Manufacturing companies today rely heavily on technology for production, supply chain management, and communication. While these systems improve efficiency, they also open doors for cyberattacks. From ransomware that halts production lines to stolen designs that end up with competitors, the risks are real. Cybersecurity is no longer just an IT issue, it’s a business necessity for manufacturers. The good news is that with the right cybersecurity practices, manufacturing businesses can reduce risks and keep their operations safe.

In this article, we’ll cover the top 7 cybersecurity best practices for manufacturing companies, along with real-world strategies to protect both your IT and OT systems.

Quick Summary: 7 Cybersecurity Best Practices for Manufacturing

Conduct regular risk assessments
Train employees on cybersecurity awareness
Protect Operational Technology (OT) and Industrial Control Systems (ICS)
Use multi-factor authentication (MFA)
Keep software and systems updated
Back up data and test recovery plans
Monitor and respond to threats in real time

What is Cybersecurity in Manufacturing?

Cybersecurity in manufacturing is the practice of protecting both IT systems (email, business apps, customer data) and Operational Technology (OT) systems (robots, machines, factory floor controls) from cyber threats.

It ensures:

Production machinery stays online and secure
Intellectual property like designs and blueprints are protected
Supply chains aren’t disrupted by cyber incidents
Compliance standards are met
Customer trust is maintained

Cybersecurity in manufacturing is the protection of both IT and OT systems including machines, networks, and sensitive business data from cyberattacks that could disrupt production, steal designs, or cause financial losses.

Why Cybersecurity is Critical for Manufacturers

Manufacturing is one of the top targets for cybercriminals. Attackers know that downtime in production means huge financial losses, making manufacturers more likely to pay ransoms. Here are a few reasons why cybersecurity is especially important for this industry.

Prevents Downtime: A single ransomware attack can stop production for days or even weeks.
Protects Intellectual Property: Hackers often target designs, blueprints, and trade secrets.
Keeps Supply Chains Safe: Cyberattacks can affect suppliers and customers if one part of the chain is compromised.
Ensures Compliance: Many manufacturers must follow data protection laws and industry standards.
Builds Customer Trust: Clients feel safer working with companies that keep data secure.

A Consilien CIO says this, “For manufacturers, cybersecurity isn’t about if you’ll be targeted. It’s about when. The companies that stay resilient are the ones who treat security as a business function, not just an IT checkbox.”

By investing in cybersecurity, manufacturing companies avoid financial losses, protect their reputation, and keep operations running smoothly.

1. Conduct Regular Risk Assessments

Before you can protect your systems, you need to know where the risks are. Regular risk assessments help identify weak points in your network, software, and processes.

Key steps include:

Checking all devices connected to the network.
Reviewing outdated software or hardware.
Identifying employees with unnecessary system access.
Assessing risks in third party tools or vendors.

By performing risk assessments at least twice a year, manufacturers can stay ahead of threats and fix issues before attackers exploit them.

2. Train Employees on Cybersecurity Awareness

According to Mimecast, human error is a factor in 95% of all security breaches. A single careless click on a suspicious email link can infect an entire system. Phishing attacks are one of the most common entry points.

Employees are often the first line of defense against cyber threats. Manufacturing companies should

Provide cybersecurity awareness training.
Teach staff how to spot phishing emails.
Encourage strong password habits.
Run simulated phishing tests to measure awareness.

With the right training, employees become a strong layer of protection against cyberattacks.

3. Protect Operational Technology (OT) and Industrial Control Systems (ICS)

Unlike office IT systems, operational technology and industrial control systems are directly tied to physical equipment such as robots, assembly lines, and sensors. If compromised, these systems can shut down production entirely.

Best practices for protecting OT/ICS include

Keeping them separate from standard IT networks.
Regularly updating software and firmware.
Limiting access only to authorized staff.
Monitoring for unusual activity in real-time.

Securing these systems is essential because downtime in a manufacturing plant often means huge financial losses.

4. Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Strong passwords are no longer enough. Hackers can steal or guess them easily. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) adds an extra step, such as a code sent to a phone or a fingerprint scan.

Benefits of MFA in manufacturing:

Prevents unauthorized access even if passwords are stolen.
Protects sensitive files like blueprints and client data.
Ensures only trusted staff can log in to critical systems.

