Manufacturers are increasingly being targeted with ransomware attacks as cyber threats evolve and become more sophisticated. These attacks can cripple operations, causing financial losses and reputational damage. In addition, studies have found that the manufacturing sector's reliance on interconnected systems, digital technologies and internet-of-things (IoT) devices has heightened their risk of cyberattacks.
This article explores the critical role of partnering with a Managed Service Provider (MSP) to mitigate these risks.
By leveraging a mature MSP's expertise and resources, manufacturers can shift from a reactive to a proactive cybersecurity strategy. This ensures operational continuity and enhanced protection against cyber threats.
Mature MSPs offer comprehensive monitoring, advanced threat detection and rapid response capabilities. These services provide a robust defense mechanism, safeguarding manufacturing operations. This allows companies to focus confidently on their core business activities.
Let’s take a closer look at what is happening in the world of cyber threats and how partnering with an expert MSP can help ensure that manufacturers stay safe, without disruption to daily operations.
We’ll discuss:
- The Growing Threat of Ransomware in Manufacturing
- Why Manufacturers Are Prime Targets
- How MSPs Mitigate Ransomware Risks
- How Elevity Helped a Manufacturer Securely Scale Their Business Technology
- Strengthen Your Manufacturing Cybersecurity With Elevity’s Expert IT Solutions
LEARN MORE: Managed IT Services for Manufacturing Companies
The Growing Threat of Ransomware in Manufacturing
Ransomware attacks are on the rise, and the manufacturing sector is one of the most targeted industries globally. According to a recent Deloitte report, 65% of manufacturing organizations have fallen victim to ransomware attacks. This staggering statistic underscores the urgent need for robust cybersecurity measures in the manufacturing industry.
The impact of a ransomware attack on a manufacturing company can be devastating. It can lead to significant operational downtime, financial losses and even damage to the company’s reputation. As cyber threats continue to evolve, manufacturers must adopt proactive measures to protect their systems and data.
Why Manufacturers Are Prime Targets
Manufacturers are prime targets for ransomware attacks for several reasons. First, the industry relies heavily on interconnected systems and machinery, making it vulnerable to cyberattacks. Disrupting these systems can halt production and cause substantial financial losses.
Second, manufacturing companies often use legacy systems that may not have the latest security updates, making them easy targets for cybercriminals.
Additionally, the industry’s complex supply chains and valuable intellectual property make it an attractive target for ransomware attackers seeking high-value data.
How MSPs Mitigate Ransomware Risks
MSPs play a crucial role in mitigating ransomware risks for manufacturers. By partnering with an MSP, manufacturers can turn cybersecurity from a reactive scramble into a strategic advantage. Here are four ways MSPs help:
Constant Monitoring: MSPs provide 24/7 monitoring of systems, searching for any anomalies in data trends that might indicate a cyber threat.
Advanced Threat Detection: Utilizing sophisticated tools and technologies, MSPs can identify and neutralize threats before they cause significant damage.
Fast Recovery Solutions: In the event of a ransomware attack, MSPs offer fast recovery solutions to restore systems and data, ensuring minimal disruption to operations.
Compliance Support: MSPs help manufacturers navigate the complexities of industry regulations, ensuring data privacy and security compliance.
How Elevity Helped a Manufacturer Securely Scale Their Business Technology
MSPs help manufacturers enhance their efficiency, security and compliance. This forward planning for responsible networked growth enables organizations to grow and change without disruption to daily operations or increased risk of cyber threats.
This partnership also empowers manufacturers to focus on product innovation and organizational growth. Sometimes that growth comes in the form of an acquisition.
SACO Foods, a global consumer-packaged goods manufacturer and distributor, needed Elevity's assistance with their business technology after an acquisition to ensure seamless data migrations and scaling their network to accommodate additional users.
This collaboration allowed SACO Foods to focus on their core business operations while Elevity managed the complexities of their IT systems, aligning technology with their business needs and improving overall efficiency and security. For more details, download the full case study.
“We have always been able to trust the team at Elevity as if they were an extension of our management team. They are a critical part of our business, essentially serving as an external CIO for our organization.” – Tom Walzer, CEO, SACO Foods
Strengthen Your Manufacturing Cybersecurity with Elevity’s Expert IT Solutions
In today's digital landscape, the threat of ransomware is ever-present, and manufacturers must take proactive steps to protect their operations. Partnering with Elevity can provide the expertise and resources needed to mitigate these risks.
Elevity offers a range of services designed to enhance cybersecurity, improve operational efficiency and ensure compliance with industry regulations. By working with Elevity, manufacturers can focus on what they do best – producing high-quality products – while leaving the complexities of IT management to the experts.
Contact us to schedule a consultation and discover how our tailored solutions can help secure your manufacturing operations against ransomware and other cyber threats.
