
Tools for building a robust cybersecurity framework
As the factory floor continues to become increasingly connected and digital with the addition of advanced technologies such as AI and automation, the cybersecurity landscape grows more complicated. Manufacturers need to implement a mix of certifications and operational protocols to protect their systems, stay competitive, and minimize the risk of costly disruptions or data breaches.
With the right certifications and protocols in place, manufacturers can strengthen their operations to reduce vulnerabilities, be better prepared for whatever threats come their way, and demonstrate their commitment to strong cybersecurity practices.
Industry standards such as ISA/IEC 62443 and ISO/IEC 27001 were created to safeguard industrial environments from escalating cyber threats. These certifications provide manufacturers with operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT) protection against the changing and interconnected landscape, helping build out a solid cybersecurity framework. Plus, manufacturers that adhere to these cybersecurity standards are more attractive to potential customers who are looking for a partner with a strong commitment to data security.
In addition to certifications, manufacturers must also establish operational protocols such as incident response plans, regular vulnerability assessments, and workforce cybersecurity training. These best practices help companies identify, prepare for, and quickly contain any breach scenarios before they develop into a full-scale attack that affects the entire supply chain.
For example, routine vulnerability assessments identify potential security weaknesses across hardware and software that may expose systems to cyberthreats. Once identified, manufacturers can work to proactively manage the threat before it’s exploited by a bad-faith actor.
Smarter, more secure manufacturing of the future
Emerging technologies such as AI and automation have drastically changed the factory floor, and there’s no sign of the adoption slowing down anytime soon. As new technologies open the door to advancements on the factory floor, risks significantly increase. Cybersecurity must be prioritized as companies continue moving toward Industry 4.0. and beyond.
By adhering to industry standards, achieving certifications, and implementing well thought out operational protocols, manufacturers can improve their processes to ensure they prioritize the security of their machines, information, and customers every step of the way.
The most successful manufacturers recognize the importance of preparing for the future and embracing a security-first mindset, making their smart manufacturing operations more protected and resilient.
