- 80% of manufacturers report increased cyberattacks
- IT/OT convergence exacerbates security vulnerabilities
What Happened: Cybersecurity threats rise in manufacturing
The manufacturing industry is increasingly vulnerable to cyberattacks as the integration of Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT) escalates. A study by Omdia and Telstra International found that 80% of manufacturers reported an uptick in security incidents across IT/OT systems. The shift towards Industry 4.0, which includes technologies like AI, IoT, and cloud computing, has connected these systems and improved operations, but has also amplified the risk of cyberattacks.
While many manufacturers face significant costs—ranging from $200,000 to $2 million per incident—only 45% feel adequately prepared to handle these threats. The study also reveals that 75% of attacks targeting OT systems originated in IT systems, demonstrating the vulnerability of interconnected environments.
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Why it’s important
The rise in cyberattacks within the manufacturing sector highlights the growing risk associated with IT/OT convergence. As digital transformation increases, companies must reconsider traditional cybersecurity measures, such as air gapping, which are no longer sufficient. The growing dependence on external cybersecurity providers underscores the sector’s skills gap in managing both IT and OT systems. The lack of a unified security strategy and insufficient preparation for these interconnected risks has resulted in considerable financial consequences. These security gaps are a major concern for manufacturers aiming to protect critical infrastructure.
