For the fourth consecutive year, manufacturing has topped the charts as the most targeted industry for cybercrime, accounting for 26% of incidents in 2025. This persistent vulnerability stems from a combination of outdated technology, interconnected supply chains, and minimal tolerance for downtime.
Legacy Systems: A Double-Edged Sword
Many manufacturers rely on decades-old industrial control systems (ICS) and operational technology (OT) that weren’t designed with cybersecurity in mind. These systems are often unpatched due to the high costs and disruptions associated with upgrades. This reluctance to update creates fertile ground for cybercriminals to deploy ransomware and other malicious attacks.
Supply Chain Vulnerabilities
Manufacturers depend on a complex network of suppliers and third-party vendors. A breach in any part of this chain can have cascading effects, compromising multiple organizations. Attackers exploit these connections, knowing that a single weak link can provide access to a broader network.
The Cost of Downtime
In manufacturing, time is money. Unscheduled downtime can drain 11% of annual revenues, equating to $1.4 trillion for the world’s 500 largest companies. This financial pressure often forces organizations to pay ransoms quickly to resume operations, making them prime targets for cybercriminals.
Bridging the IT-OT Divide
The convergence of IT and OT systems has blurred traditional boundaries, allowing cyber threats to move laterally across networks. A phishing email to an office employee can now lead to the shutdown of critical machinery on the factory floor.
AUMINT.io: Your Cybersecurity Partner
At AUMINT.io, we specialize in securing manufacturing environments against these evolving threats. Our solutions are designed to protect legacy systems, secure supply chains, and minimize downtime.
Don’t let your organization be the next headline – Schedule a consultation with AUMINT.io today to fortify your defenses and ensure operational continuity.