FAQs: Cybersecurity for Manufacturing
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Key Risks, Ransomware, and the IT/OT Challenge Michigan Manufacturers Should Know
Manufacturers today face a very different cybersecurity landscape than they did even a few years ago. As production environments become more connected, automated, and data-driven, they also become more vulnerable to cyber threats that can disrupt operations, halt production, and put safety at risk.
What Cybersecurity Risks are Unique to Manufacturing?
Manufacturing environments face a distinct blend of cybersecurity challenges because they rely on both traditional IT systems and operational technology (OT) like industrial control systems, PLCs, and SCADA platforms.
Some risks are especially pronounced in manufacturing:
Legacy equipment with limited security controls
Many machines were designed to connect to the internet or modern networks, making them difficult to secure or patch.
Always-on production environments
Unlike office systems, manufacturing systems can't always be taken offline for updates or security maintenance.
Convergence of IT and OT networks
As factory floors become connected to business systems, threats can move laterally between environments.
High safety and physical risk
A cyber incident in manufacturing doesn't just affect data: it can impact worker safety and product integrity.
These factors make manufacturing environments especially attractive and vulnerable to cybercriminals.
How Do Cyberattacks Impact Production Lines?
In manufacturing, cyber incidents are rarely limited to emails or file access. They often cause real-world operational disruptions.
Cyber attacks can:
Halt production entirely through ransomware or system shutdowns
Corrupt machine configurations or recipes
Disrupt supply chain coordination and logistics
Cause product defects or quality issues
Lead to missed delivery deadlines and revenue loss
Even short downtime can have massive financial consequences when production lines are involved. For many manufacturers, the cost of downtime far exceeds the cost of prevention.
What are Manufacturers Targets by Ransomware?
Manufacturers have become one of the most targeted industries for ransomware, and for good reason.
Attackers know that:
Downtime is extremely expensive for manufacturers
Production delays quickly escalate into contractual penalties
Many manufacturing environments still rely on outdated systems
OT systems are often harder to recover than office IT systems
Because the pressure to resume operations is so high, ransomware attackers believe manufacturers are more likely to pay, making them a prime target.
How Can Manufacturers Protect Both IT and IT Systems?
Effective cybersecurity in manufacturing requires a strategy that protects both business systems (IT) and production systems (OT) without disrupting operations.
Key protective measures include:
Network Segmentation
Separating OT from IT networks limits how far an attacker can move if one side is compromised.
Continuous Monitoring
Detecting unusual activity in real time helps prevent minor issues from becoming full-scale incidents.
Secure Remote Access
Vendors and engineers often need remote access, but it must be tightly controlled and logged.
Patch & Update Management
Where updates are possible, they must be prioritized, and where they're not, compensating controls must be applied.
Backup & Disaster Recovery Planning
Manufacturers need backups that account for both data and machine configurations.
Employee Training
Human error remains one of the biggest risks, from phishing emails to unsafe USB usage on the factory floor.
What is IT/OT Convergence and Why Does it Matter?
IT/OT convergence refers to the integration of traditional IT systems (email, servers, cloud, ERP) with operational technology (machines, sensors, robotics, control systems).
While convergence delivers powerful benefits, such as real-time data, predictive maintenance, and automation, it also creates new cybersecurity challenges.
Why does it matter?
A breach in IT can now impact OT
OT vulnerabilities can expose core business systems
Security must be unified across both environments
Traditional IT-only security strategies are no longer sufficient
Manufacturers that fail to address IT/OT convergence holistically often leave dangerous gaps in their security posture.
Cybersecurity is Now a Production Issue - Not Just an IT Issue
For modern manufacturers, cybersecurity is no longer just about protecting files and emails: it's about protecting production, people, and profitability.
Whether you're a small shop or a multi-site manufacturer, securing your IT and OT environments is now essential to maintaining uptime, meeting customer commitments, and staying competitive.
Want to Strengthen Your Manufacturing Cybersecurity Strategy?
At BAE Networks, we specialize in helping Michigan's manufacturers secure both their business systems and production environments through:
Manufacturing-focused cybersecurity strategies
IT/OT security alignment
Compliance-driven protection
Ransomware resilience
Scalable managed IT services
Contact the experts at BAE today to begin the journey of protecting your critical assets.
