Cybersecurity in Manufacturing: Turning Challenges into Opportunities

The Current Risk Landscape

U.S. manufacturers face a multitude of cybersecurity challenges that threaten their operations, reduce productivity, and jeopardize their intellectual property and data. For the past two years, the manufacturing sector has been the most targeted industry for ransomware attacks, with manufacturers spending an average of $1.82 million per attack in 2023, not including any ransom payments. These challenges are exacerbated by the reliance on various intertwined systems not designed with cybersecurity in mind. Retrofitting these systems can be costly and complex, but even modern systems are not immune to risks. The rapid integration of technology and connectivity in manufacturing operations has brought unprecedented levels of innovation and efficiency, but it also expands the cyberattack surface area and creates new vulnerabilities.

Navigating Cybersecurity Challenges

Creating a holistic approach to safeguarding operations and protecting data requires considering numerous cybersecurity challenges inherent in manufacturing operations. Here are five key everyday challenges:

1. Proliferation of Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT): IIoT devices and automation systems enhance productivity and efficiency but are often inadequately secured, expanding the attack surface for cybercriminals. Vulnerabilities in a single device can trigger a cascading effect, resulting in infiltration of an entire manufacturing network.
2. Shortage of Skilled Cybersecurity Professionals: The shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals in the manufacturing sector is a significant concern. Manufacturers need experts who understand both industrial processes and how to secure them. Without these experts, companies can fall victim to various attack vectors.
3. Supply Chain Vulnerabilities: Interwoven global supply chain networks enable cybercriminals to target and exploit the weakest links. Attacks on third-party software, hardware, and services can compromise entire network systems.
4. Bridging the IT-OT Gap: The convergence of information technology (IT) and operations technology (OT) can lead to miscommunications and vulnerabilities. IT focuses on data integrity and confidentiality, while OT emphasizes safety and reliability.
5. Evolving Cyber Threat Landscape: Cybercriminals employ an evolving battery of threats, from traditional malware to zero-day exploits and ransomware attacks. Manufacturers must proactively adopt preventative measures and implement next-generation Secure Defensible Architectures.

Managing Cyber Risks

Manufacturers need to adopt an integrated, multifaceted approach to mitigate cybersecurity risks. This approach must evolve rapidly, be more agile than adversaries, and introduce innovations that provide verifiable security guarantees of physical processes. Effective tools include robust security measures like firewalls, intrusion detection systems, secure access control, and air gapping. Employee cybersecurity training and awareness are crucial, as the human element represents the single biggest cybersecurity risk. Regular software updates secure against known vulnerabilities, and collaboration with third-party vendors and suppliers can mitigate risk.

Legal Implications and Liabilities

Manufacturers should understand various legal obligations and implications, including significant financial and legal liabilities. Compliance with legislation like the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Act, Cyber Incident Reporting for Critical Infrastructure Act (CIRCIA), and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) is critical. Failure to meet these requirements can result in substantial penalties and legal repercussions. Manufacturers must prepare to report incidents to the appropriate authorities and comply with applicable regulations.

Proactively Addressing Cyber Risks

True cyber secure status requires more than costly, never-ending “bolt-on” applications. Manufacturers must develop Secure Defensible Architectures with features like Digital Engineering Lifecycle, cyber-physical identity passports, and verifiable security properties. Addressing cyber weaknesses, enumerations, and vulnerabilities is critical to mitigating cyber risks. Collaboration with managed security service providers (MSSPs) and developing a cyber-aware workforce are essential steps.

The Power of Public-Private Partnerships

Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) are vital in addressing and mitigating cyber threats in manufacturing. PPPs forge collaborations between government, private companies, and cybersecurity experts, pooling resources, knowledge, and expertise. This synergy develops comprehensive strategies that introduce new innovations into the market. PPPs offer real-time threat information, guidance on best practices, and industry-wide standards, helping manufacturers better protect against evolving vulnerabilities.

Conclusion

Cybersecurity is a team sport, and PPPs enable the strongest teams to work well together. In an era where cyber threats can disrupt operations, compromise proprietary data, impact national security, and threaten the economy, PPPs offer a robust defense mechanism. Uniting the public and private sectors is crucial for fortifying the manufacturing industry’s cyber resilience and ensuring sustained growth in our digital world.

Contact the Beringer Team today!

Looking for a new managed services provider for your manufacturing business? Beringer Technology Group has experience working with customers in your industry. Reach out to our team today!

Beringer Technology Group, a Microsoft Solutions Partner for Business Applications, specializing in Microsoft Dynamics 365 and CRM for Distribution also provides expert Managed IT Services, Backup and Disaster Recovery, Cloud Based Computing, Email Security Implementation and Training, Unified Communication Solutions, and Cybersecurity Risk Assessment.