Manufacturing & Industrial Overview
The manufacturing and industrial sectors, including those operating Operational Technology (OT) and Industrial Control Systems (ICS), have become prime targets for cyberattacks. As these industries adopt smart manufacturing, IoT devices, remote monitoring, and automated control systems, the line between IT and OT continues to blur. Exposing production environments to a wide range of cybersecurity risks. From ransomware attacks that halt production lines to advanced persistent threats targeting intellectual property. The stakes are exceptionally high in an industry where downtime translates directly into lost revenue and safety hazards.
Risks
According to IBM’s 2023 X-Force Threat Intelligence Index, the manufacturing sector was the most attacked industry for the second year in a row. Accounting for 25.7% of all cyberattacks worldwide. These attacks aren’t just theoretical. Real-world breaches have caused factories to shut down, supply chains to stall, and equipment to be sabotaged. Additionally, the average cost of a data breach in the industrial sector has reached $4.47 million, and that doesn’t include lost productivity or damage to equipment and reputation. Legacy systems, lack of network segmentation, and minimal visibility into OT assets further compound the risk.
Solutions
Penetration testing plays a critical role in helping manufacturing and industrial organizations. To proactively identify vulnerabilities across both IT and OT environments. These tests simulate real-world attack scenarios to evaluate weaknesses in network infrastructure, PLC interfaces, remote access points, and external services that could be exploited. Many industrial companies lack insight into how attackers can move laterally from IT to OT systems. Aditionally, poorly configured firewalls and outdated protocols expose critical assets to the internet.
Shaka Cyber offers customized penetration testing services tailored for the unique challenges of manufacturing and industrial environments. Our team understands the delicate nature of OT systems and takes a safe, controlled approach to testing. Focusing on exposure identification without disrupting operations. We assess your external attack surface, internal network architecture, vendor access pathways, and legacy technologies to uncover where real risks lie. Our reports translate technical findings into clear, prioritized action items for your IT and plant operations teams to resolve.
Impact
As the threat landscape continues to evolve and regulatory bodies place greater emphasis on securing critical infrastructure. Proactive cybersecurity is no longer optional. Shaka Cyber helps manufacturers and industrial firms bridge the gap between IT and OT security. This means reduceing their risk profile, and build a resilient foundation for long-term operational success. In an industry driven by uptime, precision, and safety, we ensure your cybersecurity measures are just as reliable as your machines.
