In 2024, the manufacturing industry experienced 25.7% of all cyberattacks, making it one of the top targets. With its heavy reliance on connectivity and data, the industry has become a key focus for cybercriminals. This has propelled the industry leaders to a point where they can no longer afford to treat cybersecurity as an afterthought. Moreover, threat actors know how manufacturing companies have low risk tolerance for downtime, which compels them to give in to ransomware attacks to bring the operations back.
As per a joint survey done by Deloitte and MAPI, it was found that only 52% of the surveyed executives were confident that the assets in their manufacturing organizations are adequately protected from cyber threats. This simply translates into the alarming fact that almost half of the industry is highly vulnerable to all types of cyberattacks.
But the question here is whether the manufacturing industry is being targeted because of its operating style or because of a lack of adequate cybersecurity measures and awareness. Well, the reality is that it’s the combination of both. The manufacturing industry is crippled with legacy systems, real-time production environments, and deeply interconnected supply chains— all these leave a big gap which acts as a backdoor for threat actors to slip in.
This blog looks at the cyber threats facing manufacturers today, the common weak spots, and what leaders can do to stay protected before the next attack hits.
4 Reasons Why the Manufacturing Sector is Highly Prone to Cyberattacks
The global manufacturing industry is projected to grow from $13.5 trillion in 2023 to $20.8 trillion by 2031. While this steep growth is expected to support further development, the below-listed cybersecurity gaps leave this industry vulnerable to malicious attacks from cybercriminals.
1. Lack of Cyber-Aware Human Resources
As the manufacturing industry expands, more people are employed. While this undoubtedly reflects the progressive side of the industry, the sad truth is that many workers on the factory floor and operational roles are limited to the knowledge of machines and hand skills; these people are mostly illiterate and are not trained to recognize phishing attempts or suspicious network activities. They also don’t practice basic cyber hygiene like using a strong password or hovering over links before clicking them.
You would be surprised to know that 4 of the top 10 threats in the manufacturing industry involve employees! In another report, it is stated that internal vulnerabilities, mainly because of human error, account for 70% of breaches in the industry.
2. Extensive Attack Surface
The new revolution of the manufacturing industry is backed by leaders who have made operations vast and interconnected across the globe. Their digital landscape is expanding exponentially to drive growth, innovation, and efficiency, but all this also intensifies the exposure to threats.
So, basically, on one hand, the manufacturing giants have captured the global market by integrating technology, but on the other hand, they failed to keep up with the cybersecurity challenges that follow such extensive digital footprints. In the rush to lead the market, staying ahead of cyberactors isn’t always their focus.
3. Heavy Reliance on the Legacy Systems
Despite the substantial growth in the manufacturing industry, legacy systems are a significant part of its establishment. This is not due to negligence, but rather because of practical, financial, and operational reasons. For example, upgrading or replacing industrial systems is expensive—not just in terms of money, but also time and effort. Many of these machines are custom-built, and integrating new technologies with existing infrastructure can require massive overhauls.
Moreover, modern tech often needs new skill sets. Many manufacturing workforces are trained on legacy systems, and there’s a shortage of professionals who understand how to securely bridge older OT systems with newer IT platforms.
The recent Trustwave Risk Radar Report also highlighted that legacy systems used in the manufacturing industry make it one of the prime targets, resulting in data loss, production downtime, supply chain interruptions, and sometimes even courtroom issues.
4. Integration of Millions of IoT Devices
In today’s manufacturing landscape, the integration of IoT is a double-edged sword; on one side, it drives innovation, but on the other, it acts as a backdoor for cyberactors. Many IoT devices run on outdated software, and when combined with legacy systems already in use, they create serious security gaps.
From smart sensors on factory floors to connected machines that keep operations running, every device can be a target for hackers. And it’s not just modern gadgets—even old printers and legacy IoT tools are still in use, making the problem worse. Often, these devices aren’t even included in a company’s cybersecurity plans, leaving them completely unprotected.
To make it more challenging, IoT devices connect beyond just one company. They’re tied into suppliers, logistics, and other partners—so a breach in one system can quickly spread and impact the whole chain.
Developing Cyber Resilience in the Manufacturing Industry
The manufacturing industry is continuing to adopt smarter and interconnected systems. This demands a focus on building a robust cyber resilience establishment so that the development doesn’t experience a downward graph because of phishing, spoofing, ransomware, BEC, or other types of cyberattacks. In this era of digital reliance, cybersecurity is not optional— it’s essential.
While the challenges are complex, the World Economic Forum’s recent playbook, Building a Culture of Cyber Resilience in Manufacturing, offers three clear and practical ways for manufacturers to strengthen their cybersecurity posture.
1. Cyber Resilience Should be a Core Business Aspect
Cybersecurity is not limited to being the responsibility of the IT team; every employee, irrespective of their department and position, needs to be cyber-trained. This progression starts with allocating proper budgets, setting clearly defined policies, and laying down a detailed incident response plan.
2. Integrating Security into Every Process
Cyber resilience works best when it’s built into systems right from the start. Instead of patching holes after a breach, manufacturers should design security into their products, operations, and technologies. This includes using a risk-based approach when launching new systems or updating old ones. The goal is to make security a natural part of innovation—not a barrier to it.
3. Strengthening the Entire Ecosystem
Manufacturing doesn’t operate in a bubble. From suppliers to distributors, many partners are involved at every stage. This principle focuses on working together with the whole ecosystem—sharing knowledge, raising awareness, and building trust. When everyone in the network plays their part, the overall system becomes much harder to attack.
Together, these three principles promote collaboration and reinforcement of cybersecurity practices. As digitalization is becoming the backbone of every industry, embracing these strategies ensures a safer and sustainable progress.
Hi, I’m Daksh Kaur—a freelance technical cybersecurity content writer. I’ve worked with leading brands like EasyDMARC, PowerDMARC, SecurityHQ, and DuoCircle to create ghostwritten blogs that educate and convert. My content breaks down complex concepts like SPF, DKIM, DMARC, phishing, ransomware, and penetration testing into bite-sized, actionable insights—always backed by real-world stats and examples.
If you’re looking to turn your blog section into a platform that reflects your expertise and drives qualified leads, I’d love to collaborate. I’m currently open to partnering with a cybersecurity company that values strategic, high-impact content.
Feel free to reach out at daksh@turtlewords.com to explore this further.
