Today’s cyber threats in manufacturing are increasing. According to a 2023 report by IBM, manufacturers are the second most targeted industry for cyberattacks, with an average data breach costing over four $ million per incident. With production lines, IIoT devices, and cloud computer systems all connected, manufacturers now more than ever need to adopt the latest in cybersecurity practices to protect their facilities and businesses.
Our research has uncovered the top five cybersecurity threats affecting the manufacturing industry in 2025, and how solutions from companies like – Kaspersky, ESET, AVAST, NordLayer, and Perimeter 81 can help manufacturers address these challenges.
1. AI-Driven Threat Detection and Response for Manufacturing
Cyberattacks are becoming more sophisticated. Detection methods used only a few years ago have proven too slow to respond to new, evolving threats. The advent of AI is both accelerating and helping with the detection of threats for manufacturing companies. AI algorithms have the ability to analyze network activity and detect anomalies in real-time, creating faster responses to potential attacks. A study by Crowd Strike shows ransomware remains the tool of choice for many hackers – data-theft extortion continues to be an attractive — and often easier — monetization route, as is shown by the 76% increase in the number of hacks named on BGH dedicated leak sites (DLSs) from 2022 and 2023. Access brokers continue to profit by providing initial access to eCrime threats.
How These Companies Offerings Can Help Manufacturers:
- Kaspersky uses advanced machine learning and AI to provide proactive threat detection. Their AI-driven solutions continuously monitor industrial networks for anomalies, helping manufacturers prevent attacks before they disrupt production.
- ESET integrates AI into its ultimate protection systems, providing rapid threat identification across the factory floor and safeguarding IIoT devices.
- AVAST offers AI-powered threat detection designed for businesses, providing real-time protection against ransomware, malware, and zero-day threats across all manufacturing systems.
2. Zero-Trust Architecture for Enhanced Network Security
Zero-trust architecture is quickly becoming standard in the cybersecurity world. Unlike traditional models, which assume everything inside the network is trusted, zero-trust requires continuous verification of users and data, along with devices. Thus ensuring every connection is validated before granting access, which is crucial for protecting sensitive manufacturing operations.
How These Companies Offerings Can Help Manufacturers:
- NordLayer provides scalable zero-trust network access solutions, allowing manufacturers to secure access to critical systems. NordLayer’s platform ensures that only authorized users and devices can access sensitive areas of your production network.
- Perimeter 81 offers zero-trust security through its cloud-native architecture, enabling manufacturers to verify every device, user, and network request in real-time.
3. Securing Industrial IoT (IIoT) Devices
The rise of Industrial IoT (IIoT) devices has brought increased connectivity and automation to manufacturing, but it has also opened up new vulnerabilities. A Gartner report estimates that by 2025, over 75% of industrial IoT devices will face cyberattacks due to weak security. Securing these devices is essential to prevent unauthorized access to critical manufacturing systems.
How These Companies Offerings Can Help Manufacturers:
- Kaspersky offers robust IIoT security solutions designed to protect connected devices in industrial environments.
- ESET delivers endpoint protection for IIoT devices, monitoring device behavior and securing critical infrastructure in real-time.
- AVAST’s IoT security solution helps secure connected devices by monitoring for vulnerabilities and providing real-time threat detection.
4. Cloud Security for Manufacturing
Cloud computing is increasingly being used to manage manufacturing operations, from supply chain management to predictive maintenance. However, as more data is stored in the cloud, manufacturers must ensure their cloud environments are secure. According to IDC, 60% of manufacturers will rely on cloud platforms by 2025, increasing the demand for cloud security solutions (source).
How These Companies’ Offerings Can Help Manufacturing:
- NordLayer offers cloud-based VPN and secure remote access solutions that protect manufacturers’ sensitive data and communications.
- Perimeter 81 provides cloud security solutions that enable manufacturers to secure cloud environments with network segmentation and advanced firewall protection.
5. Supply Chain Security
Supply chain attacks are an increasing threat to manufacturers. In a 2023 study by Accenture, 40% of cyberattacks targeted vulnerabilities in the supply chain. Manufacturers must ensure that every link in their supply chain, from suppliers to partners, is secured to prevent malicious actors from exploiting weaknesses.
How These Companies’ Offerings Can Help:
- Kaspersky provides supply chain protection that Common SMB mistakes: The supply-chain attack Case study: An analysis of insufficient safety practices at a small advertising agency
- ESET offers end-to-end security solutions that help manufacturers secure their supply chains.
Table: Cybersecurity Solutions for Manufacturing
| Trend | Solution Provider | How Their Offerings Help |
|---|---|---|
| AI-Driven Threat Detection | Kaspersky, ESET, AVAST | AI-driven solutions for real-time threat detection and faster responses to malware, ransomware, and zero-day threats (). |
| Zero-Trust Architecture | NordLayer, Perimeter 81 | Zero-trust solutions that continuously verify users and devices, preventing unauthorized access to critical infrastructure (source). |
| IIoT Device Security | Kaspersky, ESET, AVAST | Advanced endpoint protection and monitoring for Industrial IoT devices to prevent cyberattacks on connected production systems (source). |
| Cloud Security | NordLayer, Perimeter 81 | Scalable cloud security solutions, including secure VPNs and firewalls to protect sensitive manufacturing data in cloud environments (source). |
| Supply Chain Security | Kaspersky, ESET | End-to-end monitoring and protection for the entire supply chain, ensuring that every partner adheres to cybersecurity best practices (source). |
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