Hey there, manufacturers! Did you know that you operate in one of the most unforgiving threat environments out there? The pressures you face make cyber attacks particularly damaging.
03 Oct 2025
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5 min. read
Manufacturers like you face a unique mix of risks. Your low tolerance for downtime, complex supply chains, and high-value intellectual property all contribute to the challenges you deal with every day. These factors should be setting off alarm bells for IT and security leaders in the industry.
Modern cyber attacks have become more complex, sophisticated, and relentless. Threat actors are combining technical exploits with social engineering tactics to remain undetected and gather intelligence before striking.
Recent high-profile ransomware breaches have put the sector on high alert. Even a few hours of downtime can have a ripple effect across your business and network of partners, magnifying the impact.
But fear not! There are ways to reduce these risks and build resilience in the face of cyber threats. As we celebrate Manufacturing Day, it’s a good time to reflect on how you can manage these risks effectively.
Manufacturing in the crosshairs
According to IBM, the manufacturing sector was the most targeted worldwide over the past year. Legacy technology and connected operational technology have expanded the attack surface for many manufacturers, providing opportunities for adversaries.
- Exploits of public facing apps, valid accounts, and external remote services were the most common initial access vectors.
- Server access and malware-ransomware were the most commonly observed actions by attackers.
- Extortion, data theft, credential theft, and reputational damage were the biggest impacts for breached manufacturers.
Verizon also notes that confirmed breaches in the sector surged 89% annually in 2025, with SMBs accounting for more than 90% of breached organizations. The presence of malware in manufacturing breaches has been on the rise, with ransomware being a common threat pattern.
For insights into how ESET’s solutions can help manufacturers stay secure and resilient, explore this page.
Cautionary tales
A recent campaign targeted manufacturers and other sectors, exploiting a zero-day vulnerability in WinRAR to steal sensitive information. This highlights the sophistication of threat actors targeting the sector.
The breach at Clorox in 2023, caused by a single vishing attack, disrupted operations and the supply chain, costing the company millions of dollars. This incident underscores the multilayered nature of cyber risks facing manufacturers.
Where MDR fits in
To minimize cyber risk, manufacturers should focus on building resilience through best practices like multifactor authentication, prompt patching, and data encryption. Investing in continuous detection and response across various environments is also crucial.
Managed detection and response (MDR) providers offer a cost-effective solution for many manufacturers, providing 24/7 threat monitoring, expert threat hunting, and rapid response capabilities. MDR can help minimize financial, reputational, and compliance risks, ensuring operational resilience.
Seconds count
When threat actors strike, the clock is ticking. MDR can accelerate the detection and response process, providing early warnings to help you contain threats. By combining human expertise with advanced technology, MDR can be a key element in securing your organization and supply chain.
