Cybersecurity in Manufacturing: What You Need to Know
Manufacturing companies are no longer just about conveyor belts, forklifts, and high-vis jackets. These days, they’re also highly digitised operations running complex IT systems. And just like any other business, manufacturers are increasingly being targeted by cybercriminals.
At Gray Area Consulting, we’ve seen first-hand how a single cyber attack can bring a production line to a grinding halt. One client, a mid-sized plastics manufacturer in Brisbane, lost access to their entire production planning software after a ransomware hit. It took days to recover, costing them both time and money – not to mention the stress on their team.
Let’s take a closer look at the top 5 cyber attacks that are hitting manufacturing companies across Australia, and more importantly, how you can prevent them.
1. Ransomware Attacks
Ransomware is the most common threat to manufacturers. Cybercriminals encrypt your data, then demand a payment to unlock it. The worst part? Even if you pay, there’s no guarantee they’ll give your data back. In the manufacturing world, this can mean halted production, missed deadlines, and lost revenue.
How to prevent it:
- Regularly back up your data using a secure cloud backup solution
- Implement Zero Trust security measures
- Use advanced email filtering and train your staff to spot phishing emails
2. Phishing and Social Engineering
Phishing emails are designed to look legitimate and trick your employees into clicking malicious links or sharing login details. In manufacturing, where teams are often flat out and time-poor, it’s easy for someone to fall for a scam.
How to prevent it:
- Ongoing cybersecurity training for employees
- Multi-factor authentication to protect critical systems
- Use email security tools that scan for suspicious content
3. Supply Chain Attacks
Cybercriminals often target manufacturers through their suppliers. If a supplier with access to your systems is compromised, it could be used as a backdoor into your own network. This type of attack is sneaky and difficult to detect.
How to prevent it:
- Conduct regular risk assessments on third-party vendors
- Limit access to only what suppliers truly need
- Monitor traffic between your network and external systems
4. Insider Threats
Not all threats come from the outside. Sometimes, employees or contractors – whether intentionally or accidentally – can cause data breaches or open doors for attackers. In manufacturing, where you might have high staff turnover or seasonal workers, this risk is amplified.
How to prevent it:
- Implement Identity and Access Management (IAM) policies
- Restrict access based on roles
- Conduct exit procedures to revoke access immediately when staff leave
5. Attacks on Operational Technology (OT) Systems
Manufacturers rely on operational technology like SCADA systems for monitoring and control. These systems were often designed without modern security in mind, and many are now connected to the internet, making them vulnerable.
How to prevent it:
- Segment IT and OT networks
- Apply regular software updates and patch known vulnerabilities (here’s why that matters)
- Use network monitoring tools to detect unusual activity
Build a Resilient Defence
Cyber attacks are becoming more targeted and sophisticated, especially in industries like manufacturing where downtime is costly. The good news? You don’t have to tackle it alone. At Gray Area Consulting, we help manufacturers across Australia build tailored cybersecurity strategies that protect their operations without slowing them down.
If you’re unsure where to start, a cybersecurity assessment can give you a clear picture of where your risks lie. You can also explore how the Essential 8 framework can help you level up your defences.
Cybersecurity doesn’t need to be complicated – it just needs to be consistent. And with the right partner by your side, you can keep those production lines humming, no matter what threats come your way.
