Think again. Nearly half of all cyberattacks target small businesses, and manufacturing ranks among the top industries at risk. From ransomware locking up critical data to phishing scams tricking employees, these digital predators can bring your operation to a grinding halt. And once they’ve got their hooks in, the financial and reputational damage can be devastating.
So, why are hackers targeting small and medium-sized manufacturers? Because they can. Many manufacturers don’t have the latest security measures in place. Outdated software, weak passwords, and untrained employees create a playground for cybercriminals. If they find a way in, they know you’ll pay up just to keep production moving. And if they fail? No problem. They’ll just move on to the next vulnerable target.
Picture this: You walk into the plant, and nothing works. Machines are offline. Orders are piling up. Your team can’t access the system. Then, you get the message: “Pay the ransom, or your data is gone forever.” And even if you do pay, there’s no guarantee you’ll get your files back. The worst part? Attacks like these don’t just disrupt operations; they erode customer trust and put your business at risk of long-term financial damage.
The good news is that cybercriminals love an easy target. Don’t be one. A few smart moves can make all the difference:
And if an attack does happen? Move fast. Isolate affected systems, figure out what went wrong, and restore your data from backups. The faster you act, the less damage you’ll suffer.
One of the best ways to stay ahead of cyber threats is by switching to cloud-based ERP. With built-in security, automatic updates, and expert monitoring, cloud solutions take a huge weight off your shoulders. Instead of worrying about cyberattacks, you can focus on what you do best – making quality products.
Cybercriminals aren’t going away, and their tactics are only getting more sophisticated. The manufacturers that survive and thrive will be the ones who take cybersecurity seriously. Don’t wait until an attack forces your hand. Download the What Manufacturers Need to Know About Cyberattacks whitepaper to learn how to take action and protect your business.