Manufacturers may have a false sense of calm when it comes to cybersecurity. They might incorrectly assess that their risk of a cyberattack is low because they don’t sell products on the internet or gather credit card information and other sensitive data from customers. While it’s true that most big data breaches involve retailers or financial institutions, hackers looking for the next big score have found that manufacturers are an attractive target.
To avoid a potentially devastating cyberattack, conduct a risk assessment to identify your manufacturing company’s vulnerabilities and take steps to shore up its defenses.
Why manufacturing?
Manufacturing companies are being targeted by cybercriminals because, in many cases, they’re more vulnerable than other types of businesses. For one thing, the manufacturing supply chain is complex, with an intricate network of suppliers, logistics firms, distributors, retailers and others, often interconnected via the internet. Members may have access to each other’s systems, so a vulnerability in one link of the supply chain can expose the entire chain to cyber risks.
Also, as the digital revolution continues, manufacturers are increasingly relying on internet-connected devices on the shop floor that can be monitored and operated remotely.
What are hackers after?
Manufacturers’ systems generally don’t store customers’ credit card numbers and other sensitive data that criminals can use to perpetrate identity theft or similar crimes. Instead, cyberattacks against manufacturers are designed to disrupt their operations in an effort to extort money.
For example, hackers that gain access to internet-connected devices could shut down a manufacturer’s operations or cause it to produce defective products. Or they could introduce ransomware into a manufacturer’s systems, blocking access until a ransom is paid.
Another technique is to steal valuable intellectual property stored on a manufacturer’s system and sell it on the black market. Examples include patents, designs, manufacturing processes, R&D documents, customer lists, contracts, bidding information, business plans, marketing plans and proprietary software.
What can you do?
To protect your manufacturing company against cyberattacks, start by conducting a risk assessment to take inventory of your hardware, software and data and identify any vulnerabilities. It’s critical to examine all of the ways employees, vendors and other partners are able to gain entry into your network. Then implement policies, procedures and controls designed to prevent unauthorized access.
Equally important is an incident response plan to mitigate the damages in the event of a breach. Have a solid backup plan that enables you to resume operations in the event a hacker destroys or blocks access to data.
Education is key
Finally, don’t underestimate the importance of training. Many breaches involve social engineering with phishing emails designed to trick employees into providing passwords or downloading malware. Your employees should know that the risk is real and that their actions can affect the cybersecurity of your business.
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