The Top 3 Cyber Threats Targeting Manufacturers Right Now

Kayla Marshall
October 9, 2025

What every operations and IT leader needs to know about cybersecurity and manufacturing this year.

Cybersecurity in manufacturing isn’t what it used to be.

Not long ago, your production systems were isolated and you’re biggest IT concern was whether or not someone remembered to back up the ERP server.

Today, one vulnerable endpoint or a misconfigured firewall can bring your operations to a halt — and attackers know it. From cloud-based ERP platforms to networked CNC machines, manufacturing environments are now deeply connected. And with all those connections comes new risks.

According to the Dragos Q1 2025 Ransomware Report, manufacturing accounted for 68% of all industrial ransomware incidents, and it is the most-targeted industry for the fourth year in a row (Dragos qtd. by DeepStrike 1).

So, if you’re in manufacturing and wondering whether your cybersecurity is “good enough,” chances are — it’s not. And that gap could cost you.

Why Cybersecurity in Manufacturing is Becoming More Important

Manufacturers have a unique challenge: you’re balancing uptime, productivity, and lean IT staffing. That exact mix makes your environment especially attractive to attackers. Most small-to-midsize businesses don’t have dedicated IT security staff, and in many cases, aging infrastructure adds another layer of risk.

Let’s break down the top three cybersecurity threats we’re seeing in 2025 — and how you can stay ahead of them.

Threat #1: Endpoints That Fly Under the Radar

“If it plugs in and connects, it’s a risk.”

Walk into most shop floors and you’ll find: workstations running unpatched software, aging Windows servers collecting dust (and malware), and / or IoT-connected devices still using default credentials. These endpoints are often overlooked, until they become an attacker’s way in.

According to Fortinet’s threat research, endpoints remain a favored target for cybercriminals looking to deploy ransomware, steal credentials, and move laterally through an environment (2).

Why it matters:
Once compromised, attackers can use a single infected machine to access business-critical systems like your ERP, MES, or even industrial controllers.

What to do:

Deploy modern Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) tools to monitor and block threats in real time in all your endpoints.
Patch ALL systems regularly, even the ones collecting dust in the corner.
Maintain a complete inventory of connected devices. If you can’t see it, you can’t secure it.
Segment your network to limit lateral movement. A flat network makes it far easier for attackers to spread once they’re inside.

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Threat #2: Legacy Systems + Cloud = A Perfect Storm

Hybrid cloud environments are becoming the norm in manufacturing. Most manufacturers now use a mix of on-premise systems and cloud platforms for ERP, backups, or remote access.

But many legacy systems weren’t designed for secure internet connectivity. Add in inconsistent patching or open firewall rules, and you’ve got a soft target.

Why it matters:
Attackers often use misconfigurations or outdated protocols as a back door into environments.

According to Verizon’s 2024 Data Breach Investigations Report, attacks exploiting unpatched vulnerabilities nearly tripled from the previous year, making it one of the fastest-growing breach vectors. Manufacturing also saw a rise in breaches caused by system misconfigurations and other operational errors (3).

What to do:

Segment your network: keep production systems separate from admin networks and external access.
Audit firewall and VPN rules regularly.
Partner with experts who understand hybrid cloud and manufacturing cybersecurity and how to bridge old and new securely.

DataYard’s Cloud Management

Threat #3: Unsecured Vendor Access & Third-Party Integrations

Manufacturers rely on third-party vendors every day, such as maintenance partners, equipment providers, cloud services, remote integrators. But each connection is a risk if not controlled.

According to one Ponemon Institute survey, 59% of respondents said their organization had experienced a breach caused by a third party (Ponemon qtd. by Winston & Strawn LLP 4).

Why it matters:
If your vendor gets compromised, and they have persistent access to your environment, you could become collateral damage in a breach you didn’t cause.

What to do:

Grant least-privilege access: only what’s needed, only when needed.
Require multi-factor authentication (MFA) for remote connections.
Audit third-party access on a regular basis and shut down stale accounts.

DataYard’s Cybersecurity

You Don’t Need to Be a Cybersecurity Expert, You Just Need Visibility

Learning more about cybersecurity in manufacturing isn’t about paranoia; it’s about protecting your infrastructure uptime, customer trust, and ability to ship on time. The first step is knowing what’s exposed.

Get a Free Cybersecurity Checkup with RISE

We designed the RISE Foundations Assessment specifically for organizations who don’t have full-time security staff but need peace of mind.

Answer a few questions and you’ll get:

A clear, customized report with actionable recommendations
An expert-led consultation focused on your environment (cloud, on-prem, or hybrid)

Take the RISE Assessment

Final Thoughts: You Can’t Prevent Every Threat, But You Can Be Prepared

From the factory floor to your cloud-hosted systems, every piece of your infrastructure is now part of your cybersecurity strategy.

Manufacturers who patch proactively, segment their systems, and secure vendor access are working to avoid downtime, but also outperforming competitors who treat cybersecurity as an afterthought.

Cybersecurity and manufacturing go hand in hand now. Let’s make sure your operation isn’t falling behind.

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Learn More: DataYard’s Cybersecurity

FAQs: Manufacturing Cybersecurity

Q1: We’re a small manufacturer, do we really need to worry about this?
Yes! Small and midsize manufacturers are often more targeted than large enterprises because attackers know they typically lack dedicated cybersecurity staff. If you’re connected to the internet, you’re a potential target; automated scans don’t care about company size.

Q2: We already have antivirus and a firewall. Isn’t that enough?
Antivirus and firewalls are baseline protections. But modern attackers exploit misconfigurations, unpatched systems, and weak remote access, not just viruses. Full protection includes monitoring, remediation, patching, segmentation, and secure backups.

Q3: How do I know if our IT team is covering these risks?
That’s where the RISE Assessment comes in. It’s not about replacing your team; it’s about giving you an independent, expert review to find blind spots and prioritize improvements.

Q4: We don’t use much cloud, does this still apply?
Yes. Even on-premise systems are vulnerable if they’re outdated or misconfigured. And if you’re using cloud-based apps or backups (even partially), you need a hybrid approach to security.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Let’s find the gaps, before the bad guys do.

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Disclaimer

This blog post is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute cybersecurity advice tailored to your specific environment. Every business is different, and threats evolve rapidly. We recommend a professional assessment before making major changes. DataYard is not responsible for any decisions made solely based on this content.