Manufacturing companies are increasingly targeted by cyberattacks because even a few hours of downtime can result in losses of $100,000 or more. In 2026, over 60% of manufacturers reported at least one cybersecurity incident, with ransomware and system outages being the leading causes.
The biggest risk in manufacturing is production downtime. When systems controlling machinery or scheduling go offline, operations stop immediately. Unlike other industries, delays directly impact revenue and delivery commitments.
Many manufacturers rely on a mix of modern and legacy systems, which creates security gaps. Older equipment often cannot support advanced security measures, making it easier for attackers to gain access.
Phishing attacks are also a common entry point. Employees in procurement, operations, or finance may unknowingly click malicious links, giving attackers access to internal systems.
A strong cybersecurity and backup strategy focuses on prevention and rapid recovery. This includes securing all endpoints, implementing network segmentation, and continuously monitoring for threats.
Backups play a critical role in minimizing downtime. Manufacturers should use automated, frequent backups with both local and cloud storage. Recovery systems must be tested regularly to ensure production can resume quickly.
A proven approach is to prioritize critical systems first—such as ERP, scheduling, and production controls—ensuring they can be restored within hours, not days.
For example, a 40-employee manufacturing company experienced a system failure that halted production. With a tested backup solution in place, they restored operations within 3 hours, avoiding significant financial loss.
Choosing an IT provider with experience in manufacturing environments, rapid response capabilities, and proven disaster recovery processes ensures your business stays operational even during an attack.