Today’s manufacturing supply chains are very complex, involving numerous stakeholders and integrated processes. While complexity and interconnectivity have driven innovation and growth, they’ve created more opportunities for cybercriminals.
As attacks continue to rise, the manufacturing industry needs support in building a cyber-resilient ecosystem encompassing manufacturing entities, suppliers, partners and service providers. This push towards digital transformation is even more critical, considering many manufacturers rely on legacy systems that can be challenging to update or replace. With stronger cyber resilience, the entire manufacturing value chain can become more robust and agile, effectively minimizing risks and ensuring continuity in the face of sophisticated threats.
Barriers To Cybersecurity
Manufacturing cybersecurity strategies are often fragmented, lacking a united front to defend against coordinated attacks. For instance, manufacturing environments often consist of a wide range of equipment and systems, many of which are legacy systems. These older systems were not designed with cybersecurity in mind, making it challenging to integrate modern security measures.
For some companies, especially SMBs, that may not have chief information security officers (CISOs), this process can be even more fragmented as they try to preserve their cybersecurity posture with fewer employees and resources. A lack of synchronization between IT and operational technology (OT) can lead to gaps in the collective defense, allowing for systemic vulnerabilities.
Four Cornerstones For Cyber Resilience In Manufacturing
Below are four practical cornerstones manufacturers can use to strengthen resilience and keep operations running when threats emerge.
1. Build and regularly test redundancy and contingency plans
Resilience starts with backup systems and alternative mechanisms that keep production moving if primary systems fail. Designate key decision-makers and clarify when they should act during an incident.
Establish a clear response plan so the organization can move quickly if bad actors strike. Schedule and document regular recovery tests to confirm that backups restore cleanly and processes meet target recovery times. Testing helps minimize the impact of cyber incidents and speeds recovery.
Reduce risk by standing up a dedicated incident response team with the expertise and authority to coordinate the organization’s response. Define roles and responsibilities, and set clear lines of communication and escalation.
2. Invest in specialized cybersecurity training
Make training continuous and practical. Use approaches like gamification and tabletop exercises to build awareness. Tabletop exercises are simulated scenarios that test and improve incident response readiness in a low-risk setting.
Include key stakeholders in these sessions, such as cybersecurity team members, IT and OT staff, executives, legal counsel, communications, and other relevant departments. In a facilitated discussion, participants walk through a hypothetical cyber incident, clarify roles and decision points, and confirm escalation and communication paths.
This practice strengthens overall preparedness and ensures there is a documented, actionable plan in place if a cyberattack occurs.
3. Align cybersecurity threat detection capabilities with international standards
As cyber threats evolve, manufacturers should align detection and response controls practices with established frameworks. ISO 27001 is a widely recognized standard for managing information security and provides a systematic approach to protecting sensitive data.
Demonstrating compliance with ISO 27001 signals a strong commitment to security. To maintain that alignment, implement cybersecurity software that maps detections and controls to the standard, automates compliance tasks and evidence collection, monitors regulatory changes and updates to industry standards, and provides clear visibility into the organization’s security posture.
4. Implement advanced detection and response software
It is also important to note that many effective security tools detect and stop attacks without AI or ML. Effective threat detection continuously collects and monitors data from network traffic, system logs, user activity, and end-point data, enabling organizations to identify suspicious activities and potential security threats within their networks. By analyzing patterns, baselines, and anomalies in real time, these tools identify suspicious behavior and potential threats so teams can investigate and respond quickly.
Advancing technologies such as IoT, AI, and ML are revolutionizing how organizations predict and respond to cyber threats. These technologies can detect issues in real time, and give manufacturers a chance to prevent attacks before they occur.
The Role Of Third-Party Cybersecurity Experts
If you are unsure where to begin, consider partnering with third-party cybersecurity experts. The right partner brings manufacturing experience, understands OT environments and supply chain risk, and can accelerate planning, tooling, and response.
When evaluating cybersecurity experts, look for:
- A proven track record in manufacturing
- A collaborative approach with clear communication and shared runbooks
- Alignment with standards such as ISO 27001 & 27002, NIST SP 800-82, and ISA or IEC 62443
- Relevant certifications, for example CISSP, GICSP, GIAC, or CISA
The Manufacturing Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MFG-ISAC) is a nonprofit threat awareness and mitigation community for small, medium, and enterprise manufacturers in the United States. The MFG-ISAC uses open-source and proprietary intelligence to warn members about emerging threats and shares tools and methods for prevention, remediation, and recovery.
Choose experts who can grow and evolve with your organization, providing ongoing support, guidance and proactive cybersecurity services. By ensuring strategic collaboration with a cybersecurity partner, manufacturers can overcome fragmented defenses and build resilience across the value chain.
Improving Cybersecurity Posture
Modern manufacturing relies on interconnected supply chains and partners. That complexity fuels innovation, but it also widens the attack surface. Globalization and digitalization have stretched supply chains beyond traditional limits, creating new opportunities for cybercriminals.
Adopting robust cyber defense strategies is crucial for manufacturers. Focus on advanced detection and response, continuous role-based training, and alignment with recognized compliance standards. If you are unsure where to begin, partnering with third-party experts or joining industry communities like MFG-ISAC can accelerate progress.
These steps help manufacturers build resilience against evolving cyber threats and support the development of a cyber-resilient manufacturing ecosystem.
