Let us tell you a story.
A guy runs operations at a mid-sized parts plant. Good guy. Been in the industry 30 years. Smart crew, solid equipment, tight margins like the rest of us.
And then it happened.
They got hit with a ransomware attack.
Not through an employee clicking a shady email.
Not through some unsecured laptop.
Nope.
They got in through the thermostat.
Yeah, the thermostat.
The Hidden Threats in Today’s Manufacturing IT Environments
You would be shocked how many entry points exist in modern-day manufacturing operations. These days, nearly everything is connected to your manufacturing IT infrastructure:
- Smart thermostats running on Wi-Fi
- Barcode scanners and label printers
- Forklift tablets and factory floor kiosks
- IP security cameras
Each one is part of your operational technology network, and every single one can become a target if you don’t have the right IT support for manufacturing in place.
Hackers are not walking through the front door anymore. They are slithering through the cracks.
One Breach Can Paralyze a Facility
When a device gets compromised, attackers move sideways through your manufacturing IT network in minutes. They bypass outdated firewalls and find unpatched devices. Then they lock up production systems with ransomware.
The result?
- Machines offline
- Deadlines missed
- Orders delayed
- $$ Thousands in damage, not to mention reputation loss
It is not what if you get attacked, but rather when will you get attacked. Having the right cybersecurity measures in place can keep you operating as normal instead of in a state of panic trying to recover.
Why Manufacturing is a Prime Target for Cyberattacks
Here is the truth: Manufacturing IT vulnerabilities are some of the most overlooked in the entire business world.
Why?
Because the average manufacturing environment:
- Runs legacy systems still in use after 10+ years
- Has critical machines now connected to networks via retrofitted IoT
- Operates 24/7 with minimal tolerance for downtime
- Has small, stretched-thin internal IT teams
That makes the industry a sweet spot for cybercriminals.
Manufacturing cyberattacks are increasing because attackers know one thing: downtime costs you more than just money. It costs customer trust and operational control.
What Can You Do? Get Strategic About Manufacturing IT Support
You don’t need to panic, but you do need a plan.
Start with this:
- Inventory all connected devices, even the weird ones.
- Segment your operational technology networks to isolate vulnerabilities.
- Keep all devices updated: firmware, software, and security patches.
- Educate your staff. The human factor is still the #1 breach point.
- Partner with a managed services provider for manufacturing who gets the unique blend of IT and OT challenges you face.
Not all managed IT services are built for the plant floor. You need someone who understands both your production demands and your compliance needs.
TSR Solutions Can Help
At TSR Solutions, we have worked alongside manufacturers for years. We know the systems you use, the pressures you are under, and the value of a morning without fire drills.
That is why we are offering a free cybersecurity assessment tailored specifically for manufacturing operations.
No hard sell.
No jargon.
Just straight answers about where your biggest risks are and how to fix ‘em.
