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With the recent rise in automation, manufacturing has truly gone digital. New technologies like AI, robotics, and cloud manufacturing software can all improve productivity levels, but they’re also major targets for cybercriminals.
More specifically, these technologies are very vulnerable to malware, which is a category of malicious software programs that includes ransomware and spyware.
When these dangerous programs make their way into your manufacturing systems, they can steal sensitive data and cause extended downtime. Luckily, there are plenty of protective measures you can take to protect your manufacturing systems from these devastating cyber attacks.
Let’s explore the dangers of malware in the manufacturing industry and what you can do to prevent it.
Key Takeaways
- Malware is a category of malicious software programs that includes ransomware, spyware, worms, and more.
- Threat actors often target manufacturing companies to steal valuable data or interfere with the supply chain.
- Strategies like regular software updates, employee training, network segmentation, and multi-factor authentication all help prevent malware attacks.
How Malware Can Infiltrate Manufacturing Systems
Hackers use a variety of techniques to distribute malware without being detected. Here are some of the most common cyber threats used to spread malware.
Phishing Attacks
Many threat actors use social engineering techniques like phishing to trick employees into sharing their system access credentials. Once they’ve stolen these essential login details, they can launch malware attacks with ease.
In a phishing email, text message, or phone call, the hacker will pose as a trusted contact, such as a coworker or a representative from a software program you use. They will then exploit that trust to get you to share your username and password.
For example, if you use an ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system like NetSuite or SAP to manage your warehouse operations, the hacker would send an email posing as the software provider. The email says you have an urgent billing error and need to log in, but actually takes you to a fake landing page designed to steal your login credentials.
Infected Software Updates
Many hackers also take advantage of vulnerabilities in outdated software programs, using them to launch malware attacks.
To do this, the cybercriminal sends out an email or posts a fake advertisement claiming there’s a new update for a popular manufacturing software program. You download the file that’s supposed to contain the update, only to find that it’s a malware download instead.
Once the malware has infiltrated the target systems, it causes software to malfunction or leak sensitive data.
USB & IoT Devices
Another popular technique is using physical devices to distribute malware programs.
Threat actors will often hack into sensors and other IoT devices and use them to create a botnet, which spams your entire system with malware. Many manufacturing organizations rely heavily on the Internet of Things to maintain productivity, but fail to keep these devices updated, which leaves them vulnerable to attacks.
If a hacker has access to your facilities in person, they can also target your critical infrastructure with USB devices. They’ll pre-load the USB drive with malware and plug it into your machines to distribute it.
These threat actors could access your facilities by posing as an employee or breaking in after hours. This is why physical access control is so essential for companies in the manufacturing sector.
Network Vulnerabilities
Tech-savvy threat actors will look for vulnerabilities in your existing network where they can “break in” and spread malware to target devices.
For example, they might find that your firewall is misconfigured, giving them an opportunity to slip through your security filters undetected.
Another popular strategy is looking for specific computers or other endpoints that are not well-protected. For example, when an employee is working from home, their computer might not have the same security tools that a work computer would have. The hacker could take advantage of this to access your organization’s network and launch a malware attack.
What Are The Consequences of a Malware Attack in Manufacturing?
Malware attacks on manufacturing companies can devastate the entire supply chain. When a malware attack is successful, it could take you out of production for days or even weeks at a time.
These attacks are financially devastating to manufacturers, causing an immediate loss of revenue and client trust.
In severe cases, a malware attack could even lead to shortages of essential products, which could affect the entire economy.
Ransomware
Ransomware is one of the most common types of malware. Ransomware attacks are also increasing in frequency, with a 65% increase in ransomware variants between 2023 and 2024.
Ransomware attacks on manufacturers are used for financial extortion. The ransomware program encrypts files, essentially locking you out of your systems.
The hackers will then demand ransom payments to return your files. They may also threaten to leak the information or permanently delete it. Hackers often demand payment in cryptocurrency, as it cannot be traced.
To make ransomware attacks less devastating, conduct regular data backups. This way, you’ll still have access to your most important documents in the event of a crisis.
Spyware
Spyware is a form of malware that gathers data from your device and transmits it to the hacker in real time.
The hackers can then use this data to launch other cyber attacks or compromise your business in another way.
Spyware is particularly devastating because it often goes undetected for long periods of time, resulting in large data breaches and significant privacy concerns.
Trojans and Worms
Trojans and worms are two sneaky types of malware that can compromise your manufacturing operations.
A trojan is a malware program disguised as a legitimate software program. Trojans are often spread through phishing emails or are promoted as a valuable free download on social media. However, the software actually steals your data, spreads viruses, or compromises your systems in other ways.
A worm is a type of malware that can clone itself, spreading from device to device on its own to wreak havoc. This type of malware can be particularly devastating to manufacturing organizations, as it could quickly damage your entire system if it isn’t caught in time.
Botnets
A botnet is a group of connected devices used to conduct cyberattacks. They’re most often used for distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks that flood the target system with traffic to shut it down.
Hackers can use malware to gain control of multiple devices within your manufacturing organization and create a botnet. For example, they could hack into devices like sensors, 3D printers, robots, and security systems.
How Can You Stay Protected Against Malware?
While malware attacks are devastating, there are cybersecurity measures your organization can take to stay safe from them. Here’s how to protect your systems.
Cybersecurity Training
Many malware attacks start with employee error. In fact, roughly 10% of manufacturing employees fail phishing simulations, falling for fake emails and text messages.
To prevent this, host regular cybersecurity training sessions for your entire team. Focus on how to spot and avoid phishing emails and other social engineering strategies that could lead to malware attacks.
Regular Software Updates & Patches
Since hackers often exploit outdated legacy systems, be sure to keep your manufacturing software updated.
Schedule time to install new updates and patches as part of your regular routine. You can use software update tools if you struggle to keep up with these updates on your own.
Aim to install these updates as soon as possible after their release to limit the amount of time where your systems are vulnerable.
Network Segmentation
Segmentation breaks the structure of your network into multiple sections for different aspects of your business. For example, administrative devices would use a different segment of the network than a manufacturing device.
The advantage of network segmentation is that it shrinks your attack surface. This way, if the administrative segment of your network is targeted by malware, it doesn’t spread to your manufacturing devices.
Multi-Factor Authentication
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) requires users to provide extra pieces of identity verification beyond a username and password to access their accounts. In most cases, this involves entering a one-time code sent via text message or email.
MFA keeps your network safe even if usernames and passwords have been compromised, as the hacker won’t be able to access that third piece of identity verification.
Incident Response Planning
Even with a strong security posture, malware attacks can still happen. An incident response plan allows your team to take action quickly when malware is detected.
Your incident response plan should specify how to remove the malware and re-secure your systems, as well as how to access data backups if necessary. A detailed incident response plan should also involve notifying clients and other affected parties as soon as possible.
How Can Tech Advisors Help?
Tech Advisors is a managed IT services provider offering IT, cybersecurity, and compliance services for manufacturing organizations.
We’ll work with your in-house team to conduct system audits and implement a robust cybersecurity strategy to protect your systems from malware. Contact us today to learn more.
