The manufacturing industry has become one of cyber criminals’ top targets. 

How Manufacturing and Cyber Security Work Together

To produce products or materials, manufacturing firms rely on technology for their ERP systems, CRM system, machinery, and shipping. Essentially, everything from the software of production to customer relations requires technology.

The digitization of manufacturing, also known as Industry 4.0, has increased factory efficiency through smart machines that are digitally connected to one another. Ultimately, these computers communicate with each other, collect and analyze data, and make decisions without human involvement. Manufacturing companies are relying more and more on computers to optimize their operations.

Many manufacturing companies have older equipment with older systems, such as Windows XP or Windows 7. The software on old equipment can’t be updated to newer versions, leaving the system vulnerable to a cyber attack. Older machines need to be segmented from other areas of the network to protect from attacks. If left unprotected, the lack of security for manufacturing companies’ technology systems can prove to be a major weakness. 

Cyber criminals capitalize on this weakness, looking to disrupt a company’s production. By utilizing ransomware and other phishing tactics, cyber attackers can prevent manufacturers from making their product, and in turn, cost companies a lot of money. 

If a company does not have a well documented and tested Backup Disaster Recovery Plan (BDR), they could suffer from permanent data and configuration loss in addition to a disruption of production. 

Here at Affinity, we are committed to helping you strategize most effectively to prevent cyber attacks and strengthen your company’s security. While we become more reliant on computers to produce products efficiently, safeguards are vital to your company’s overall success.