Manufacturing Sector Invests in Cybersecurity: Embracing AI and Advanced Security Measures

Manufacturing Sector Makes Major Shift Toward Cybersecurity Investment

A new report from Rockwell Automation reveals that 96% of manufacturers are planning to invest in cybersecurity platforms or have already done so, marking a significant shift in how the industry approaches digital security. The finding comes as cyber threats rank second among manufacturers' top external concerns at 30%, just behind inflation and economic growth at 34%.

The manufacturing sector's embrace of strategic investments in cybersecurity infrastructure and solutions reflects a growing recognition that digital security is now fundamentally a business issue rather than just an IT concern. This transformation comes as the industry faces increasing pressure from customers, regulators, and insurers to strengthen their security posture.

Artificial Intelligence Leads Security Innovation

The report highlights a dramatic shift toward advanced security technologies, with 61% of cyber and IT professionals planning to adopt AI and machine learning solutions within the next year. This adoption rate exceeds that of general manufacturing implementations, suggesting security teams are leading the technological transformation.

"AI will provide far more accessible management understanding, visibility, and troubleshooting that historically required the experience and perspective of more seasoned engineers and operators," says Trey Ford, Chief Strategy and Trust Officer at Bugcrowd.

Critical Infrastructure Protection

Nearly half (48%) of cyber professionals identified securing converged architecture as crucial for success over the next five years. This focus comes as organizations grapple with implementing comprehensive cybersecurity measures for business operations.

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

Understanding the critical importance of cybersecurity in modern manufacturing has become essential for business survival. Organizations should focus on turning existing data into actionable security outcomes through automated detection and response systems. Companies need to implement continuous security testing and red teaming to refine defenses based on emerging threats. Additionally, businesses should consider adopting zero-trust security frameworks specifically designed for OT environments to ensure strict access controls and network segmentation.

The manufacturing sector's decisive move toward cybersecurity investment represents a critical turning point in industrial security. As companies continue to digitize their operations, the integration of advanced security measures becomes not just a protective measure but a competitive necessity in today's manufacturing landscape.