The manufacturing industry is increasingly targeted by sophisticated cybersecurity threats. In 2023 alone, manufacturers experienced a staggering 42% increase in overall cyberattacks. High-profile incidents underscore the gravity of the situation, such as the breach at Marinette Marine Shipyard in April 2023 and the cyberattack on Clorox in September 2023. These attacks against manufacturers, alongside many others, have caused severe disruptions to operations and inflicted significant reputational damage on affected organizations.
Two significant contributors to this trend are the rapid advancement of technology and the widespread adoption of Industry 4.0 and digitalization. While these innovations drive productivity and efficiency, they also introduce considerable vulnerabilities. As these risks continue to grow, it becomes increasingly clear that manufacturers must prioritize cybersecurity as a fundamental element of their overall business strategy.
In this article, we’ll outline the steps to begin improving your cybersecurity maturity and share valuable resources to help you move in the right direction.
Identify the Risks That Could Impact Your Business
The first step in improving your cybersecurity posture is understanding the specific risks your organization faces. Not all manufacturers share the same level of risk exposure—factors like company size, position within the supply chain, and industry sector heavily influence vulnerability. For example, defense contractors supporting critical technologies are often targeted by advanced persistent threats (APTs), requiring robust, sophisticated security measures. On the other hand, smaller manufacturers of consumer goods may primarily face more common, less complex threats.
Assessing your risk profile is essential for determining the appropriate scope and sophistication of your cybersecurity program. Frameworks such as the NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) and ISO/IEC 27001 can provide valuable guidance for establishing a systematic approach to identifying and managing cybersecurity risks.
Mitigate Identified Cybersecurity Threats
After identifying cybersecurity risks, the next step is to determine the measures needed to mitigate them. Fortunately, a wealth of standards and tools are available to guide this process. For instance, NIST 800-53 offers a comprehensive catalog of controls that can be tailored to your specific risk profile (with NIST 800-171 being a subset of these controls). Similarly, the Center for Internet Security (CIS) provides well-structured sets of controls to support implementation efforts.
If you operate in a regulated industry, there are likely specific cybersecurity standards you are required to follow. Adhering to these standards not only ensures compliance but also strengthens your organization’s overall cybersecurity posture.
Build a Strong Foundation
Regardless of your risk profile, certain cybersecurity risks are universal, and manufacturers are no exception. Common threats include malware, social engineering, insider threats, network-based attacks, and data breaches to name a few. Many attackers seek out easy targets, and manufacturers are particularly vulnerable due to their often-limited cybersecurity expertise and potential for high rewards. The key is to address the basics effectively, so your organization doesn’t become “low-hanging fruit.”
Achieving a foundational level of cyber hygiene is essential for mitigating common cybersecurity risks. Frameworks such as the CMMC Level 1 controls or the CIS Critical Security Controls offer practical guidance for establishing these defenses. Among the most critical risks to address are those stemming from human error, which remains the leading cause of successful breaches.
In addition to basic cybersecurity controls, it’s crucial to cultivate a strong cybersecurity culture and provide employees with role-specific training on the risks they may encounter. Clear policies should also be implemented to define secure channels for sensitive communications, reducing exposure to social engineering attacks like phishing, spear phishing, and vishing. As advances in AI enable attackers to create more sophisticated and convincing social engineering tactics, these measures will become increasingly vital.
Conclusion
Cybersecurity threats for manufacturers are escalating every year as our world continues to advance and become increasingly interconnected. While this connectivity drives productivity and efficiency, it also introduces new vulnerabilities. We may now be at a critical turning point where manufacturers can no longer afford to overlook cybersecurity; the potential damage from a breach—whether operational, financial, or reputational—is simply too significant to ignore.
About Component Products Corporation
Component Products Corporation is a trusted aerospace and defense manufacturer, proudly serving the industry since 1967. Our commitment to cybersecurity began long before the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) became a requirement. Over the years, we’ve invested heavily in strengthening our cybersecurity practices, positioning ourselves to meet the rigorous compliance and security needs of our customers. Contact us today to learn more about how we can partner to support your mission securely and reliably.