Cybercriminals Are Attacking Manufacturers and What to Do

If you work in manufacturing, it might feel like cybercriminals have you in their sights. They absolutely do. The FBI says manufacturing has been the most attacked industry for four years straight.

This isn’t a coincidence. Even criminals have strategic business moves.

Why do hackers pick on manufacturers? More importantly, how do you stop them? We’re here to answer your questions.

The High Cost of Downtime. Silence Isn’t Golden

Imagine your CNC machines and computers stop running. Your screens go dark or worse yet, you get a screen that states your network systems are being held ransom. You can’t open important files or even Microsoft Excel. Yep, Excel.

Unfortunately, we’ve seen it firsthand.

I’ll never forget when we went to help a manufacturer who had been hacked. Our COO sent me a hand drawn chart and asked me to create a document for this manufacturer as they could (literally) do nothing with their systems.

Downtime for manufacturers isn’t just a pain it costs a lot. Lost work, late orders, and damaged reputation. How long can your company last without paying employees before losing them?

One of our team leaders says it best, “When your business gets hacked it will be one of the worst days of your life.” That’s why strong cybersecurity isn’t a choice for manufacturers. It’s a necessity.

Manufacturers Are Ideal Targets for Hackers

Cybercriminals look at manufacturers the same way raccoons look at an overflowing trash can. And just like raccoons, hackers are surprisingly good at getting past whatever flimsy barrier you thought would stop them.

Here’s why your industry draws them in:

1. Outdated hardware is a real weakness for security. You use expensive machines that run on expensive old systems. The security on these machines is from a time in the past. That makes them easy targets for ransomware.
2. Outdated software is an open door. Manufacturers often mix old and new software. The older equipment has weak spots hackers love to exploit. Keep your software patched, updated, or replaced- even your cell phone.
3. The need for uninterrupted operations make you a target. Manufacturing runs on timing and precision. Hackers know that stopping you (even briefly) can push you to pay up fast.

What Cyber Attacks Look Like in Manufacturing

Cyber-attacks cause chaos. They leave everyone scrambling to respond. The damage is sudden and hard to manage if you don’t have a strong cybersecurity software stack. An attack is an unwanted, chaotic surprise.

Here’s what to watch for:

• Phishing: Sneaky Emails That Trip You Up. One wrong click could hand your login info to hackers. That’s why training your staff is key. Don’t let one mistake take your company down. According to Verizon’s 2025 Data Breach Investigations Report, human error contributes to about 60% of all data breaches.
• Supply Chain Attacks: One Weak Link equals Major Trouble. Your system may be safe, but what about your suppliers? One weak point in the chain can break the whole operation.
• Credential Stuffing: When Stolen Passwords Come Back to Haunt You. Hackers use passwords from unrelated breaches to break into your systems. If employees reuse passwords across platforms (and many do), attackers can slip right in without setting off alarms. Using multi-factor authentication and enforcing strong password policies are good starting points for security.
• Unsecured Access Points: Open Doors for Digital Intruders. From unprotected Wi-Fi networks to unused ports on factory equipment, cybercriminals love when the digital front door is left wide open. If it connects to your network and isn’t secured, it’s a risk. Lock down everything.

Protect Your Business from Threats Today

Don’t want to be the next cyber-attack in the industry? Here’s a simple plan:

• Keep all software up to date. Even on phones, printers, old desktops, etc.
• Separate your networks so one breach won’t take everything down.
• Use multi-factor authentication (MFA). One password shouldn’t be the only thing standing between hackers and your system.
• Back up your data often and offline. If an attack occurs, you’ll want a clean copy to bounce back. Additionally, don’t just assume your back up is working- test it!
• Train your employees regularly. Thanks to AI, criminals have become sneakier. Make sure your team knows what to click (and what not to).
• Limit access to the network by job role. Not everyone needs access to every file or drive. The fewer doors you leave open, the harder it is for a cyber criminal to get more data.
• Secure all endpoints. That includes mobile devices and that dusty old desktop still plugged into the network.
• Monitor your network 24/7. Cyber threats don’t clock out at 5 p.m., and neither should your security.

The Right Cybersecurity Team Matters

Cyber threats are getting smarter. Hackers attack manufacturers of all sizes. They love manufacturers without a dedicated cybersecurity team. That’s where we come in.

At 4BIS, we specialize in protecting manufacturers. Whether you’re running CNC machines or managing complex supply chains, we know your systems, your software, compliance regulations and your risks.

Here’s how working with a team like 4BIS gives you the upper hand:

• We detect threats before they cause damage. Our 24/7 monitoring and threat detection systems catch suspicious activity early before criminals shut you down. Some of our clients have even thank us, as our software blocks bad-threat actors from taking over their systems.
• We build your defenses. We are experienced at securing legacy machines, update firewalls and patch vulnerabilities. We build a multi-layer protection defense, tailored to your manufacturing company.
• We respond fast so you don’t waste time or money. That way, if something does happen, we’re already working on the fix. Our local team acts quickly to get you back up and running, minimizing downtime and damage.
• We train your team to be your first line of defense. Employees are often the weakest link. We provide ongoing training to help your staff recognize threats such as phishing and other social engineering.
• We offer proactive planning, not just emergency support. Our experts lead teams with compliance audits, risk assessments and defense plans. We help you prepare for what could happen. We help you prepare, not just react if something has happened.

When you work with 4BIS, you’re not just getting an IT provider, you’re gaining a partner. We understand your productivity demands of modern manufacturing. We protect your business like it’s our own.

At 4BIS Cyber Security, we specialize in protecting small and mid-sized manufacturers. Our average time to answer a phone call is 23 seconds. 79% of our client issues are resolved on the first call.   Additionally, 4BIS has been in business since 1996, and we have more 5-star Google ratings than any other local competitor.

Cybersecurity is a business issue, not an IT issue. Act now to minimize disruption and keep your business running.

At 4BIS Cyber Security and IT Services, we’re committed to helping businesses understand and manage their cyber risks. After all, two heads are better than one, especially when it comes to fighting cybercrime. If you have questions or want to discuss how to improve your security posture, give us a call at 513-494-4444. Let’s get the conversation started and ensure your business is as secure as it can be.