The manufacturing sector continues to undergo rapid digital transformation. Connected production systems, cloud platforms, automation and data-driven decision-making are helping manufacturers improve efficiency, reduce downtime and remain competitive.
For manufacturing businesses in the Midlands and beyond, supply chain digitalisation is common - and therefore operational resilience is also an important factor of business planning. Cyber incidents can disrupt production, halt supply chains and create significant operational downtime.
A sign of the times
The pace of digital adoption has accelerated significantly in recent years, and as manufacturing systems become more connected and cloud-integrated, organisations also need to consider new risks such as AI-driven phishing attacks and vulnerabilities created through third-party access.
Some facts and figures
According to the 2024 IBM Cost of a Data Breach Report, the sector experienced the costliest increase of any industry in terms of data breaches.
The time to identify and contain a data breach at industrial organisations was above the median industry, at 199 days to identify and 73 days to contain.
- Implement strong and stringent security measures and policies
- Regularly update IoT devices and firmware
- Segment and air gap networks
- Invest in advanced threat detection
- Ensure up-to-date back-up and recovery planning
Many companies highlight the cost of cybersecurity products as the main reason why they don’t do more to make their systems more robust, but can you really take that chance? It is more cost-effective in the long-run to have security as tough as you can make it rather than face the continual risk of attack?
Staff training is also of paramount importance - creating an environment of awareness and consequences of not adhering to policies you have in place as a company to prevent a breach. They also need to understand what action to take if they recognise something is wrong.
Manufacturing industry IT support
Cyber attacks have evolved, becoming increasingly sophisticated and more difficult to spot or prevent, particularly as more devices and systems become interconnected. EPX IT helps manufacturers understand where cyber risk sits, strengthen protections and maintain visibility across their IT environment.
Book your free 15-minute consultation today to identify your business's vulnerabilities and risks.
