Lately we’ve been hearing more about rising manufacturing cybersecurity threats. Ransomware, phishing and other cyberattacks against manufacturers grew 300% year-over-year from 2019 to 2020.
Given the escalation of cybersecurity threats, I’m posting a two-part cybersecurity series. First, let’s explore what got us to this place. The next post will look at how manufacturers are responding to the rising threat.
Even when money motivates attackers—as it does for ransomware attacks, stealing company data remains the main goal. After all, without control of your data, they can’t demand a ransom.
Company data can also be monetized in other ways. Attackers operate with stealth to gain access to more data. Attacks may go undetected for months or years as attackers gather sensitive customer and company data.
And with today’s connected operations systems, attackers have more opportunities to break into your network.
The IT-OT convergence provides essential real-time data to manufacturers. It also opens up opportunities for hackers. As manufacturers connect their industrial control systems (ICS)—especially older OT systems—to the internet, they introduce risk.
The bottom line is manufacturers possess attractive data targets. Increased connectivity and digitalization has gotten the attention of cyber criminals. But we’re not powerless.
My next post will cover 8 ways manufacturers are responding to combat rising manufacturing cybersecurity threats.
Until then, please keep in touch on Twitter and LinkedIn. Or contact us directly. We’re always happy to talk.
–parin
Managing Partner
Image credit: Statista
With over two decades of experience, Parin leads an expert demand-generation agency, StratMg, that helps industrial manufacturing clients achieve unambiguous and quantified organic sales growth across the US, EMEA & APAC.
Parin has built & positioned StratMg to be a value-added marketing services provider that strives to create a culture of quantified sales-driven marketing initiatives leading to sustained business growth through channel management, diversification, new customer acquisition and retention strategies and tactical execution.
