American manufacturing today isn’t just tech driven; it’s tech dependent. Efficiency, consistency, precision, quality, communications — nearly every essential aspect your manufacturing operation relies on is tied to some form of advanced technology.
Which is exactly why cyber attackers made you — manufacturers — their No. 1 target for ransomware in 2024, reports the Global Resilience Federation.
What is Ransomware?
Ransomware is a type of malicious software that locks up your computer system and/or encrypts your files until you pay the attacker.
Fact: A full 65% of manufacturing and production organizations reported being hit by ransomware last year, up from 56% in 2023, according to Sophos’ 2024 State of Ransomware Report.
What if Your Operations Ground to a Halt?
If you’re running Just-In-Time (JIT) inventory and Lean Six Sigma operations, even a short disruption could spell disaster. A single ransomware attack can lock up your production floor, freeze your supply chain, and cost millions in lost revenue. Worse yet, every hour of downtime doesn’t just chip away at your ability to meet tight production schedules; it grinds down your reputation — and with it, the prospects for your company’s future.
We’ve seen this play out time and time again: high-performing manufacturers left scrambling simply because they underestimated the risks. It doesn’t have to be that way. Understand what you’re up against and fortify your defenses. Follow the four steps below to strengthen yours.
How to Lower Your Risk of a Ransomware Attack
1. Rethink Cybersecurity Responsibilities
For too long, cybersecurity has been treated like an IT issue, something handled by the folks in the back office. But in reality, the threats facing manufacturers today are shop-floor problems. If a cyberattack takes down your production line, it’s not the IT team taking the hit; it’s your business, your employees, and your ability to deliver. It’s important to recognize that cybersecurity isn’t just IT’s problem; it’s a manufacturing imperative.
2. Rethink Cybersecurity Budgeting: It’s an Investment, Not a Cost
Many manufacturing leaders see cybersecurity as just another expense — until they experience an attack. The reality? A well-planned cybersecurity budget doesn’t protect only your data; it protects your ability to operate, ship, and meet customer expectations.
That said, start shifting from one-time security purchases to ongoing investments in monitoring and threat detection. Finally, ensure cybersecurity is a part of year-end budget planning; chances are good it’ll be far less expensive than any payout demanded if disaster strikes.
3. Regularly Educate & Train All Staff
Like cybersecurity itself, cybersecurity training can’t be an afterthought. Your entire staff — whether they’re in the office or on the shop floor — must know how to recognize threats, avoid common scams, and respond quickly when something looks off. Phishing emails, compromised logins, and unsecured network connections are the fastest ways for attackers to get inside, and once they’re in, they don’t just steal data; they shut you down.
Invest in regular education and training programs that show your entire staff the latest scams and how best to respond. Your best defense is a workforce that knows how to spot and stop cyber threats before they become problems.
4. Protect Your Shop Floor: Manufacturing’s Unique Vulnerability
Unlike traditional office environments, manufacturing facilities rely on interconnected systems, automated machinery, and legacy equipment that wasn’t built with cybersecurity in mind. The risk isn’t just a hacker sitting behind a keyboard — it’s an adversary that knows how to exploit the weakest link in your operation.
To keep production running smoothly, you need the following:
- Network Segmentation: Keeps operational technology (OT) separate from IT networks to prevent widespread infections.
- Regular System Updates: Many manufacturers run outdated software, making them easy targets for cybercriminals.
- Strict Access Controls: Limits who can connect to critical systems and ensure credentials are secured.
- Continuous Monitoring: Detecting anomalies in real-time can stop an attack before it spreads.
Ransomware poses a serious threat to modern manufacturing operations, targeting the very technology and connectivity that drives efficiency and innovation. If you weren’t one of the 65% of manufacturers hit by ransomware in 2024, don’t just count yourself lucky; take proactive steps to strengthen your operation’s cybersecurity posture.
By prioritizing cybersecurity, educating employees, addressing vulnerabilities on the shop floor, and reframing cybersecurity protection and prevention as a core manufacturing issue rather than just an IT responsibility, you can significantly reduce your risk of a devastating attack.
You — and your IT team — don’t have to tackle any of the above alone. Rehmann Technology Services offers manufacturers a full range of assessments and IT that can be tailored to their unique needs. Not sure what you need? Reach out for a no-obligation chat with one of our cybersecurity experts or, if you’d prefer, take our complimentary 360 Discovery self-assessment here. You’ll get a free comprehensive overview of the health of your entire IT environment — from networks and endpoints to security and data.