Adding MFA is a simple yet highly effective way to reduce security risks.

5. Keep Software and Systems Updated

Outdated software is one of the biggest entry points for hackers. Cybercriminals actively search for vulnerabilities in old versions of applications, operating systems, and even machine firmware.

To stay secure:

Always install updates and patches promptly.
Set up automatic updates when possible.
Replace unsupported systems or devices.

By keeping everything updated, manufacturing companies can close doors that attackers might use to break in.

6. Back Up Data and Create a Recovery Plan

Ransomware attacks often target manufacturers because downtime is costly. Without a proper backup, companies may feel forced to pay attackers to restore files.

Best practices include:

Backing up critical data daily.
Storing backups both onsite and offsite (cloud or physical storage).
Testing recovery plans regularly to ensure backups work.

A good backup system means that even if a cyberattack happens, the business can recover quickly without paying a ransom.

7. Monitor and Respond to Threats in Real Time

Detecting threats early can stop small issues from becoming disasters. Manufacturers need monitoring tools and a clear response plan.

This includes:

Using intrusion detection systems (IDS).
Monitoring network traffic for unusual patterns.
Having a cybersecurity incident response plan.
Assigning roles so everyone knows what to do in case of an attack.

Real-time monitoring ensures that attacks are spotted and handled before they cause major damage.

Table: Cybersecurity Best Practices for Manufacturing Companies

Cybersecurity Best Practices for Manufacturing Companies

Why Choose Consilien IT Company for Manufacturing Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity can be overwhelming for manufacturing companies, especially when operations depend on uptime. That’s where Consilien IT Company makes a difference. Consilien IT provides reliable cybersecurity and IT services tailored to the needs of manufacturers. The company helps protect critical systems, prevent downtime, and secure sensitive data from cyber threats. Their services include:

Risk assessments and compliance checks.
Protection for both IT and OT systems.
Employee cybersecurity training programs.
Data backup and disaster recovery solutions.
24/7 monitoring and threat response.

We’ve helped manufacturers in Los Angeles and Orange County prevent 50+ attempted ransomware attacks in the past year.

Conclusion

Cybersecurity is one of the most important issues for manufacturing companies today. A single attack can cause major financial losses, production delays, and damage to customer trust. By following these 7 cybersecurity best practices, manufacturers can reduce risks and keep their operations safe. However, putting these practices in place requires expertise and constant monitoring. That’s why many manufacturing companies trust Consilien IT Company. With a team of experts and proven solutions, Consilien helps businesses secure their systems and stay ahead of cyber threats.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why is cybersecurity important for manufacturing companies?

Cybersecurity is critical for manufacturers because cyberattacks can shut down production, steal intellectual property, disrupt supply chains, and cause regulatory compliance issues. A single incident can lead to millions in losses and reputational damage.

2. What are the top cybersecurity threats to manufacturers?

Manufacturers face threats such as ransomware, phishing attacks, supply chain breaches, insider threats, and attacks on operational technology (OT) and industrial control systems (ICS).

3. How can manufacturers protect their OT and ICS systems?

Manufacturers can protect OT/ICS by segmenting them from IT networks, limiting access to authorized personnel, regularly updating software and firmware, and monitoring systems in real time for unusual activity.

4. How often should manufacturers conduct risk assessments?

Most experts recommend conducting risk assessments at least twice a year. However, they should also be performed after any major system upgrade, new vendor integration, or cyber incident.

5. What role do employees play in manufacturing cybersecurity?

Employees are the first line of defense. Regular training helps them recognize phishing emails, use strong passwords, and follow security best practices. Since 95% of breaches involve human error, training significantly reduces risk.

6. What is the best way to recover from a ransomware attack?

The best defense is to have daily data backups stored both onsite and in the cloud, along with a tested disaster recovery plan. This allows manufacturers to quickly restore operations without paying a ransom.

7. How can Consilien help manufacturers improve cybersecurity?

Consilien provides tailored cybersecurity services for manufacturers, including risk assessments, OT/IT protection, employee training, 24/7 monitoring, and disaster recovery solutions, ensuring uptime, compliance, and peace of mind.