Cybersecurity in manufacturing is no longer just about firewalls and passwords — it’s about survival.
In 2025, manufacturing firms are increasingly targeted by sophisticated cyberattacks, often linked to geopolitical tensions. The stakes? Factory shutdowns, stolen data, disrupted supply chains, and millions lost. Here’s how the story is unfolding and what manufacturers can learn.
Rising Threats in Critical Manufacturing Infrastructure
U.S. agencies have flagged a sharp increase in cyberattacks by Iranian actors targeting operational technology (OT) in sectors including food and beverage manufacturing. These attacks exploit exposed devices and default passwords in industrial control systems, making critical infrastructure a juicy target. The Iran-Israel conflict has amplified these threats globally, with over 600 attack claims reported in just two weeks in June 2025.
Experts warn manufacturers to ditch default passwords and avoid direct internet exposure of critical systems. The lesson: Even a tiny crack can turn into a floodgate if attackers get in through unprotected connected devices.
Real-World Case: Engineering Firm’s Cyber Resilience Journey
A global engineering firm, operating across 60 countries, recently faced two major ransomware attacks. They turned to specialized security services to overhaul their defenses. This included a 24/7 co-managed Security Operations Center (SOC), custom threat detection aligned with their business risks, and tighter incident response processes.
By integrating cloud and on-premises data, and collaborating closely with expert teams, they not only stopped attacks in their tracks but built longer-term resilience. This hands-on approach proved crucial during active attacks where expert help was at their side.
Standardization: The Key to Manufacturing Cybersecurity
A large North American food manufacturer faced challenges with inconsistent security setups across its dozen-plus plants. Different tools and architectures made it tough to spot threats quickly or mount a coordinated defense.
Working with consultants, they standardized security tech like firewalls and network controls across all sites. This unified view gave their security team an eagle-eye perspective to catch threats early and prevent costly downtime.
Why This Matters to You
- Cyber threats in manufacturing are real and growing stronger with nation-state involvement.
- Weak points like default passwords and fragmented security setups are invitations to attackers.
- Collaborating with cybersecurity experts and standardizing defenses can turn vulnerability into strength.
Manufacturing companies don’t have to weather cyber storms alone. Building a resilient digital shield today safeguards not just equipment but entire business futures.
References:
- https://thehackernews.com/2025/06/us-agencies-warn-of-rising-iranian.html
- https://adarma.com/case-study-global-engineering-firm/
- https://www.akamai.com/blog?page=91
- https://insights.integrity360.com/5-of-the-biggest-cyber-attacks-of-2025-so-far
- https://www.deloitte.com/us/en/what-we-do/case-studies/playing-offense-against-threats.html
- https://www.thedigitalstride.co.uk/news-insights
- https://www.huschblackwell.com/newsandinsights/fbi-notes-increase-in-cyber-activity-targeting-operational-technology
- https://claroty.com/industrial-cybersecurity/mining
