Why Hackers Target Manufacturing More Than Any Industry 

In 2024, the worldwide manufacturing industry had the highest share of cyberattacks among any industry. This means that 1 out of 4 cyberattacks were targeted at manufacturers. In 2018, this number was only 10%, while in 2024 it’s closer to 26%. Manufacturing cyberattacks are a big risk not only for the company itself, but those who rely on them since they are considered critical infrastructure. So, as more plants are moving to more Internet of Things (IoT) devices, manufacturing ransomware risks increase. 

Manufacturing cyberattacks could cause downtime, affect critical infrastructure, and damage the reputation of the attacked company. That’s why in today’s blog we’ll be analyzing exactly why manufacturing is the most targeted industry for hackers. 

Manufacturing Cyberattacks Exploit Legacy Systems and Visibility Gaps  

Old manufacturing systems are an easy target for cyberattacks. These systems may have unpatched vulnerabilities waiting to be taken advantage of. But it’s not as simple as just upgrading legacy systems. High upgrade costs, complex and potentially disruptive processes, and compatibility issues are all reasons manufacturers may be limited on upgrading from a legacy system.  

Another concern is a supply chain attack. Manufacturers rely on a complex web of suppliers and just one breach could have a domino effect. Due to this interconnectedness, manufacturing cyberattacks generally succeed with large-scale operations. 

Alongside the interconnectedness of manufacturers and suppliers is also how the Internet has expanded the attack surface. IoT devices are the future of the manufacturing industry but also introduce vulnerabilities if not secured properly.  

Photo by EPX  

Manufacturing Ransomware Risks Hit Operations Where It Hurts Most 

We’ve seen how an attacker may get into a network, either through an outdated system or a negligent third-party, but what kind of attacks would they deploy? This is where we mention ransomware, a type of malicious software designed to lock files and systems until a ransom is paid. These attacks are one of the most common manufacturing cyberattacks. 

The prevalence of ransomware in manufacturing is shocking as there were 184 confirmed attacks in Q3 of 2025, the highest of any industry. These attacks typically result in downtime,which is a nightmare for any critical infrastructure sector. Manufacturing downtime costs an average hourly revenue loss of $260,000, but that number can reach upwards of a few million depending on the size and severity of the attack.  

Instead of just locking files and shutting down systems until a ransom is paid, hackers have now begun implementing double extortion tactics. This is when an attacker exfiltrates data and pressures the victim with the threat of a public leak. One notable manufacturer that was hit this year was Fortive Corp, which reported a $5 million one-time expense related to a ransomware attack.  

The combination of downtime, ransom payments, missed deadlines, long recovery times, and a diminished reputation are all manufacturing ransomware risks that manufacturers deal with.  

Critical Infrastructure Status Raises the Stake for Cyberattacks  

Manufacturing cyberattacks aren’t done by your average hacker anymore. Since manufacturing is considered critical infrastructure, this brings attention from sophisticated hacking groups and nation-state hackers. Some manufacturers work with government agencies, which makes them a target of these nation-state hackers. These attacks are usually motivated by a goal to gain military secrets or gain some kind of advantage.  

Even outside of government-related work, manufacturers face threats from advanced ransomware gangs whose motives go beyond money. Groups like Qilin, Akira, and Play have repeatedly targeted manufacturers because they know the industry struggles with legacy systems, fragmented OT networks, and strict uptime requirements. These groups also go beyond just encrypting data. They aim to halt production, corrupt data, steal intellectual property, and create long-lasting operational damage.  

For manufacturers, this raises the stakes significantly. Manufacturing cyberattacks are no longer small disruptions. They can stop production, harm worker safety, expose sensitive client data, and weaken your competitive position in the industry. Attackers view manufacturers as critical infrastructure, which means they see you as a high-value target worth a serious effort.  

So, the question becomes clear, how do manufacturers move forward in a threat landscape that grows more aggressive every year? 

Photo by Mindsight 

Strengthen Your Plant Before an Attack Stops Production 

Manufacturers face a difficult challenge. You need to stay productive, meet tight deadlines, and maintain safety standards while manufacturing cyberattacks continue to grow in frequency and sophistication. Your customers, workers, and the success of your entire operation depends on being able to stay secure and operational. 

This is why having the right IT and cybersecurity partner matters. Kirkham IronTech is here to support you with protection that fits the reality of your work. We help manufacturers secure both OT and IT environments, monitor networks in real time, identify vulnerabilities before attacks find them, and respond quickly to suspicious activity. This can be done in a managed or co-managed capacity, giving you the flexibility to choose the level of support that fits your team and operational needs. 

Because we work with manufacturers across the country, including global operations, we understand what it takes to protect production at scale. Our goal is to strengthen your defenses in a way that supports your workflow rather than complicating it.   

If you’re ready to improve your IT and cybersecurity and take a proactive approach to manufacturing cyberattacks, we’re here to help. Take the next step toward a safer and more resilient operation.