Supply Chain Vulnerabilities: Addressing Cybersecurity Risks in Manufacturing Networks

Manufacturing networks are increasingly complex, connecting suppliers, distributors, and customers in tightly woven digital ecosystems. While this interconnectedness drives efficiency and innovation, it also creates more opportunities for cybercriminals to exploit.

According to Bitsight’s 2025 State of the Underground Report, manufacturing was the most targeted industry for the third year in a row, accounting for 22% of all attributed cyberattacks in 2024.

Source: Bitsight, 2025 State of the Underground – Manufacturing led all industries in ransomware incidents, with over 1,000 recorded cases in 2024.

With ransomware and supply chain compromises on the rise, manufacturers face mounting pressure to secure their environments against evolving threats. To reduce exposure, it’s critical for manufacturing organizations to understand their most common vulnerabilities and adopt proactive strategies that strengthen their cybersecurity posture.

Key Manufacturing Vulnerabilities

As manufacturing organizations embrace digitization and connected technologies, several critical vulnerabilities continue to expose them to cyber risk:

Legacy Systems

Many manufacturing environments still rely on outdated technologies such as Industrial Control Systems (ICS) and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems. These tools were never designed to withstand modern cyber threats. Legacy systems often:

• Lack regular security patches and updates.
• Contain known vulnerabilities that attackers can exploit.
• Provide pathways for unauthorized access, data theft, or disruption of operations.

Without proper architecture, segmentation, and continuous monitoring, legacy systems remain a persistent weak point across industrial networks.

Third-Party Vendors and Supply Chain Risks

Manufacturers rely on a wide network of suppliers and service providers, but these third parties often operate with weaker cybersecurity controls. This creates potential entry points for attackers who may exploit vendor connections to gain access to a manufacturer’s systems.

• 42% of manufacturers reported experiencing a third-party related breach, with 35% traced back to overly broad vendor privileges. (Ponemon, 2025)
• Nearly one-third of breaches now originate from third-party vendors, a 40% increase in just two years. (SecureWorld, 2025)

Once a vendor is compromised, attackers can move into a manufacturer’s environment and expose sensitive product designs, proprietary processes, and customer data. Third-party vulnerabilities not only increase the likelihood of a breach but also make it harder for manufacturers to maintain full visibility and control over their security posture.

Misconfiguration and Human Error

Complex information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) environments increase the risk of configuration mistakes. In manufacturing, the interconnectivity of systems such as ICS and SCADA makes these errors even more impactful. A misconfiguration or human error can create serious vulnerabilities that attackers are quick to exploit. Common issues include:

• Weak or reused passwords
• Unpatched cloud or endpoint systems
• Employees unintentionally clicking on phishing emails or downloading malware

Social engineering is an increasingly serious threat in manufacturing environments. According to Security Magazine, 22% of cybersecurity breaches in the manufacturing sector in 2024 were traced back to social engineering tactics.

Even a single misconfiguration or error can disrupt production lines, compromise product quality, or open the door for ransomware. A lack of cybersecurity awareness training compounds this problem, making organizations more vulnerable to both external attacks and insider mistakes.

Proactive Mitigation Strategies

Educate Employees to Recognize Threats

Early detection is one of the most effective ways to prevent ransomware and other attacks. The longer a breach goes undetected, the greater the risk to production lines, supply chains, and intellectual property. Even lean IT teams without dedicated security staff can strengthen defenses through regular, organization-wide training. Employees and IT staff should be trained to recognize common warning signs, such as:

• Unusual network activity affecting machinery, production lines, or Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems
• Unexpected data transfers from SCADA or other OT components
• Unauthorized administrative actions, such as unapproved software installations
• User sign-ins from unusual locations or unfamiliar devices

For example, an unusual spike in network traffic late at night when production lines are idle could indicate that an unauthorized party is attempting to transfer data or conduct malicious activities. Catching these behaviors early allows teams to investigate and contain threats before they escalate.

Ongoing education is most effective when it is practical and immersive. Tabletop exercises, where teams rehearse how they would respond to a ransomware outbreak, insider threat, or DDoS attack, help organizations test their incident response plans and uncover gaps. Manufacturers can also take advantage of CISA cybersecurity training and exercises to build resilience across every level of the organization, from the factory floor to executive leadership.

Adhere to Robust Security Frameworks

A strong cybersecurity framework gives manufacturers a structured approach to managing and reducing risk. By following established guidelines and best practices, organizations can better protect valuable intellectual property such as product designs, manufacturing processes, and proprietary technologies. Key benefits of adopting a robust framework include:

• Protecting Intellectual Property: Safeguards trade secrets and proprietary designs from theft or unauthorized access
• Meeting Compliance Requirements: Supports adherence to standards such as ISO 27001, NIST 800-53, and ISA/IEC 62443, reducing the risk of fines and penalties
• Securing Customer Data: Ensures sensitive information, including personal and financial details, is protected to maintain customer trust
• Strengthening Supply Chain Security: Extends protections to suppliers and vendors, reducing the risk of third-party compromises that could disrupt production or impact data integrity

By building security around a recognized framework, manufacturers create consistency across people, processes, and technologies. This approach not only improves resilience against attacks but also reinforces trust with customers, partners, and regulators.

Incorporate Advanced Real-time Detection and Response Tools

Manufacturers can strengthen their defenses by deploying modern detection and response solutions that provide continuous visibility across their environments. These tools help identify, contain, and mitigate threats quickly, reducing the chance that an incident will escalate into a full-scale disruption. With real-time monitoring and automated response, manufacturers can maintain operational continuity, protect critical assets, and preserve customer trust.

When evaluating detection and response solutions, manufacturers should look for the following capabilities:

• End-To-End Protection: Coverage across networks, endpoints, cloud environments, applications, and sensitive data
• Scalability: The ability to adapt as operations expand, supporting higher data volumes, more devices, and growing infrastructure without performance loss
• Continuous Monitoring: Real-time oversight of network traffic, systems, and devices to spot anomalies and suspicious activity
• Threat Intelligence: Access to up-to-date intelligence feeds that enable faster detection of new and evolving attack methods
• Regulatory Compliance: Built-in support for standards such as NIST, ISO/IEC 27001, and ISA/IEC 62443 to help meet industry requirements

Cyber Threat Resilience Starts Now

As manufacturing becomes increasingly digitized, the need to stay ahead of cybersecurity risks has never been more urgent. Vulnerabilities such as outdated systems, third-party vendor weaknesses, and misconfigurations highlight why proactive defense is critical. Manufacturers can strengthen their security by modernizing legacy infrastructure, enforcing consistent standards across their supply chain, and providing ongoing training for employees at every level.

Implementing incident response protocols and real-time monitoring tools further enhance resilience by enabling faster detection and containment of threats. By taking these steps, manufacturers can protect their intellectual property, safeguard production lines, and maintain the trust of customers and partners.