July 07, 2025
Cyber threats in manufacturing aren't usually spectacular. They don't always make the news. But that's exactly why they're dangerous. They slip in quietly—through emails, outdated hardware, or forgotten vendor connections. And when they finally reveal themselves, it's often too late.
In most mid-sized plants, the biggest threat isn't just technology—it's assumption. Assuming your team knows how to spot a phishing link. Assuming your backup system is still running. Assuming the firewall set up five years ago still protects you today.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) reports that phishing accounted for over 70% of all manufacturing cyber breaches in 2023.
One Ohio company didn't take chances. They trained their finance, operations, and HR teams with monthly simulated phishing tests. The results? Click rates dropped 65% in two months. That's not just a number—it's peace of mind during budget season.
"Cyber risk is business risk. It's not just about IT anymore." - Mary Barra, CEO of General Motors
Contrast that with a stamping operation that dismissed staff training as "IT's job." A simple email, masked as a vendor invoice, led to $600,000 in fraudulent wire transfers. That controller didn't sleep for a month.
"It's not the complexity of the attack—it's the simplicity of the click that gets you." - Kevin Mitnick, cybersecurity expert
It's not about fear. It's about clarity. Knowing what you're up against means you can actually do something about it. A little training, a simple checklist, and some fresh eyes on your system can make all the difference.
Are your people trained to spot the threats hiding in plain sight?
Interested in a conversation or want to learn more about Affiliated's IT Services for Manufacturers in Ohio ? Call us or email michaelmoran@aresgrp.com.
