The manufacturing sector has become a prime target for cyberattacks, driven by the convergence of IT and OT systems and the rapid adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies. Ransomware attacks can halt production lines, intellectual property theft can erode competitive advantage, and supply chain vulnerabilities can disrupt global operations. These risks underscore the need for stronger cybersecurity measures to protect operational technology (OT) and ensure compliance with industry standards.
Traditional VPN solutions are no longer enough. Manufacturers must adopt modern security strategies to safeguard critical systems, minimize downtime, and align with frameworks like NIST, CMMC, and ISO 27001. Solutions like CloudConnexa from OpenVPN provide the granular controls and segmentation needed to meet these evolving threats head-on.
The Evolving Threat Landscape in Manufacturing
Manufacturing is consistently ranked as one of the most targeted industries for cyberattacks. According to CISA, the sector faces significant cybersecurity risk from ransomware, intellectual property (IP) theft, and supply chain attacks. Cybersecurity in the manufacturing industry must address these threats holistically.
Ransomware, IP Theft & Supply Chain Attacks
Ransomware: Ransomware locks up OT systems and data, halting operations until a ransom is paid. Attacks can shut down production, causing days or weeks of costly downtime. Learn more about ransomware and how it affects manufacturing.
IP Theft: Proprietary designs and processes can be stolen and sold to competitors or hostile nation-states. IP theft undermines competitiveness by exposing sensitive designs and manufacturing methods. Insider threats further complicate the picture, as trusted employees or contractors may intentionally or inadvertently compromise systems. Learn about different types of insider threats.
Supply Chain Vulnerabilities: Compromised third-party vendors can become gateways for attackers.
Supply Chain Attacks target weak links in the vendor ecosystem to infiltrate broader networks. The financial and reputational costs of these attacks can be devastating.
Real-World Industry 4.0 Security Challenges
As manufacturers embrace Industry 4.0 technologies—Industrial IoT, AI, robotics, and cloud connectivity—traditional OT systems that once operated in isolation are now integrated with enterprise IT networks. This convergence dramatically increases the attack surface.
Key challenges include:
- Legacy OT systems often lack modern security controls.
- Flat network architectures make it easier for attackers to move laterally once inside.
- Increased connectivity exposes critical manufacturing infrastructure to external threats.
Manufacturers must strengthen OT cybersecurity to protect critical manufacturing operations in the face of these challenges.
Why VPNs Alone Aren’t Enough
Traditional VPNs were designed for point-to-point secure connections, not for complex, distributed environments. They typically lack granular access controls; VPNs often provide broad network access instead of limiting users to specific resources. The don't always offer segmentation, so once connected, users can move laterally, increasing risk. Nor do they usually offer diverse stakeholder support; contractors, suppliers, and remote workers require different access levels, and many traditional VPNs give all users alike equal access.
Modern solutions like CloudConnexa offer advanced capabilities that go beyond VPNs, including network segmentation, multi-factor authentication (MFA), and role-based access.
IT/OT Convergence & Legacy System Risk
Integrating legacy OT systems with IT networks introduces serious vulnerabilities. Unpatched software, unsupported devices, and outdated protocols are common in OT environments. These weaknesses make it clear why manufacturing companies need to up their cybersecurity game.
Without updated security measures, a single breach can spread rapidly across IT and OT networks, disrupting production and endangering compliance.
Segmentation, MFA & Role-Based Access
To strengthen cybersecurity in manufacturing, focus on these key strategies:
- Network Segmentation: Isolating critical OT systems is essential to prevent attackers from moving laterally within a network. By dividing networks into separate zones based on function or sensitivity, manufacturers can contain breaches and limit the potential damage.
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): This adds multiple layers of verification for user access. In addition to a password, users might be required to enter a code sent to their phone or use a hardware token, making it significantly harder for attackers to gain unauthorized entry.
- Role-Based Access Control (RBAC): RBAC ensures users only have access to the systems necessary for their specific roles. Permissions are granted based on job function, reducing the likelihood that a compromised account can be used to access sensitive systems or data.
These steps form the foundation of a robust cybersecurity assessment for a manufacturing company and can dramatically improve resilience.
Core Cybersecurity Strategies for Manufacturers
To build a strong foundation against cyber threats, manufacturers must adopt comprehensive security strategies that go beyond basic defenses. These strategies address access control, network design, and compliance alignment to ensure both IT and OT systems are fully protected.
Zero Trust Framework & Role-Based Access
Adopting a Zero Trust security framework means never trusting any user or device by default. Key principles include continuous authentication, least privilege, and strong access controls. RBAC complements Zero Trust by aligning access permissions with user roles.
Read How to Implement Zero Trust to learn more.
Network Segmentation & Monitoring
Divide networks into segments so breaches can be contained. Continuous monitoring of each segment helps detect unusual activity before it escalates.
Compliance Alignment (NIST, CMMC, ISO)
Compliance frameworks don’t guarantee security, but they provide a strong foundation. Manufacturers should align with:
- NIST 800-171: Focuses on protecting controlled unclassified information in non-federal systems and organizations.
- CMMC: The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification is required for Department of Defense contractors and measures cybersecurity maturity.
- ISO 27001: An international standard providing a framework for information security management systems.
Following these standards enhances cybersecurity posture and demonstrates due diligence.
Role-Based Access, MFA & Traffic Routing
CloudConnexa helps manufacturers apply these strategies effectively by combining three key elements: RBAC, MFA, and Traffic Routing. CloudConnexa implements RBAC by integrating with your directory services (such as Active Directory or LDAP) to enforce user-specific permissions and group-based policies, ensuring employees and contractors only access the resources necessary for their roles.
MFA is built-in, allowing administrators to require one-time passcodes, authenticator apps, or hardware tokens in addition to standard credentials for stronger authentication. Traffic Routing is achieved through CloudConnexa's secure overlay network, which intelligently directs traffic through encrypted tunnels and inspects it at key control points, preventing lateral movement and providing detailed visibility. Implementing these measures protects OT systems and improves compliance readiness.
How OpenVPN with CloudConnexa Helps
OpenVPN’s CloudConnexa platform delivers a purpose-built solution for manufacturing cybersecurity by offering a suite of integrated capabilities. It enables employees, vendors, and contractors to connect safely through secure remote access technologies that protect sensitive OT environments from unauthorized intrusion. Granular access controls, such as multi-factor authentication (MFA) and role-based access control (RBAC), ensure that only verified users can reach specific systems and data. CloudConnexa also facilitates network segmentation to contain threats and isolate critical OT systems, preventing lateral movement by attackers. Finally, its compliance-ready logging and auditing features simplify reporting and documentation for standards such as NIST, CMMC, and ISO.
Secure Remote Access for Manufacturing is critical in today’s threat landscape. Don’t wait for an attack to force your hand—start protecting your OT systems and compliance posture today.
Ready to Secure Your Manufacturing Operations?
CloudConnexa combines VPN, Zero Trust, and advanced security features into one easy-to-manage platform. Start your free trial today and secure your operations before the next cyber threat strikes.
