Why is manufacturing the most targeted industry for cyberattacks?

Manufacturers face massive financial pressure from production downtime, OT systems often run legacy software with known vulnerabilities, IT/OT convergence has expanded the attack surface, and valuable intellectual property commands high prices on underground markets. Many manufacturers have lean IT security teams relative to their environment complexity.

What is OT/ICS security and why does it matter?

Operational Technology (OT) and Industrial Control Systems (ICS) include SCADA, PLCs, HMIs, and industrial IoT that control physical manufacturing processes. Compromised OT can halt production, cause equipment damage, create safety hazards, and damage products. OT security requires specialized expertise because these systems have unique protocols and cannot tolerate traditional security scanning.

What is CMMC and does my manufacturing company need it?

CMMC is required for companies in the DoD supply chain handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) or Federal Contract Information (FCI). Level 1 covers basic cyber hygiene, Level 2 aligns with all 110 NIST 800-171 controls. Without certification, you cannot bid on or maintain DoD contracts.

How do you conduct penetration testing without disrupting production?

Our OT methodology starts with passive reconnaissance that does not generate traffic to sensitive devices. Active OT testing uses safe protocols and techniques. We coordinate with engineering, schedule critical tests during maintenance windows, and maintain constant communication. IT testing proceeds normally while OT follows a careful phased approach.

Do you serve manufacturers outside of the Dallas-Fort Worth area?

Yes. While headquartered in McKinney, TX, we serve manufacturers across all 50 states. Our managed SOC, CMMC compliance platform, and remote assessment capabilities deliver enterprise-grade security anywhere. For on-site OT assessments, our team travels to your facility regardless of location.

All Industries

Manufacturing ransomware attacks increased 87% in 2025

Cybersecurity for Manufacturing & Industrial Operations

Protect production lines, OT/ICS systems, and intellectual property from cyberattacks with security built for manufacturing. Headquartered in McKinney, TX and serving manufacturers nationwide.

The Manufacturing Cyber Threat Landscape in 2026

Manufacturing has become the most attacked industry globally, surpassing even financial services and healthcare. The convergence of operational technology (OT) and IT networks has created an expanded attack surface that threat actors aggressively exploit. Ransomware groups target manufacturers because production downtime costs tens of thousands per hour, creating enormous pressure to pay. In the DFW metroplex — home to the Lockheed Martin Fort Worth aerospace corridor and hundreds of defense and commercial manufacturers — the threat is particularly acute. But manufacturers nationwide face the same risks.

The attack surface in manufacturing extends far beyond traditional IT. SCADA systems, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), industrial IoT sensors, robotic assembly systems, and building management systems all create entry points. Many of these OT systems run legacy software that cannot be easily patched, use default credentials, and were never designed to be connected to the internet. When attackers bridge from the IT network to the OT environment, they can halt production lines, manipulate product quality, or cause physical damage to equipment.

Intellectual property theft is another critical threat. Nation-state actors and competitors target proprietary designs, manufacturing processes, supply chain data, and defense-related technical information. For manufacturers in the defense industrial base, protecting Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) under CMMC and NIST 800-171 is now a contractual requirement to maintain DoD contracts.

Manufacturing Threat Stats

87% Increase in manufacturing ransomware attacks
$4.8M Average cost of a manufacturing data breach
$50K+ Average cost per hour of production downtime
76% Of manufacturers have unpatched OT vulnerabilities

CMMC & NIST 800-171 Compliance

The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is now required for manufacturers in the defense industrial base. CMMC 2.0 Level 2 aligns with NIST SP 800-171’s 110 security controls for protecting Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). Without certification, manufacturers lose eligibility for Department of Defense contracts — a significant revenue risk for companies along the Fort Worth aerospace corridor and defense manufacturers across the country.

Innovation Network Design helps manufacturers across the DFW metroplex and throughout the United States achieve and maintain CMMC compliance through our compliance audit and GRC services. Our CyberOne platform maps your existing controls against CMMC, NIST 800-171, and NIST CSF requirements, identifies gaps, generates System Security Plans (SSPs) and Plans of Action & Milestones (POA&Ms), and collects audit-ready evidence.

Compliance Frameworks We Address

CMMC 2.0 Level 1 and Level 2 certification
NIST SP 800-171 CUI protection controls
NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) alignment
IEC 62443 industrial cybersecurity standards
Supply chain risk management (SCRM)
Incident response planning for OT environments

How We Protect Manufacturers

Cybersecurity services designed for the unique challenges of manufacturing — where IT meets OT and downtime is measured in dollars per minute

Penetration Testing & OT Assessment

Our certified ethical hackers test both your IT infrastructure and OT environment, identifying how an attacker could pivot from corporate email to the production floor. We assess SCADA systems, PLCs, industrial IoT devices, and network segmentation between IT and OT — all without disrupting production.

Learn about pen testing

24/7 Managed SOC

Manufacturing facilities run around the clock, and so do the threats. Our managed SOC monitors both IT and OT networks for anomalous traffic, unauthorized access to industrial control systems, lateral movement from corporate networks, and ransomware deployment. Critical alerts reach your team within 15 minutes.

Learn about managed SOC

CMMC Compliance & GRC

Achieve and maintain CMMC Level 2 certification with our compliance platform. We map your controls against all 110 NIST 800-171 requirements, generate SSPs and POA&Ms, and maintain continuous audit-ready evidence. Essential for defense contractors who need to protect CUI and retain DoD contract eligibility.

Learn about compliance

Data Backup & Disaster Recovery

Azure-powered immutable backups protect your design files, production data, ERP systems, and intellectual property from ransomware encryption. Rapid restoration minimizes production downtime and gets your lines running again — even after a worst-case attack scenario.

Learn about data backup

Manufacturing Cybersecurity FAQ

Common questions about securing manufacturing and industrial operations

Secure Your Production Environment

Find out where your manufacturing operation stands on OT security, CMMC compliance, and overall cybersecurity readiness. Our team will identify your biggest risks and provide actionable recommendations — whether you are in DFW or anywhere in the United States.

Schedule Your Free Assessment