Exploring Cybersecurity Options for Manufacturing Businesses
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Cybersecurity risks have become a real possibility in the manufacturing industry, as with new technologies emerging, they have never been more at risk. This increase in risk has made it essential for manufacturers to equip themselves with high standard cybersecurity to keep their assets safe. As a result of this, cybersecurity is set to increase to $29.85 billion by 2027 in the manufacturing market alone.
There are plenty of cybersecurity services available to manufacturers, such as security operation centres (SOC), network audits, phishing simulations and more. Each of these services will offer unique protection against different types of cyber attacks.
This guide will take a look at cybersecurity as a whole and the benefits it brings to manufacturing businesses that are looking to keep themselves protected.
How Cybersecurity Helps
Manufacturing companies can use cybersecurity to manage and protect various aspects of their business, such as the infrastructure, finances and customer information. Let’s take a closer look at some of the ways that cybersecurity is helping the manufacturing industry:
Protects Infrastructure
The backbone of many economies is the manufacturing industry, so protecting the infrastructure of this is crucial. It produces many goods that are used by businesses across the world like food, pharmaceuticals and apparel. Therefore, if the manufacturing industry is victimised by a cyberattack, it can lead to serious disruptions that will delay and hinder the supply chain. This can create a shortage of goods that can stall certain businesses’ operations.
Some types of cybersecurity services that help to protect the infrastructure of the manufacturing industry include:
- Industrial Control System (ICS) Assessments
- Penetration Testing
- Vulnerability Management Services
- Third-Party Risk Assessments
- Intrusion Detection/Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS)
- Firewalls
Prevents Production Downtime
Sticking to a tight schedule and ensuring that everything happens on time, is essential for the success of a manufacturing business. Any downtime can lead to a string of events that will result in significant financial losses, as manufacturers cannot create their goods at the rate they like. Cyberattacks can negatively impact production lines, so it’s vital to get the right kind of cybersecurity in place to prevent this.
Intrusion detection and incident response plans can minimise the risks of downtime created by cyberattacks. Firewalls can also act as gatekeepers, as they can block unauthorised access to control systems that would be able to slow down product development. Cyberattackers will then not be able to manipulate the manufacturing industry for their benefit due to this.
Protect Intellectual Property
Encryption and access controls can prevent cyber attackers from collecting sensitive information from manufacturing businesses. Customer data, product designs and in-house processes will all be exposed without the right cybersecurity in place. This can lead to various complications for manufacturers, as it could completely ruin their reputation and lead to big profit losses.
Customers are more inclined to do business with a company that has good security and can keep their information safe. WRS recommends having good cybersecurity to prevent fraudsters and scammers from stealing customers’ information, money and assets.
Regulation Compliance
A lot of manufacturers must have cybersecurity in place as part of regulation compliance to protect various aspects of businesses. Audits and certifications like ISASecure are key to showing that security features are built-in so that both the business and customers are safeguarded from data losses. The audits can be used to check how effective the control systems are throughout their lifecycle and can detect if they are not working as they should.
Regulations and compliance frameworks have a big impact on how cybersecurity policies are developed and implemented in the manufacturing industry. Businesses must manage these demands while maintaining the effectiveness of their operations.
Ensure Product Quality
While protecting data is the primary reason for having a strong cybersecurity plan, it can also help with maintaining the quality of products. It can keep the secret product designs safe that are used by manufacturers, as if they get into the wrong hands it can result in the production line being halted.
Secure data management allows manufacturers to track materials, components and production steps. This enables them to identify and address potential quality issues that could be caused by cyberattacks before products reach consumers. In addition to this, accurate and untampered data will result in more precise production and reduce the risk of errors that could compromise quality.
