Cybersecurity in Manufacturing: Protecting Your Operational Technology Environment

In the world of manufacturing, operational disruptions are expensive. But what if the next big disruption doesn’t come from a broken machine or a delayed shipment? What if it comes from a silent, invisible threat? One that moves faster than your team can respond to and leaves behind a trail of encrypted files and locked systems?

Cybersecurity incidents are no longer limited to global conglomerates. Mid-sized manufacturers are increasingly finding themselves targeted by opportunistic attacks. The reason is clear. Operational technology (OT) environments that run production lines and manage industrial processes are often outdated, loosely protected or improperly separated from business networks. This creates vulnerabilities that attackers exploit with little effort.

You don’t need to be a defense contractor to draw attention. Many attacks are automated and search the internet for known weaknesses. If your systems match a vulnerability, you can be swept into a breach without being singled out. Cybercriminals then sell that access or launch ransomware attacks, often for a quick payday.

The real cybersecurity risks facing today’s manufacturers

Cybersecurity is about protecting your computers, networks and the data that runs your business. While the concept seems straightforward, it might also sound complex and costly. That perception can lead mid-sized manufacturers to overlook essential protections, mistakenly thinking they are too small to matter.

In reality, manufacturers face a range of risks. From legacy servers and outdated software on the shop floor to sensitive customer data in business systems, threats exist across the entire operation. According to IBM’s 2024 Cost of a Data Breach Report, the average cost of a data breach in the industrial sector reached $5.56 million. These events can shut down operations, damage customer trust and (in severe cases) put a business out of operation entirely.

Operational technology introduces even more complexity. Many production environments use older systems that cannot easily be patched or updated. These systems were not designed to be connected to the internet and often lack the ability to detect unauthorized access. Once a breach occurs, attackers can pivot between systems, gain control of equipment or exfiltrate data without detection.

To put this in perspective, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) maintains detailed guidance and templates specifically for industrial control systems and manufacturing firms. These free resources outline practical, effective controls manufacturers can implement today. (Visit CISA.gov to learn more about securing OT environments and managing cyber risk.)

Shifting your mindset from “I’m too small to be a target” to “I need to protect what I have” is the first step. Manufacturers that take cybersecurity seriously can not only avoid financial loss but also gain a competitive advantage when bidding for contracts, especially in regulated industries.

Why risk awareness is a competitive advantage

Cybersecurity is not just about defense. It is also a strategic asset. When manufacturers understand their risk profile, they can align security investments with actual threats rather than wasting resources on unnecessary tools or overengineering their networks.

The first and most crucial step is identifying what you need to protect. Many companies skip this step and dive straight into buying technology. But without a clear inventory of your digital and physical assets, any security effort is built on shaky ground. For example, a business might forget that an old server still runs a key process on the shop floor. If that system is not monitored or patched, it becomes an open door for attackers.

The James Moore team emphasizes asset visibility and tiered protection. This means classifying your systems based on criticality and applying security controls based on importance. For instance, a network segment running quality control software might need stricter access rules than a general-purpose office network.

This kind of approach strengthens your cybersecurity posture and provides a foundation for stronger contract negotiations and better due diligence readiness. A company with documented controls and a clear risk management strategy can present itself as a lower liability to insurers, lenders and potential buyers. For more insight on how this ties into long-term business value, visit James Moore’s Manufacturing Services page.

Creating risk awareness throughout your organization is also essential. When leadership, IT and operations understand the impact of a potential breach, decisions are made more strategically. Investments become easier to justify when they are framed in terms of avoided downtime, protected intellectual property or reduced insurance premiums.

The rising impact of insider threats and poor access control

Cybersecurity threats don’t always come from the outside. In fact, internal vulnerabilities are among the most common sources of breaches. These include everything from employees accidentally clicking malicious links to disgruntled staff intentionally deleting or stealing data.

One of the easiest and most overlooked fixes is access control. Every employee should only have access to the systems and data they need to do their job. Yet many manufacturers allow blanket access across departments, especially when systems have been in place for years without review. If someone in accounting can reach your product design files or a line worker has access to sensitive HR data, you’re inviting unnecessary risk.

Simple practices like removing access immediately when an employee leaves or changes roles can prevent serious incidents. Likewise, requiring multi-factor authentication for logins and separating administrative privileges from general use accounts can stop attackers from gaining full control if they get into your network.

