The manufacturing industry has seen a stark increase in cyberattacks within the past couple of years. Hackers are benefitting from the fact that manufacturers are constantly online and running their systems throughout the day, making companies more susceptible to attacks. Since the COVID-19 pandemic has begun, many companies have increased their remote access which also opens the door for cybercriminals. With so much at stake, it’s essential for manufacturers to be aware of the most common cyber threats and take steps to protect their operations. These are the top three cyber threats manufacturing companies need to watch for.

Ransomware

Another common threat is ransomware, which is a type of malware that encrypts a company’s data and demands a ransom payment to decrypt it. This can be devastating for a manufacturing company, as it may lose access to critical data and be unable to meet customer deadlines. To protect against ransomware, manufacturers should back up their data regularly and ensure that their security software is up to date.

Phishing

One of the most common attacks faced by manufacturers is known as phishing. This involves hackers sending fraudulent emails or text messages in an attempt to trick employees into revealing sensitive information or downloading malware. To combat this threat, manufacturers should educate their employees about the dangers of phishing and implement procedures for spotting and reporting suspicious emails.

Malware

One of the most common is malware. This is software that is designed to harm or disable computer systems. It can be used to steal data, take control of machines, or disrupt production processes. As a result, they are now more reliant on technology than ever before. Unfortunately, this increased reliance also makes them more vulnerable to cyber threats. By understanding the different types of cyber threats that exist, manufacturing companies can take steps to protect themselves from attack.

Managed Services

The manufacturing industry has long been an early adopter of technology, and today, many factories are using cutting-edge machinery and software to streamline their operations. However, managing all of this technology can be a challenge, particularly for small and medium-sized businesses. One solution is to outsource the management of these services to a third-party provider. This arrangement is often referred to as a managed service. Managed services can provide a number of benefits to manufacturing companies, including cost savings, improved efficiency, and increased flexibility. For example, by outsourcing the management of their IT infrastructure to a managed service provider, manufacturers can focus on their core business activities without having to worry about the day-to-day maintenance of their IT systems. In addition, managed service providers often have extensive experience in dealing with the complexities of modern manufacturing environments and can therefore offer valuable insights and expertise. As a result, companies that use managed services can enjoy significant advantages in terms of cost, efficiency, and flexibility.

These are just some of the top cyber threats faced by manufacturing companies. By being aware of these threats and taking steps to protect their operations, manufacturers can help keep their businesses safe from harm.