Manufacturing companies are critical to the U.S. economy, but with increased reliance on digital systems, they’re also becoming prime targets for cybercriminals and cybersecurity threats. A manufacturing company cyber attack can result in operational downtime, financial loss, and reputational damage. Despite this, many manufacturers still overlook one of the most effective ways to identify and fix security vulnerabilities: regular penetration testing.
In this blog, we’ll explore why penetration tests are vital to cybersecurity in the manufacturing sector and the severe risks organizations face when they ignore them.
Why Manufacturing Companies are Prime Cyber Targets
Manufacturing is now the most attacked industry for the third consecutive year, according to IBM’s 2024 X-Force Threat Intelligence Report. The report highlights a growing trend: cybercriminals are exploiting the sector’s dependence on interconnected systems and its low tolerance for downtime.
Key findings:
- Over 25% of global cyber incidents in 2023 targeted manufacturers
- Malware (45%) and ransomware (17%) were the most common types of attacks
- Companies in the U.S. Defense Industrial Base are particularly vulnerable due to the sensitivity of their data and regulatory requirements
These trends show that manufacturing company cyber attacks are not just a possibility, they’re a growing reality. And without the right safeguards, including penetration testing, organizations leave themselves dangerously exposed.
Understanding Penetration Testing
Penetration testing, or ethical hacking, is a simulated cyberattack performed by security professionals to uncover vulnerabilities in your IT systems, applications, or networks. These tests mimic real-world attacks, allowing organizations to identify weak points before malicious hackers can exploit them. The goal is to uncover vulnerabilities before they can be exploited, allowing manufacturers to strengthen their defenses.
The Cost of Skipping Penetration Testing
Failing to perform regular penetration tests puts manufacturing organizations at significant risk. Here are the most critical consequences:
1. Unidentified Vulnerabilities
New security flaws are discovered every day. Without regular penetration tests, manufacturers may remain unaware of critical vulnerabilities in their systems. Cybercriminals are constantly evolving their techniques, and new gaps are discovered regularly. Without ongoing testing, manufacturers remain unaware of potential threats lurking in their systems.
2. Increased Ransomware Risk
Ransomware attacks have become increasingly sophisticated and can halt production, delay deliveries, and cost millions. These attacks encrypt a victim’s data and demand a ransom for its release. Penetration tests can uncover the vulnerabilities these attacks rely on—before attackers do.
3. Regulatory Non-Compliance
Many industries, including manufacturing, are subject to stringent data security and privacy regulatory requirements. For example, frameworks like the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) require strict cybersecurity practices. Neglecting penetration testing can result in failing assessments, legal penalties, and loss of government contracts.
4. Reputational Damage
A single cyberattack can shake confidence and damage brand credibility. Customers, partners, and stakeholders expect these organizations to protect sensitive data and ensure the integrity of their operations. A breach can erode trust and lead to a loss of business. Regular testing demonstrates a proactive commitment to cybersecurity and builds stakeholder trust.
5. Massive Financial Losses
The financial impact of a cyberattack can be staggering. In 2023, the average cost of a data breach in the U.S. reached $9.48 million, according to the Ponemon Institute. Consistent and regular penetration testing is a cost-effective method to avoid these catastrophic expenses.
6. Operational Disruption
A cyberattack can bring manufacturing lines and supply chains to a halt. Supply chains can also be disrupted and critical systems compromised. The downtime caused by a cyberattack can result in significant delays and lost revenue. Penetration testing helps identify the security gaps that could allow such disruptions.
How to Make Penetration Testing Part of Your Cybersecurity Strategy
Penetration testing shouldn’t be an afterthought—it should be a core part of your security strategy. Here’s how manufacturing companies can integrate it effectively:
Conduct Regular Penetration Tests
Organizations should schedule regular penetration tests to stay ahead of evolving threats. Test annually or bi-annually, depending on your risk profile, infrastructure complexity, and compliance obligations.
Hire Experienced Professionals
Penetration testing should be conducted by qualified cybersecurity professionals. Work with a team of experts — like AIS Network — who understands the unique challenges of manufacturing environments.
Act on Findings
Identifying weaknesses is only the first step. Organizations must take immediate action to address the weaknesses uncovered during penetration testing. Fix vulnerabilities promptly by applying patches, updating configurations, and improving controls.
Combine With Other Security Measures
Penetration testing works best alongside other controls like multifactor authentication, least privilege access, and encrypted communications. An integrated approach ensures comprehensive protection against cyber threats.
Build a Cyber-Aware Culture
Cybersecurity should be a priority at all levels of a manufacturing company. Train employees to recognize phishing, follow security protocols, and treat cybersecurity as a shared responsibility across the organization.
Don’t Wait for a Manufacturing Company Cyber Attack
With cyber threats growing more sophisticated, manufacturers must move from reactive to proactive cybersecurity. Regular penetration testing is a powerful, cost-effective way to identify and fix vulnerabilities before they become breaches.
At AIS Network, we specialize in penetration testing services tailored for manufacturing organizations—especially those preparing for CMMC compliance. With 32+ years of IT experience, we help safeguard operations, protect sensitive data, and strengthen cyber resilience. Contact AIS Network today to schedule a penetration test and start fortifying your defenses.