In an industrial world that is becoming increasingly digital, cybersecurity has become a vital component for manufacturers to protect their facilities from internal and external threats. In 2023 alone, there were 259 cases of data compromise in the manufacturing and utilities industry in the United States.
Despite the common misconception that only large companies are targeted by digital threats, small- and medium-sized manufacturers must also stay protected. Not only does a security breach compromise your information, but it can also send you into unplanned downtime that can cost you huge profit losses. That is why it is essential to have a cybersecurity plan set in place.
With over eight decades of experience in industrial automation, HESCO is no stranger to cybersecurity on the factory floor. In this article, we’ll share some industry-best practices and practical steps that you can take to keep your equipment and employees protected.
Cybersecurity might just seem like the priority of large corporations with vast resources, but the reality is far different. Manufacturing is now one of the most targeted industries for cyberattacks, with small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) increasingly finding themselves in the crosshairs. Attackers know these companies are often the least prepared, making them an easy target.
Industrial automation networks are more interconnected than ever, blending IT (information technology) and OT (operational technology) systems to improve efficiency and productivity. However, this connectivity also creates a larger attack surface for cyber threats.
Some of the most common vulnerabilities manufacturers face include:
When it comes to cybersecurity preparedness, national and global manufacturers often lead the charge in cybersecurity efforts, typically having dedicated IT and OT managers, robust defenses like managed switches, and layered security strategies that minimize vulnerabilities.
On the other hand, smaller manufacturers often lack the same resources or personnel. IT teams are stretched thin, and responsibility for securing OT networks often falls on engineers or maintenance teams who may not have cybersecurity expertise. This gap leaves these companies highly vulnerable to attacks.
Compounding this issue is a dangerous misconception among small manufacturers: the belief that their size makes them an unappealing target. However, attackers don’t necessarily care about your company’s revenue—they care about how easily they can breach your defenses and how much they can disrupt your operations. For SMBs, even a single week of downtime can spell disaster, making the stakes particularly high.
The cost of ignoring cybersecurity is steep, often resulting in:
The manufacturing sector’s increased reliance on data and connectivity has made it a prime target for cybercriminals. As the industry evolves, cybersecurity is no longer optional—it’s a fundamental component of keeping your operation running. While the challenges may seem daunting, the good news is that effective cybersecurity measures are within reach for businesses of all sizes. The first step? Recognizing the problem and committing to addressing it head-on.
The good news is that cybersecurity risks can be significantly reduced with a strategic approach. For small to medium-sized manufacturers, the journey to a secure operation starts with understanding your vulnerabilities and building a plan to address them. Here's how you can get started:
The foundation of any effective cybersecurity strategy is knowing what you’re working with. A thorough network assessment will:
For example, during an assessment, you might discover that your network relies heavily on unmanaged switches. Upgrading to managed switches allows you to control traffic, set permissions, and secure data flow within your OT network, reducing the likelihood of unauthorized access.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has developed a widely recognized framework to guide businesses through building robust cybersecurity defenses. This framework includes five critical steps:
This step-by-step approach is scalable, making it suitable for small businesses just starting with cybersecurity. By prioritizing these elements, you can create a solid foundation without feeling overwhelmed.
Every manufacturing facility should have a detailed plan for how to respond to cybersecurity incidents. Your IRP should include:
A well-documented IRP can be the difference between a manageable disruption and a prolonged shutdown.
Something as simple as clicking a phishing email can lead to a breach, so building a culture of cybersecurity awareness is critical. This starts with training employees to recognize suspicious emails, links, and behaviors. Training can occur through meetings your IT team holds, but there are also a variety of trainings available online.
Create clear guidelines for password management, including the use of multi-factor authentication (MFA). Most software now offers MFA, which asks users to confirm their login with a code or secondary device. It could be worth it to require your employees to use MFA and/or an authenticator app like Google Authenticator or DUO.
Finally, regularly update staff on new threats and the role they play in protecting the company. It’s not enough to just train your employees in how to stay safe online; keep them in the loop about new cybersecurity implementations and make sure they have the resources they need to ask questions and report suspicious activity.
Security isn’t about a single solution—it’s about layering protections to create a robust defense. Your network security should have multiple layers of coverage.
Software tools like firewalls, antivirus software, and endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions are worthy investments to deal with threats before they’re able to make it into your network. These tools can scan incoming data and sort through it, looking for suspicious activity and vetting sources.
Limit who can access what on your network, using tools like role-based permissions to determine what information certain team members can access. Not only does this ensure that employees don’t have access to information they don’t need, but reduced access also equates to a reduced chance of a cybersecurity incident.
And importantly, any remote access points should be protected. VPNs and secure authentication systems can help keep these critical entrances to your technology protected from outside threats that could shut you down and are more than worth the potential price of admission.
In today’s hyper-connected manufacturing world, cybersecurity isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. The risks are real, and the stakes are high. From production downtime and financial penalties to reputational damage and intellectual property theft, the consequences of a cyberattack can be devastating for small and medium-sized manufacturers. But the good news is that taking action now can save your business from becoming another statistic.
Start by assessing your network and identifying vulnerabilities. Upgrade outdated hardware like unmanaged switches, adopt frameworks like NIST to build a comprehensive strategy, and create a robust incident response plan to minimize downtime if the worst happens. Most importantly, educate your team—because a well-informed workforce is one of your strongest defenses.
The challenges may seem daunting, but they’re not insurmountable. By prioritizing cybersecurity, you’re not just protecting your operations—you’re investing in the resilience and longevity of your business. Don’t wait for a breach; contact us for more information about network assessments and learn how we can help you build a strong, secure foundation for your business.