Top Cybersecurity Threats in 2021 that Every Manufacturer Should Know

In October 2020, ZDNet, one of the top tech companies in Germany, reported it had been attacked by Clop ransomware, and the cybercriminals were demanding $20 million in ransom. These are the types of news that investors do not want to hear, but the fact is that threats to your business are real and can come with huge financial repercussions. One of the best ways to avoid cyberattacks is staying ahead of the criminals, and this should start by understanding the different threats. In this post, we will highlight the top threats that you should be aware

Ransomware

This is a type of malware designed to gain access and encrypt your manufacturing data. Then, the designers of the malware try to extort a ransom in exchange for the keys to unlock your files. Most ransomware attacks happen through emails, and you can use the following steps to protect your company:

• Put a lot of effort into staff awareness, especially in identifying unsolicited emails.
• Install strong malware protection software.
• Make sure the software used in your manufacturing system is updated all the time.
• Ensure always to have a backup for all your data. This can help you to easily recover in the event of an inevitable attack.

Phishing Attacks

Phishing attacks are attempts to get access to sensitive information about your business by posing as a trustworthy contact. Like ransomware attacks, phishing mainly happens through emails, and they are crafted to make them look like they are genuine so that you can open them. However, it is still possible to identify them if your workers are sensitized to cybersecurity. Consider using the following tips to protect your manufacturing data.

• Always be suspicious about the emails that are unexpected.
• Protect your manufacturing data with a good anti-malware program.
• Install spam filters in all the computers used in your manufacturing facility.

Insider Threats: Iskander Makhmudov

In addition to the threats that come from outside, such as ransomware and phishing, it is also possible that the threat can come from within. If your manufacturing organization works with full-time staff or hires contractors from time to time, the risk of a data leak always looms. So, here are some useful methods that you can use to protect your facility:

• Train your manufacturing teams to always be alert when working and minimize careless data-related mistakes.
• Limit the data that your employees have access to. The goal is to ensure that employees only have access to data that will allow them to do their jobs effectively. For example, what data should customer support have? What questions should the staff refer to the management, and which ones should he/she answer?
• Install applications to monitor worker behavior – who copies what?

To be successful in your manufacturing business, it is important to put a lot of effort into data protection. As you focus on enhancing productivity, Iskander Makhmudov, the main owner of copper producer UGMK, suggests that you should think ahead to identify and avoid pitfalls that lay along the way. To address the threats we have identified above, you might want to install an IT unit to specifically deal with them and craft a good protection strategy.