Cybersecurity has become a major concern for manufacturers. The risks of cyberattacks are growing and getting more complex to identify. Ransomware incidents jumped about 90% for manufacturers last year. Intellectual property and data theft incidents are also increasing.
These threats can disrupt your entire operation and damage your reputation.
Ignoring cybersecurity and compliance can cost you far more than money. It can result in lost production, damaged trust, and missed opportunities. You’re facing a bigger attack surface with all the connected devices on your shop floor.
IoT and Industry 4.0 have transformed how you manufacture. But they also bring new cyber risks. Real attacks on networks or systems happen every day. So it is important to stay compliant to protect your business from cyber threats.
Several standards and regulations can help protect manufacturing businesses from digital threats. Here’s a clear breakdown of the main ones you need to meet in 2025.
The NIST CSF is a flexible guide to managing digital risk. This framework works with some core functions. They identify, protect, detect, respond to, and recover. It can protect a manufacturing business from information security incidents.
This comprehensive catalogue of security and privacy controls is mandatory for federal contractors. It helps manufacturers meet stringent protections for sensitive data.
An international standard for building and maintaining an Information Security Management System (ISMS). It guides manufacturers in controlling risks to sensitive information.
This sets requirements for securing operational technology (OT) and industrial control systems.
CMMC assesses security maturity across five levels to safeguard controlled unclassified information. Department of Defense contractors are required to have this certification.
These laws govern data privacy in the EU and California. They are more focused on protecting personal data from individuals. There are strict rules on data handling and breach reporting in these laws.
These regulations control the export and sharing of defense-related technologies and data. It is important if you are a defense sector manufacturer.
If your manufacturing touches payment card data, you need to follow PCI DSS. It sets the standards for secure handling and protecting card information.
The rules and regulations that protect manufacturers are changing with cyber risks. Here are some updates that are about to take place:
|
Regulation/Standard |
Applies To |
|
NIST CSF & SP 800-53 |
Federal contractors, sensitive data manufacturers |
|
ISO/IEC 27001 |
Manufacturers maintaining ISMS |
|
IEC 62443 |
Manufacturers with industrial control and OT systems |
|
CMMC |
Defense contractors |
|
GDPR / CCPA |
Manufacturers handling personal data from EU/California |
|
ITAR/EAR |
Defense manufacturers |
|
PCI DSS |
Manufacturers handling payment data |
Here are some essential pillars you can focus on to meet regulatory expectations:
Start by identifying all your IT and OT assets and understanding their risk levels. A thorough, up-to-date inventory helps you spot vulnerabilities and prioritize security efforts.
Separate your operational technology (OT) systems from IT networks with strong segmentation. This limits the spread of threats and safeguards critical production systems.
Create clear security policies and strict access controls. Create clear security policies and strict access controls. You should use role-based permissions and multi-factor authentication to secure your login systems.
Human error is a top cause of breaches. Train your staff and vendors to recognize potential threats.
Use advanced tools to continuously check your networks and systems. Collect and analyze logs to detect unusual activity early and respond quickly.
Prepare a solid incident response plan that outlines steps for a security incident. Combine it with a business continuity plan to cut downtime. It helps to keep your operations running smoothly.
Audit your security controls and produce compliance reports on a regular basis. Continuous review ensures your defenses stay strong and meet evolving regulations.
Together, these pillars build a robust foundation for cybersecurity. It helps you keep your manufacturing environment secure, resilient, and compliant.
There are some pieces of equipment or tools that are moved outside the factory floor. It is important to secure their remote access to prevent attacks on the whole network.
The right tools can keep your manufacturing business compliant and secure. Here are some key technologies that help you meet regulatory demands:
EDR acts like a security guard for every device on your network. It continuously monitors endpoints to spot and stop suspicious activity early. This gives you a rapid response to potential threats.
SIEM tools gather and analyze security data across your entire infrastructure. They provide real-time insights and alerts. You can detect unusual behavior and respond before it causes damage.
MFA adds extra layers to your login process. Even if someone gets hold of a password, they still need a second form of proof. It is like a mobile code or biometric scan which makes unauthorized access much harder.
Encryption is a way of securing your data in such a way that only authorized users can read it. This is essential for protecting sensitive information from prying eyes.
Remote work and field equipment require safe connections back to your network. You should use some tools to keep your system and network secure for remote connection.
Together, these technologies build a strong, integrated defense. They make compliance manageable and help keep your manufacturing environment resilient.
Keeping your manufacturing operation secure and compliant isn’t always easy. Here are some of the biggest challenges you might experience:
Old machines and operational technology weren’t built with today’s risks in mind. They can be tough to secure, especially when you’re trying to connect them with modern IT systems. It may not be possible to upgrade a system. In that case, managing these mixed environments becomes a real challenge.
You might not have the budget or staff that larger competitors do. Hiring cybersecurity experts and buying the right security tools can be expensive.
Cybersecurity practices can keep your networks and data secure. But your vendors, suppliers, and contractors may not follow the same practice. Hackers or cybercriminals can use this opportunity to attack a network.
In manufacturing, downtime is costly if you need your systems running nonstop. But some security measures can slow things down or disrupt operations. Finding the right balance between safety and productivity is a constant juggling act.
Checking boxes for compliance is one thing, and staying secure is another. Sometimes policies and procedures don’t protect you against evolving threats. Bridging that gap takes ongoing attention, testing, and improvement.
Knowing these challenges helps you plan better and make smart decisions. Remember, every step you take makes your operation safer and more resilient.
IT security standards might seem complicated. But breaking it down into clear steps makes it manageable. Here’s a straightforward guide to get you started:
Begin by identifying the weaknesses in your systems and processes. Understand where your valuable assets are and what threats could impact them. This assessment sets the foundation for all your security efforts.
Not every regulation applies to every manufacturer. Figure out which frameworks and standards fit your business type and industry. Knowing the right rules keeps your compliance focused and effective.
Strong policies guide your team on how to protect data and systems. Review existing rules or create new ones aligned with your risk assessment.
Put the right security tools in place. This might include endpoint protection, network monitoring, or encryption. Effective technology supports your policies and reduces vulnerabilities.
Your employees and vendors are key to maintaining security. Offer regular training to keep everyone aware of risks and protocols. Also, regularly check that suppliers and partners follow security best practices.
Practice responding to cyber incidents with your team. Simulations help reveal gaps in your plans and improve readiness for real attacks.
Compliance isn't a one-time event. Audit your security program and update policies and technology. Learn about the latest security threats and regulations. This ongoing effort will keep you secure and compliant over time.
Usherwood has deep expertise in protecting your business from potential cyber threats. We understand the challenges you face on the factory floor or in corporate networks.
We can assist with compliance audits, risk assessments, and remediation for you. Our IT experts identify vulnerabilities and fix them before they become real problems. You can get the latest secure technology with our offerings.
Our team can monitor your systems 24/7 to safeguard your systems or networks. Get the support of our dedicated IT experts to keep your IT and OT operations secure
Staying compliant with security and privacy standards opens doors to new opportunities. It gives your manufacturing business extra credibility. You can earn the trust of government agencies, defense contractors, and healthcare organizations. There are many high-value contracts you can get from them.
Cybersecurity is not only a technical issue for a business. It is a strategy to get ahead of the competition. Manufacturers who invest in securing their IT systems can gain access to a wide market. They can elevate their reputation by implementing cybersecurity best practices.
Need help securing your organization’s IT infrastructure against cyberattacks and data breaches? Usherwood can help you identify vulnerabilities in your system. Talk to our experts today.