Page 221 - Cyber Defense eMagazine RSAC Special Edition 2025

Small Manufacturers, Big Target: The

Growing Cyber Threat and How to Defend

Against It

By Brian Winters, Chief Technology Officer, ECI Software Solutions

Digital transformation in manufacturing has opened doors to promising possibilities, but not without new
risk exposure. With expansive transformation comes additional threats. As manufacturers embrace
automation, IoT integration, and cloud-based operations, they also become prime targets for
cybercriminals seeking to exploit vulnerabilities in increasingly interconnected systems.

Deloitte’s Cybersecurity Threat Trends Report 2024 revealed a staggering 400% surge in cross-industry
IoT malware attacks, with the global manufacturing sector being the most targeted. This sharp increase
underscores the urgent need for manufacturers to fortify their cybersecurity posture, as reliance on digital
infrastructure continues to grow.

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