17 May, 2017 / BY Jessica Plank

4 reasons your factory may be vulnerable to cyber attacks

JJS Manufacturing InsightsAfter the recent spate of international cyber attacks left some multinational manufacturing organisations grinding to a halt, cyber security has become a prominent concern once again for business leaders around the world.

With the digitalisation and automation of manufacturing becoming more and more prevalent it is not surprising that companies are taking increased precautions to secure their data and IT platforms. But like most security features, cyber security strategies can only be effective if we understand what makes us so vulnerable to attack in the first place. What exactly are the criminals after?

The article below by The Manufacturer highlights four key areas that make the manufacturing industry particularly susceptible to cyber attacks and explains the damaging consequences these can have on a business. Hopefully, by understanding the relevant causes and effects of cyber attacks, you can implement suitable cyber security strategies to limit the threat of attack and minimalise the damaging output an attack could have on your manufacturing operation.

It’s no surprise to learn that our manufacturers represent a very attractive target for cyberattackers.

From a global perspective, manufacturing might not actually make the world go round, but it certainly plays a hugely significant role in just about every aspect of everyday life, representing 14.73% of world GVA and generating £8.6tn in global revenues.

From food to life sciences to technology and the components that make up our national infrastructures, we’re reliant on the value chain to keep on delivering.

Manufacturing is now one of the top three industries targeted in cyber-espionage, the second in percentage of spam in email and the third in spear-phishing (emails that appear genuine, but are targeted at a particular organisation).

https://www.themanufacturer.com/articles/four-reasons-industrial-cyberattackers-targeting-factory/

Written by Jessica Plank

Based in Switzerland, Jessica holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and has day-to-day responsibility for strategic marketing tactics including blog management, social media marketing, e-mail marketing, and European event management. Jessica’s dedication to maintaining a strong online presence has significantly contributed to the success of ESCATEC's marketing initiatives since she joined the team in 2021.