Make the most of smart tech—without getting burned

The rise of smart technology has brought exciting opportunities to the manufacturing world. AI, robotics, cloud platforms, and machine learning are helping businesses improve efficiency, reduce downtime, and respond faster to market needs. But with this digital shift comes a not-so-welcome guest: Cybersecurity risk.

If you’re like many manufacturers, you’re embracing smarter tools to stay competitive—but may not have the in-house resources to tackle the growing list of cyber threats. Here’s what you need to know, and where to start.

Why cybercriminals are eyeing manufacturing

Manufacturers have something cybercriminals want: Valuable data, proprietary designs, and production systems that can’t afford downtime. It’s not just banks and big tech anymore—manufacturers are now in the crosshairs. 

The biggest threats manufacturers face include:

• Ransomware attacks that lock down your systems and demand payment
• Phishing emails that trick employees into giving up passwords or sensitive info
• Intellectual property theft, especially if you create or build custom products
• Supply chain breaches, where an attack on a vendor can ripple back to you

Even older “legacy” equipment—common on many shop floors—can be a vulnerability if it's not designed for secure connectivity.

But technology brings big rewards—if you secure it

There’s no question that smart tech is worth the investment. AI and real-time analytics can flag inefficiencies you’d never spot manually. Predictive maintenance helps you fix machines before they fail. Automation reduces human error. And cloud platforms keep teams connected across shifts and sites.

But like any new tool, even the smartest tech needs to be used wisely.

If your systems are connected—but not protected—you could be opening the door to serious problems. Cybersecurity doesn’t mean halting innovation. It means making sure your investments are built on a solid foundation.

Getting started

You don’t need an in-house IT department or a million-dollar budget to improve your cybersecurity. Start with a few foundational steps:

1. Conduct a cybersecurity audit. This helps you identify where you’re most at risk, especially if you’re using older equipment alongside newer systems.
2. Protect your most critical assets. Make sure the systems that run your production—and the data that drives it—are secured with strong protocols like multifactor authentication and encrypted backups.
3. Train your team. Employees are often the first line of defense. A quick click on the wrong email can cause major damage. Short, regular training sessions can go a long way.
4. Create an incident response plan. Know what to do if something goes wrong—who to call, how to contain it, and how to recover quickly.

And if this feels overwhelming, there’s help available.

Lean on trusted partners

You don’t have to go at it alone. Some carriers, including EMC Insurance, offer complimentary cyber safety services to policyholders, such as tools and resources designed to help manufacturers reduce cyber risk. That includes risk assessments, expert guidance, and help developing an action plan that fits your operation—no matter your size.

By taking a proactive approach to cybersecurity, you’re not just protecting your equipment or data. You’re protecting your reputation, your customers, and your ability to keep things running when it matters most. That’s how small and midsized manufacturers stay competitive, resilient, and ready for whatever comes next.