Manufacturing Security Best Practices in 2025 | Secably

Introduction

The manufacturing sector, a $4100.0B market, is increasingly targeted by cyberattacks. In 2024, a ransomware attack crippled a major automotive supplier, halting production for several days. Manufacturing security is no longer optional; it's a business imperative. This guide provides actionable manufacturing security best practices to protect your critical infrastructure and data.

The growing sophistication of cyber threats, coupled with the increasing connectivity of industrial control systems (ICS) and operational technology (OT), creates a perfect storm for manufacturers. From ransomware to supply chain attacks, the risks are escalating. This guide equips CTOs, OT Security Leads, and IT Directors with the knowledge and tools to build a robust security posture.

Secure Your Manufacturing Business Today

Get a free security assessment tailored for Manufacturing organizations.

Start Free Security Scan

Manufacturing Security Landscape in 2025

The manufacturing industry faces a unique set of security challenges. The convergence of IT and OT systems, coupled with legacy equipment and a growing reliance on cloud-based services, creates a complex and vulnerable environment. Many manufacturing facilities operate with outdated systems that lack basic security controls, making them easy targets for attackers.

Top Security Threats for Manufacturing

Understanding the threat landscape is crucial for effective security. Manufacturing organizations face a variety of threats, ranging from opportunistic attacks to sophisticated nation-state actors. Here are some of the most common threats:

Compliance & Regulatory Requirements

Manufacturing organizations must comply with a variety of regulations and standards to protect their data and systems. Compliance not only helps to mitigate risk but also demonstrates a commitment to security to customers and partners.

Automate Manufacturing Security Compliance

Secably AI Scanner provides automated vulnerability detection and compliance reporting for Manufacturing organizations.

✓ Industry-specific security checks
✓ Automated compliance reports
✓ Continuous monitoring

View Plans & Pricing

Manufacturing Security Checklist

This checklist provides a comprehensive set of security measures that manufacturing organizations can implement to protect their critical infrastructure and data. Prioritize these items based on your organization's specific risks and compliance requirements.

Security Best Practices for Manufacturing

Implementing these best practices will significantly improve your manufacturing organization's security posture and reduce the risk of cyberattacks.

Lessons from Manufacturing Security Breaches

Analyzing past security breaches in the manufacturing sector can provide valuable insights into common vulnerabilities and attack vectors. Learning from these incidents can help organizations to proactively strengthen their security posture.

Essential Security Tools for Manufacturing

Selecting the right security tools is crucial for protecting your manufacturing operations from cyber threats. Here are some essential tools for manufacturing security:

Security Implementation Roadmap

This roadmap provides a step-by-step guide for implementing a comprehensive security program in your manufacturing organization.

Cost of a Security Breach in Manufacturing

The financial impact of a security breach in the manufacturing sector can be significant, encompassing both direct and indirect costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the biggest security risks for Manufacturing companies?

The biggest security risks for manufacturing companies include ransomware attacks, supply chain attacks, insider threats, OT/ICS exploitation, and phishing attacks. These threats can lead to production downtime, financial loss, reputational damage, and data theft. Protecting OT/ICS environments is particularly critical due to the potential for physical damage and safety hazards.

What compliance frameworks apply to Manufacturing?

Key compliance frameworks for manufacturing include ISO 27001 (information security management), NIST Cybersecurity Framework (risk management), and IEC 62443 (security of industrial automation and control systems). Depending on the industry and location, other regulations such as GDPR (data privacy) and HIPAA (healthcare data) may also apply.

How much should Manufacturing companies spend on cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity spending varies depending on the size and complexity of the organization. Industry benchmarks suggest that manufacturing companies should allocate 5-10% of their IT budget to cybersecurity. However, this percentage may need to be higher for organizations with critical infrastructure or sensitive data. A risk-based approach to budgeting is recommended, focusing on protecting the most critical assets and mitigating the highest-priority risks.

What is the first step to improve Manufacturing security?

The first step to improve manufacturing security is to conduct a comprehensive risk assessment. This assessment should identify critical assets, assess current security posture, and identify compliance requirements. The results of the risk assessment will inform the development of a security plan and prioritize security investments.

How can small Manufacturing companies afford enterprise security?

Small manufacturing companies can leverage cost-effective security solutions such as cloud-based security services, managed security service providers (MSSPs), and open-source security tools. They can also prioritize basic security controls such as multi-factor authentication, strong password policies, and security awareness training. Focusing on the most critical risks and implementing a phased approach to security implementation can also help to manage costs.

What security certifications are important for Manufacturing?

Relevant security certifications for manufacturing professionals include Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), and GIAC certifications (e.g., GICSP for industrial control systems security). These certifications demonstrate expertise in various areas of cybersecurity and can enhance career opportunities.

How can I secure my OT/ICS environment?

Securing your OT/ICS environment requires a multi-layered approach. Key steps include network segmentation to isolate OT/ICS networks, implementing strong authentication and authorization controls, regularly patching OT/ICS systems, monitoring OT/ICS network traffic for malicious activity, and implementing a vulnerability management program. Consider using specialized OT/ICS security tools and engaging with OT/ICS security experts.

What is the role of AI in Manufacturing Security?

AI plays a crucial role in enhancing manufacturing security by automating threat detection, improving vulnerability management, and enhancing incident response. AI-powered security tools can analyze large volumes of data to identify anomalies and predict potential attacks. AI can also be used to automate security tasks, such as vulnerability scanning and patch management, freeing up security professionals to focus on more strategic initiatives. Secably AI Scanner is an example of an AI-powered tool that can help manufacturing companies improve their security posture.

Secure Your Manufacturing Business Today

Manufacturing security is a critical business imperative in 2025. By understanding the threat landscape, implementing security best practices, and leveraging the right security tools, you can protect your critical infrastructure, data, and reputation. Don't wait until it's too late – take action today to secure your manufacturing business.

Start by conducting a risk assessment and developing a security plan. Implement the security checklist items outlined in this guide and consider using the recommended security tools. Remember that security is an ongoing process, not a one-time event. Continuously monitor your security posture, adapt to evolving threats, and stay informed about the latest security best practices.

Ready to Strengthen Manufacturing Security?

Join thousands of Manufacturing organizations using Secably for automated security scanning and compliance.

Get Started Free

Manufacturing Security Guide