As the manufacturing industry increasingly relies on the Internet of Things (IoT) to improve efficiency and productivity, addressing security risks has become essential. In 2023, 25% of all cyber attacks targeted the manufacturing sector, making it the single most targeted industry. With ongoing digital transformation and automation of manufacturing processes like production lines, control systems and inventory management, strengthening cybersecurity must become a non-negotiable priority.

Navigating Intricate Network Environments

Manufacturing networks combine Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT), which makes them inherently harder to secure than environments that leverage IT alone. IT systems handle data, communications and planning, while OT controls hardware like production equipment, sensors and robots. IoT devices such as sensors and cameras deliver real-time data to optimize operations, predict maintenance needs and improve inventory management. However, the proliferation of connected devices significantly expands the attack surface, increasing an organization’s risk.

From ransomware and supply chain compromises to insider threats, phishing and social engineering, attackers exploit digital systems to breach operations, disrupt production and steal sensitive data. Each incident, whether through external intrusion or internal misuse of privileges, highlights the urgent need for identity-first security.

Cybersecurity Challenges in Manufacturing

Production control systems and inventory management systems are frequent targets. The 2022 ransomware attack on Bridgestone Americas, a leading tire manufacturer, forced the shutdown of multiple facilities in North America and Latin America for several days. The cybercriminals gained access to business records, including files containing sensitive customer information, and threatened to publicly leak the stolen data unless the ransom was paid.

Meanwhile, insider threats – both malicious and non-malicious – remain a serious risk if left unaddressed. If an employee with unnecessary access makes a mistake or acts maliciously, the consequences can ripple across the entire enterprise. In 2023, for example, two former Tesla employees leaked the sensitive personal information of over 75,000 individuals, illustrating how excessive access can fuel devastating breaches.

These cases reinforce that ransomware and insider threats are not isolated issues. They illustrate why identity-first security and strict access controls are vital.

Stringent Regulations

Manufacturers must also comply with regulations such as the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), ISO 27001 and the National Infrastructure Protection Plan. Compliance with these frameworks doesn’t just mitigate risk; it also builds a competitive advantage by strengthening trust among customers, partners and stakeholders. Noncompliance can result in reputational damage, penalties and disruptions to business operations.

Zero-knowledge and zero-trust models are essential for compliance. Zero-knowledge encryption ensures that only the user controls their data, while zero-trust security continuously verifies access, reducing the risk of unauthorized entry.

Essential Steps for Security

The manufacturing sector will continue to evolve with technological advancements, and security must evolve with it. Strong account security and multi-factor authentication help prevent compromised credentials, while regular training ensures employees can recognize and resist phishing and social engineering. Equally important are the fundamentals of cyber hygiene: keeping software and firmware current, segmenting IT and OT networks and maintaining a tested incident response plan.

To manage these risks at scale, organizations need modern Privileged Access Management (PAM). Unlike legacy access controls, modern PAM enforces least-privilege access, monitors high-risk accounts in real time and integrates seamlessly with broader security ecosystems. It also paves the way for advanced defenses, enabling proactive threat hunting and the use of artificial intelligence to detect anomalies in real time and automatically terminate risky sessions before damage is done.

As the industry continues to digitize and cyber threats grow more sophisticated, the organizations that embed modern PAM into a layered security strategy will be best positioned to maintain operational continuity, protect intellectual property and preserve the trust of customers and partners.