Nearly one in three manufacturers (30%) have faced a serious cyber incident in the last year that has impacted their operations, a report from lobby group MakeUK has found.
New data shows that while manufacturers are strengthening their cyber security protocols, many firms are still too vulnerable to remote attacks. Furthermore, even if internal defences are robust, a cyber incident at one supplier can quickly affect many others, causing delays, reduced capacity and shortages of components or materials.
When compared to other sectors, manufacturing has a distinct cyber risk profile because digital systems are directly connected to physical production. This is particularly true in recent years, with post-Brexit immigration changes and a persistent industrial skill gap forcing manufacturers to automate repetitive, physically demanding tasks.
The most serious threats are those that disrupt production, compromise supply chains or put valuable intellectual property at risk. Ransomware can lock...