The manufacturing industry is  increasingly targeted by cyber threats, with supply chains being particularly vulnerable. As they integrate advanced technologies, IoT devices, and cloud-based systems to enhance efficiency, they face escalating risks. This in return, disrupts operations, compromises sensitive data, and impacts business continuity.

In 2025, businesses must be more vigilant than ever. Cybersecurity in the manufacturing industry is no longer optional—it’s essential for survival.

In this article, we’ll explore the ways of protecting supply chains from cyber threats in 2025. We will start by understanding the top cybersecurity threats facing manufacturers and how vCISO services can help safeguard your organization.

Manufacturers require a detailed comprehension of these threats to build proper manufacturing cybersecurity measures.

1. Ransomware Attacks

Ransomware poses a formidable threat against the manufacturing industry. Criminal hackers encrypt vital operational data and then require payments to give users access but such activities create periods of production interruption together with financial costs.

How Ransomware Attacks Work

1. Infection: Attackers gain access to a system through phishing emails, weak passwords (learn how to keep your password safe and organized), or unpatched software.
2. Encryption: Critical files and production systems are locked, making them inaccessible.
3. Ransom Demand: Cybercriminals demand payment (usually in cryptocurrency) in exchange for decryption keys.
4. Operational Disruption: If backups are inadequate, production lines may be shut down for days or weeks.

Companies in the manufacturing industry represent primary targets because they maintain operation systems using outdated software that does not receive current security updates. Connected devices enlarge the vulnerability area because they present hackers with access points that permit them to exploit supplier network weaknesses so they can distribute ransomware attacks.

2. Phishing and Social Engineering

Phishing attacks exploit human vulnerabilities, tricking employees into revealing confidential information or granting system access.

How Phishing Attacks Work

1. Email Spoofing: Attackers implement Email Spoofing techniques to disguise spam messages as if they originated from trustworthy entities like executives and vendors along with IT departments.
2. Malicious Links & Attachments: Clicking on destructive links and untrusted file downloads may trigger the introduction of viruses or guide users through bogus login pages.
3. Credential Theft: When employees provide their log-in information they become victims of Credential Theft because attackers obtain unauthorized system entry.
4. Network Compromise: After gaining entry attackers can exploit internal privileges for starting more extensive cyber-attacks.

In manufacturing, where operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT) are increasingly interconnected, a successful phishing attack can bridge the gap between IT and OT environments, potentially leading to severe disruptions.

Regular employee training and stringent access controls can help defend against these tactics. ​

3. Supply Chain Attacks

Many manufacturers collaborate with several partners and suppliers to build extensive supply chains.

How Cybercriminals Exploit Supply Chain Weaknesses

1. Compromised Suppliers: The manufacturer falls victim because hackers break into a smaller less secure vendor that gives them access to the manufacturer’s network.
2. Malware-Infested Components: Through concealment malware-attackers embed dangerous code inside both hardware components and software that supply manufacturers before product assembly.
3. Unauthorized Data Access: The deficiency of security measures at access points enables external business partners to disclose sensitive business data.
4. Fake Invoices & Payment Fraud: Attackers execute payment fraud schemes through their fake representation of supplier organizations while altering financial operations.

Featured Case Studies On Supply Chain Cyberattacks in Manufacturing

How vCISO services help strengthen CyberSecurity in Manufacturing Industry

You now understand your manufacturing cybersecurity problem.

Do you have a solution? —NO!

First things first, who is a vCISO?

A vCISO is a cybersecurity professional who provides information security guidance and management for an effective security strategy on an outsourced basis.

Here is how vCISO services can help strengthen cybersecurity in the Manufacturing industry:

1. 1. Protecting Sensitive Data

   Robust manufacturing cybersecurity proves vital to keeping sensitive info safe, ensuring systems stay up, and proactively identifying threats. The role of a virtual Chief Information Security Officer (vCISO) is super important for setting up cyber safety measures meant to deal with specific dangers in the industry. 80% of a vCISO’s know-how is pretty much good for any field, but manufacturing has its own special parts that need an expert look.

   2. Regulatory Compliance and Cybersecurity Attestation

   Regulatory compliance is a key factor in building trust with partners, vendors, and potential customers. Achieving cybersecurity attestations demonstrates a commitment to protecting both your company’s and your stakeholders’ sensitive data.

   Cybersecurity attestations differ from usual certificates verifying that a company upholds top-tier security methods. In the field of production, two respected attestations stand out:

   • SOC 2 Type 2 – A respected standard assessing a firm’s skills to guard client info.
   • ISO 27001 – An international cybersecurity norm helping producers set up solid protective controls

   A vCISO leads firms in sticking to ISO 27001 by setting up security needs matching them with company rules, and crafting docs needed by reviewers. This helps manufacturers show their safety stance to interested parties and maintain regulatory compliance.

   3. IoT and OT Security: Securing Connected Devices

   In the world of cybersecurity in the manufacturing industry, keeping Internet of Things (IoT) devices and operational technology (OT) safe is a huge issue. These gadgets are super important for today’s factories but often come with security risks. Things like outdated firmware, weak authentication mechanisms, and unpatched vulnerabilities can open the door to cyber threats.

   An expert vCISO who knows a ton about IoT safety can put into action strategies like:

   • Network Segmentation – Dividing networks into secure zones to limit access and contain threats.
   • Strong Authentication and Encryption – Ensuring device communications are secure.
   • Regular Patching and Threat Intelligence Monitoring – Staying updated on security threats and applying manufacturer-recommended security updates.

   Manufacturers need to find the perfect middle ground between cybersecurity controls and operational efficiency. They must make sure safety steps don’t mess up the production workflows.

    

   4. Credential Management: A Critical Security Gap

   A common vulnerability in manufacturing environments is poor credential management, where shared usernames and passwords are used across multiple devices. This poses a serious risk, as credentials are often transmitted unencrypted, making them easy targets for attackers who gain network access.

   To mitigate this risk, organizations should:

   • Implement Role-Based Access Controls (RBAC) – Restrict access based on user roles and responsibilities.
   • Use Unique Credentials for Each Device and System – Preventing unauthorized lateral movement within the network.
   • Encrypt Credential Transmission – Ensuring sensitive data is protected from eavesdropping attacks.

   Addressing credential security is one of the fastest ways to enhance supply chain security and reduce the risk of cyberattacks.