Cybersecurity Problems Facing The Manufacturing Industry
Cybersecurity is a necessity in all fields. The number of cyber-attacks keep rising year after year and none is spared. While manufacturing industries keep automating their factories, cybersecurity has not been a concern to most. However, it is essential for manufacturing industries to invest in cybersecurity to avert potential risks. Smaller companies have more automated systems in a bid to increase productivity and stay in business. While that seems like a good move, it exposes their systems to cybercrimes.
Is the manufacturing industry at risk?
While we have already stated that the manufacturing industries are at risk, there is more to it. According to statistics by Homeland security, the manufacturing industry is the second most targeted industry in the United States. This data is according to the number of reported attacks.
Why are manufacturing firms a target?
Manufacturing industries rely heavily on supply chain management systems. The systems hold important data on the supply chain and its management. Think of it as a place where all the data for raw materials, spare parts, suppliers and customers among others is secured. By attacking the less secure parts of this chain can damage the whole supply chain. Ultimately, any interruptions and failures in the system will cost the manufacturer important information and hamper the process of production. In extreme cases, the company can lose its reputation.
Modern factories are a hotspot for cybercrimes. They have IoT systems that are now popular. The implementation of these technological developments is attracting more curiosity. Notably, most people in these industries lack knowledge and their ignorance is also a source of concern from opportunistic hackers.
Notably, manufacturers are valuable targets. Hackers will not hack your system unless they know something valuable is on the other side. Something like customer’s financial data can make them a lot more money. Hacking into large pools of data can make it an easy business for hackers. Even if they may not use it directly, it would be valuable to hold at ransom.
Risks in the manufacturing industry
Ransomware in the manufacturing sector grew to a whopping 156% between the first quarters of 2019 and 2020. As 2020 came to an end there were ransom actors demanded $17 million from a laptop maker.
The manufacturing industry is prone to ransomware and phishing. Such threats can steal your valuable data and they can also use them later to conduct more attacks later.
What can we do to improve security?
As a manufacturing industry owner, you need to secure your industry. In a bid to improve the rate of security, every worker should have proper training on how to react to potential cyber threats. It may not be something complex, but a little knowledge goes a long way in protecting your workplace.
Evaluate your current defenses
If you have already set up some defenses, keep evaluating them to ensure they can withstand any challenges. Look into all avenues including any shortcomings and make a way to work on them. You can conduct a pen test to look for any issues or perform a full audit.
A pen test is known as a penetration test where you get an ethical hacker to stress your defenses. They will try all kinds of break-ins and determine the ways a hacker can try to break into your system. Through the tests, they make notes on possible areas that may be under threat and seek ways to protect them.
Is your system vulnerable?
You may think you have a solid defense while in reality there could be some vulnerabilities. Handling the vulnerable areas makes it impossible for someone to utilize the weak points to get into your system. We understand that you may not have access to a full-time cybersecurity team. However, tech gurus can easily help with the process.
Outsourcing cybersecurity work is much better as you do not have to deal with the complexity of the practice. The companies take care of the system and also give support. You can also get training for your team, so they are aware of cyber threats and how to react when they find anything suspicious.
Put in place a response plan
It is important that you create a response plan. A backup plan is crucial when it comes to cybersecurity. In the event of a threat, there should be clear ways to identify it and everyone should know their role to tackle the issue.
Software updates
Software updates are meant to enhance how the software works. Companies that make software keep updating the ware to fix issues they may have had before. If there was a bug detected in a version, they will fix it and update the software. Therefore, crucial that all your software stays up to date.
Once some companies update their software, they may announce it to the public. Hackers who will notice that you are using a previous version can use that against you as they know where to target. Update your software.
Closely monitor your systems
Always keep an eye out for trouble. When you are aware of the potential threats and how they keep evolving, you will always fall victim. A managed threat intelligence can help you stay alert on threats.
Employee training
Every employer must look into employee training as a way to benefit their company. Proper implementation of a cybersecurity system is all up to your employees’ level of competence. When they have no knowledge and expertise, they will likely no9t recognize any threats or know how to treat them when they arise.
If you value your digital assets, make arrangements for employee cybersecurity training as an essential part of the onboarding process. Running table-top scenarios or even working on drills can help employees familiarize themselves with cybersecurity.
Conclusion
Cybersecurity is not an option today. One threat can bring down your hard-earned reputation. Additionally, all new things present a new set of challenges. Your business needs the right partner to mitigate such issues. Your security matters, and it is vital that you get the best IT solutions to keep your systems protected.
Contact us today and get friendly, responsive, proactive, and superior IT solutions for your manufacturing company.