Manufacturing and production companies are now top targets for ransomware and the reasons are clear. Downtime isn't just inconvenient in this sector; it's costly. Every minute of disruption can ripple through supply chains and derail delivery schedules.

But ransomware isn’t just an IT problem, it’s a business risk. It threatens operations, finances, and reputation in equal measure.

Where Ransomware Attacks Begin

According to The State of Ransomware in Manufacturing and Production 2025 by Sophos, 32% of ransomware attacks in the sector stem from exploited vulnerabilities, not zero-days or sophisticated tactics.

Attackers don’t need new tricks. They scan for unpatched systems, legacy devices, and weak configurations—then strike fast, often before detection.

The lesson? Most attacks start with the basics. And they’re preventable.

Why Manufacturing is Especially Vulnerable

• Aging Systems: Many OT assets were never designed with cybersecurity in mind and rely on legacy software that’s hard to update.
• Converged Networks: IT and OT systems increasingly share infrastructure, creating complexity and reducing visibility.
• Third-Party Exposure: Vendor access and maintenance partners widen the attack surface.
• Limited Resources: Few dedicated security staff and narrow maintenance windows leave vulnerabilities unaddressed for too long.

Penetration Testing: A Critical Control

Penetration testing simulates real-world threats, without disrupting operations. For manufacturers, it’s a key line of defense that:

• Uncovers vulnerabilities across both IT and OT environments
• Validates the effectiveness of existing security controls
• Improves resilience without halting production
• Reduces potential downtime by exposing weak points early
• Provides concrete recommendations to close exploitable gaps

A Practical Roadmap to Manufacturing Cyber Resilience

• Run regular vulnerability assessments
• Align penetration testing with maintenance cycles
• Improve patch management and asset visibility
• Segment OT from IT networks
• Train staff on secure practices and access control

These are practical, achievable actions that reduce risk and increase resilience.

Secure Your Production Lines Before Attackers Do

Ransomware attackers thrive on urgency and manufacturing’s unique vulnerabilities make it a prime target. By proactively testing defenses and closing known gaps, organizations can maintain operational continuity even as threats evolve.

At Cyber Node, we work with manufacturing and production teams to harden systems, uncover weaknesses, and simulate real-world attacks before adversaries do.

Let’s secure your operations. Contact us at sales@cybernode.au or visit www.cybernode.au to schedule a consultation.