Safeguarding the Factory Floor: “Cybersecurity in Manufacturing”

The world of manufacturing has always been about precision, efficiency, and innovation. But today, there’s a new element to consider “cybersecurity”. Manufacturing isn’t just about machines and assembly lines anymore, it’s also about protecting valuable digital assets from vulnerabilities. Cyber-criminals are mostly targeting manufacturing companies, looking for weak points to exploit. Cybersecurity is manufacturing is possible with the right vulnerability management tool.

The manufacturing industries are becoming smarter by using more advanced technology. Companies are now adopting automation on a larger scale, powered by artificial intelligence (AI). This means machines can do more of the work, making production faster and more efficient than ever before.

With more automated machines controlled by computers, it’s easy to see where this is going, an increased risk of cyberattacks.

Cybersecurity in manufacturing is crucial because it has become a prime target for cyber-attackers. In fact, heightened connectivity and data transparency has made manufacturing the most targeted sector for cyberattacks for three years in a row. It now accounts for 25.7% of attacks, with ransomware involved in 71% of these incidents. Furthermore, the valuable intellectual property (IP) that manufacturers hold makes them attractive to cyber-criminals.

Imagine the chaos if a hacker invades a production line of a manufacturing company. They would disrupt operations, compromise product quality, or even shut down the factory. For instance, a ransomware attack will lock down systems until a hefty fine is paid.  

Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common cyber threats that manufacturing companies face today:

• Ransomware: This is one of the most used cyberattacks. Ransomware attacks lock users out of their systems until a ransom is paid. Manufacturing companies, with their dependence on continuous production, are especially vulnerable because downtime can result in major financial losses.

• Phishing: A tried and tested method, phishing attacks often target employees, tricking them into clicking on malicious links or giving away sensitive information. In a manufacturing setup, this could open the door to hackers, who can then access critical systems.

• Supply Chain Attacks: Manufacturers often rely on third-party vendors and suppliers, which can introduce cybersecurity risks. A weak link in the supply chain could allow attackers to infiltrate the entire manufacturing network.

The question isn’t whether manufacturers should focus on cybersecurity, but how.

Here is how SanerNow Continuous Vulnerability & Exposure Management helps!

SecPod’s SanerNow provides a continuous vulnerability and exposure management solution to prevent cyberattacks and achieve continuous security risk and compliance posture.

1. Detect Thousands of Vulnerabilities and Security Risks in Real-time:Run the industry’s fastest vulnerability scans in 5 minutes, powered by the world’s largest security intelligence library with 190,000+ security checks. Continuously detect vulnerabilities and security risks in real-time and assess them thoroughly.
2. Instantly Remediate Risks in 50+ OS and 550+ 3rd Party Applications with Integrated Patching:Remediate vulnerabilities on time with integrated patching without leaving any security gaps. SanerNow supports automated patching for all major operating systems like Windows, Mac, Linux, and 550+ third-party applications.
3. Automate End-To-End Tasks to Improve Effectiveness:Save time and effort over manual tasks. Schedule and automate end-to-end tasks from scanning to deployment and make vulnerability management a hands-free process, all in a simple click of buttons.
4. Prioritize vulns using CISA SSVC Framework:Use the power of CISA SSVC risk prioritization to effectively and rapidly prioritize security risks and handle millions of vulnerabilities with ease with SanerNow risk prioritization.
5. Gain Continuous Visibility into IT Asset Exposure:Perform continuous IT asset scans and gain complete visibility over your computing environment. Monitor your IT infrastructure continuously, gain control over hardware and software inventory, and detect malicious IT assets.

As factories become smarter and more connected, the risk of cyberattacks grows. But with the right strategies in place, any kind of industry can protect themselves from cyberattacks. SanerNow CVEM ensures manufacturers prevent cyberattacks and their reputation stays intact.