Manufacturing Cybersecurity Takes Center Stage as OT Security Risks Escalate

A groundbreaking report from NIST's Cybersecurity Framework and Rockwell Automation reveals cybersecurity has become the second-highest external risk for manufacturers globally, marking a dramatic shift in how the industry views operational technology (OT) security threats.

The "State of Smart Manufacturing Report: Cybersecurity Findings" demonstrates that manufacturers can no longer treat OT security as an afterthought, with insights from 1,500 manufacturing leaders highlighting the critical nature of building digital resilience in manufacturing operations.

AI and Machine Learning Lead Defense Strategies

Manufacturing security teams are embracing artificial intelligence at an unprecedented rate, with 61% of cybersecurity and IT professionals planning to adopt AI and machine learning technologies within the next year. This adoption rate surpasses general manufacturing technology implementation by 12 percentage points, reflecting an urgent need to counter sophisticated cyber threats.

Derek Manky, Chief Security Strategist at Fortinet's FortiGuard Labs, emphasizes the evolution of threats: "OT cyber threats have evolved dramatically as attackers increasingly target industrial environments with more sophisticated techniques. The OT sector remains one of the top targets for attackers."

Bridging the IT/OT Security Gap

The convergence of information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) has emerged as a critical security challenge, with 48% of cybersecurity professionals identifying it as crucial for success over the next five years. This integration creates new vulnerabilities that require comprehensive cybersecurity strategies for business protection.

Advanced Security Implementations

• Implementation of AI-driven threat detection systems
• Adoption of automated security orchestration (SOAR)
• Development of Continuous Threat Exposure Management (CTEM)
• Integration of Zero Trust security frameworks for OT environments

Workforce Development and Cyber Readiness

The report highlights a significant shift in workforce requirements, with 81% of manufacturing decision-makers prioritizing knowledge of cyber practices and standards. As manufacturers enhance their cybersecurity risk assessment capabilities, organizations are responding by investing in:

Training and Development Initiatives

• Specialized training programs
• Professional certifications
• Micro-learning initiatives
• Embedded security awareness training

The findings underscore a clear message: manufacturers must adapt their security strategies to address the growing sophistication of cyber threats while building a workforce capable of managing these emerging challenges.