Manufacturing companies [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6], particularly those in industrial machinery manufacturing [2] [3], chemical manufacturing [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6], and transportation and equipment manufacturing [2] [5] [6], are highly vulnerable to cyber-attacks [1].
Description
A recent study by Black Kite found that 80% of manufacturing organizations have critical vulnerabilities, with 69% having exposed credentials in the last 90 days. Known exploited vulnerabilities [1] [3] [4] [5] [6], broken crypto algorithms [1] [3] [5], and critical vulnerabilities in web applications also pose risks to the industry [3]. While most manufacturers follow good application security practices [5], poor patch management is prevalent [3] [5], with 94% of companies in the furniture manufacturing sub-industry scoring poorly in this area [5]. Ransomware attacks are a top threat [2], with 21% of attacks targeting the manufacturing sector [4]. Chemical manufacturing and transportation and equipment manufacturing are at higher risk [2] [5] [6], with over 60% of companies falling into the critical category according to Black Kite’s Ransomware Susceptibility Index. The rapid digital transformation post-COVID-19 has further increased vulnerability to ransomware attacks [1].
Conclusion
Manufacturing organizations must strengthen their cyber defenses to reduce the risk of falling victim to ransomware attacks [1]. The industry faces significant challenges in maintaining cybersecurity defenses as digital transformation accelerates. Mitigating these risks will be crucial for the future security of manufacturing companies.
References
[1] https://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/news/manufacturing-critical/
[2] https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/black-kite-research-reveals-that-80-of-manufacturing-companies-have-critical-vulnerabilities-1033814976
[3] https://www.citybiz.co/article/607894/black-kite-research-reveals-that-80-of-manufacturing-companies-have-critical-vulnerabilities/
[4] https://www.darkreading.com/vulnerabilities-threats/manufacturers-ransomwares-biggest-target
[5] https://betanews.com/2024/10/02/critical-vulnerabilities-affect-80-percent-of-manufacturing-companies/
[6] https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2024/10/02/2956977/0/en/Black-Kite-Research-Reveals-that-80-of-Manufacturing-Companies-Have-Critical-Vulnerabilities.html
