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Manufacturing
Cyberattacks in manufacturing don’t just steal data, they halt production, disrupt supply chains, and cause real-world damage. We help manufacturers stay secure while staying operational.
Overview
Cybersecurity That Understands the Manufacturing Floor
The manufacturing sector is changing fast. From automotive to pharmaceuticals, factories are becoming smarter, more connected, and more data-driven. That shift brings new opportunities, but it also introduces new risks.
As factories digitize and IT systems converge with operational technology (OT), the attack surface grows. Most OT environments weren’t built with security in mind, and the gap between modern threats and legacy systems is widening.
Cyberattacks carry real-world consequences. They shut down production lines, disrupt supply chains, and damage hard-earned reputations and they’re becoming more frequent and more sophisticated.
Adding to the challenge are strict regulatory frameworks like ISO 27001, CMMC, and NIST CSF all of which demand tighter controls across both IT and OT environments. Talent shortages, an aging workforce, and the need to reskill teams only compound the complexity.
146% increase in physical consequences from cyberattacks in industrial environments
Manufacturing is the #1 target for ransomware globally
40% of all ransomware attacks in 2023–2024 targeted manufacturing
The cost of being connected
What Makes Manufacturing a Prime Target
Modern manufacturing is built on automation, IoT, and globally connected supply chains. That transformation has driven productivity, but it’s also made the sector a high-value target for attackers.
- Rapid Digitization = Expanding Attack Surfaces
As manufacturers modernize with smart sensors, cloud platforms, and connected devices, each new system adds potential entry points for attackers. Visibility often lags behind the pace of innovation, leaving blind spots across the network. - IT/OT Convergence Increases
Complexity Traditionally separate systems like enterprise IT and industrial OT are now more integrated than ever. This brings efficiency but also risk. A breach in the IT network can now easily move into critical production environments if proper segmentation and controls aren’t in place.
Legacy OT Systems Are Hard to Secure
Many industrial control systems were never built with security in mind. They’re fragile, proprietary, and difficult to patch without disrupting operations. That makes them ideal targets for attackers who rely on persistence and lateral movement.Global Supply Chains Introduce Indirect Risk
Manufacturers depend on a complex web of third-party vendors and suppliers. A single weak link—like a compromised contractor or insecure remote access—can open the door to broader compromise.Limited Visibility Across Environments
With hybrid IT/OT environments, many organizations lack unified monitoring. Without clear insight into both sides of the operation, it’s difficult to detect threats early or respond effectively when something goes wrong.
Regulatory Landscape
Frameworks
NIST CSF
U.S. framework for managing cybersecurity risks across IT/OT
ISO 27001
Global standard for securing sensitive business and customer data
ISO/SAE 21434
Cybersecurity standard for connected vehicle systems
TISAX
Information security standard for the automotive industry (based on ISO 27001)
GxP (GMP, GDP)
Guidelines ensuring data integrity in pharmaceutical manufacturing & distribution
ISO 22000
Food safety management standard that incorporates secure operational processes
Compliance
CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification)
Required for DoD contractors; protects Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI)
ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations)
Regulates access to defense-related products and technical data
DFARS / NIST 800-171
Mandates cybersecurity controls for companies in the U.S. defense supply chain
21 CFR Part 11
FDA regulation covering secure electronic records and signatures
HIPAA
U.S. law for protecting health information
FSMA
U.S. regulation focused on food safety and digital traceability
Manufacturing Stack
How Threats Traverse the Manufacturing Stack: From Cloud to Plant Floor
INTERNET
INTERNET - ATTACK VECTORS
- Remote VPN exposure
- Direct SCADA access (misconfigured)
- Phishing or credential theft
INTERNET - ATTACK VECTORS
Enterprise IT Services
Remote Access
Plant KPI Data Analysis
Enterprise IT Attack Vectors
- Compromised user credentials
- Lateral movement into OT
- Shadow IT / unauthorized tools
DMZ
JUMP HOST
DMZ – Attack Vectors
- Pivot point into control layer
- Weak access controls
- Unmonitored remote sessions
Control Layer
BATCH FILE
Scada
Historian (Log Aggregation of Jobs)
Control Layer – Attack Vectors
- Outdated/ unpatched SCADA systems
- Historian data leakage
- Malicious batch logic injection
Local network
PLCS
HMI
Plant equipment
PLCS
HMI
Plant equipment
WiFi
IPADS
handhelds
Local Network – Attack Vectors
- Legacy PLC vulnerabilities
- HMI spoofing or tampering
- Unauthorized firmware uploads
Local Network – Attack Vectors
- Legacy PLC vulnerabilities
- HMI spoofing or tampering
- Unauthorized firmware uploads
Our Services
How Armature Systems Can Help
Cybersecurity Program Development
Designing and maturing security programs aligned to operational environments, plant uptime requirements, regulatory expectations, and the realities of IT and OT convergence.
Security Architecture & Engineering
Defining identity, segmentation, remote access, and data protection architectures that reflect how enterprise IT, industrial control systems, and plant floor networks actually operate.
Solution Integration & Deployment
Implementing and operationalizing security technologies across enterprise IT, OT networks, remote access pathways, and monitoring platforms to improve visibility and reduce control gaps without disrupting production.
Network Engineering
Designing and maintaining segmented network architectures across corporate, DMZ, and control layers to limit lateral movement and protect critical systems while preserving operational continuity.
Automation & SOAR
Reducing response time and operational impact by automating detection, alert enrichment, and containment workflows across IT and OT environments.
Managed Services
Providing ongoing operational support for security technologies across enterprise and plant environments to maintain stability, configuration integrity, and long-term reliability.
Managed Detection & Response (MDR)
Continuous monitoring and response across endpoints, identity systems, cloud environments, OT networks, and control systems to detect threats early and contain impact before it disrupts production or safety.