Education also plays a major role. Employees need training on how to spot suspicious emails, understand social engineering tactics and report unusual behavior. Teaching staff to recognize red flags can reduce the likelihood of a successful attack.

Strong internal controls backed by regular audits and clear policies create a culture of accountability and awareness. And while no system can prevent every incident, building barriers inside your organization can limit the damage if one part is compromised.

Building resilience into your business: From backups to breach response

A common mistake in cybersecurity planning is focusing solely on prevention. While preventing an attack is important, what you do after an incident matters just as much. Manufacturers need to build resilience into their systems, meaning they can respond quickly, recover effectively and minimize damage when a breach occurs.

It starts with mindset. Assume your systems will be breached. This approach shifts your focus from trying to build an impenetrable wall to preparing your team to act quickly and decisively. An incident response plan is essential. It should clearly outline who does what in the event of a breach, including IT, operations, communications and leadership. Everyone in the organization should know their role, from isolating compromised systems to notifying customers if required.

Next, secure and test your backups. A strong backup strategy is one of the best defenses against ransomware and data loss. Backups should be stored in a secure, isolated location (known as an air-gapped environment) where attackers cannot access or encrypt them. Regular testing is critical to ensure your backups are not only available but functional. A failed backup can turn a recoverable incident into a disaster.

Monitoring and logging are also key components of resilience. Your systems should continuously record network activity, and someone should regularly review those logs. Even if you cannot afford a full-time monitoring team, consider working with a managed service provider to get alerts on suspicious behavior. The faster you detect an issue, the better your chances of stopping it before serious damage occurs.

Finally, apply updates and patches consistently. When a software vulnerability becomes public, attackers move quickly to exploit it. Timely patching can eliminate that risk before it’s weaponized. In many breaches, the entry point was a system that had not been updated for months.

Resilience does not require a massive investment. It requires preparation, accountability and the discipline to follow through.

Compliance and regulation: Turning mandates into business value

Cybersecurity is no longer just a technical issue. It’s a legal and regulatory concern, especially for manufacturers that serve government clients or operate in sensitive sectors like healthcare, energy or defense. But these requirements can become assets that boost your credibility and business value.

In Florida, the Cybersecurity Incident Liability Act creates legal protections for businesses that follow industry-standard security practices. If you experience a breach but can show you had documented controls in place, you might avoid certain liabilities. This provides a strong incentive to follow frameworks like the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Cybersecurity Framework or guidance from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).

Federal regulations are also becoming more specific. For example, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) now requires manufacturers of medical devices to demonstrate that their products meet cybersecurity standards before they reach the market. This includes showing secure coding practices, vulnerability testing, and long-term support plans.

Complying with these rules reduces risk and makes your business more attractive to customers, investors and potential buyers. A well-documented cybersecurity program shows maturity and operational discipline. It can help you win contracts, pass audits, and avoid costly fines or lawsuits.

Resources are available to help. Organizations like NIST and CISA provide detailed templates, best practices and self-assessment tools at no cost. These materials are designed to make compliance achievable, even for mid-sized manufacturers without large IT teams.

To take the next step in aligning your cybersecurity strategy with your business goals, visit James Moore’s Technology Solutions page. Our team helps manufacturers assess risk, implement controls, and document practices to support compliance and growth.

Cybersecurity for Manufacturers: Where Risk Meets Opportunity

While cybersecurity is a cost of doing business, it’s also a tool for protecting operations, preserving customer trust and gaining a strategic advantage in the marketplace.

We understand the unique cybersecurity challenges facing manufacturers. Our team works with you to assess vulnerabilities, develop response plans and implement controls that align with your operations and risk tolerance. Whether you need to protect sensitive data, meet regulatory requirements or prepare for due diligence, we’re here to help.

Contact a James Moore professional to learn how our cybersecurity services can support your manufacturing business. From strategic planning to technical execution, we bring the expertise and personalized service that help you stay secure and competitive.

All content provided in this article is for informational purposes only. Matters discussed in this article are subject to change. For up-to-date information on this subject please contact a James Moore professional. James Moore will not be held responsible for any claim, loss, damage or inconvenience caused as a result of any information within these pages or any information accessed through this site.