As more manufacturers embrace digital transformation, they are expanding their digital footprint, creating new opportunities and vulnerabilities. This dual-edged sword necessitates a vigilant and proactive approach to cybersecurity. In the era of Industry 4.0, where the convergence of digital technologies and manufacturing processes is reshaping industries, cybersecurity is no longer a peripheral concern for manufacturers. It has become a critical component of operational resilience and business continuity.

The manufacturing sector has emerged as the most targeted industry for cyberattacks, surpassing the financial services sector. The reasons are manifold: from the lucrative nature of intellectual property stored in industrial control systems to the potential disruption that even a single day of downtime can cause.

For cybercriminals, the allure of ransomware and other malicious attacks lies in the high stakes – every hour of halted production can translate into significant financial losses.

In 2022, ransomware attacks on industrial infrastructure doubled, highlighting the increasing frequency and sophistication of these threats.

Read this article by Marius Wessels Manager: professional services for SYSPRO Africa published in the September edition of EngineerIT