IT Risks in Manufacturing

The manufacturing sector is under increasing pressure—not just from supply chain disruptions and rising costs, but from a rapidly evolving cyber threat landscape. According to the 2025 Trustwave Manufacturing Risk Radar Report, attackers are zeroing in on manufacturing organizations, drawn by a dangerous combination of outdated systems, broad attack surfaces, and limited cybersecurity resources. 

 

The Threat Is Real—and Growing 

In 2024, manufacturing was the most targeted industry for ransomware, according to Trustwave’s research. The report found that 68% of manufacturing organizations experienced at least one cyber incident in the last year, and 40% reported ransomware specifically. These attacks don’t just pose a data risk—they bring operations to a halt. 

Unlike other industries, manufacturers often run older operational technology (OT) systems that can’t be easily patched or replaced. This makes them prime targets for attackers looking to exploit outdated vulnerabilities. The report also notes a rise in “living off the land” attacks, where bad actors use legitimate tools to avoid detection and remain within systems longer, gathering intelligence or disrupting production. 

 

Why Manufacturers Are at Risk 

Trustwave’s findings reveal several reasons manufacturers are increasingly vulnerable: 

• Legacy OT systems are rarely segmented from IT networks, giving attackers a path from an email inbox to a control system. 

• Limited cybersecurity staffing leaves gaps in monitoring and response capabilities. 

• Low adoption of proactive security testing means vulnerabilities often go undiscovered until it’s too late. 

Perhaps most striking, only 32% of manufacturers conduct regular penetration testing, even though it’s one of the most effective ways to uncover security gaps before attackers do. 

 

The Business Impact 

A successful cyberattack on a manufacturing facility can be devastating. It’s not just about stolen data—it’s about production downtime, broken supply chains, and safety risks. In the report, one case study described a ransomware event that took a production line offline for seven days, resulting in over $3 million in lost revenue. These are the kinds of operational risks that boards and executives can no longer ignore. 

 

What You Can Do 

If you operate in the manufacturing space, the time to act is now. You need more than antivirus software and firewalls. You need visibility into your vulnerabilities, insight into your threat exposure, and a clear plan for response. 

One of the most effective steps you can take is to schedule a penetration test. Pen testing simulates real-world attacks on your systems—without the risk—to help you uncover weak spots before a cybercriminal does. It’s one of the few security measures that gives you proof of how your defenses would hold up under pressure. 

 

Final Thought 

The Trustwave report is clear: cyber threats in manufacturing are not slowing down. Whether you’re operating CNC machines or overseeing an entire smart factory, you need to know where you’re vulnerable. 

Book your penetration test today and take a proactive step toward securing your operations, protecting your data, and keeping your production lines running. 

 

Keep Reading:

How LEGO’s Digital Transformation is a Blueprint for Future-Proofing Your Business 

Optimizing IT Management through Co-Managed Partnerships

Digital Cleaning: 5 Signs It’s Time to Upgrade Your IT