Factory to Firewall: Securing the Manufacturing Cyber Security Gaps With Pen-Testing
With many manufacturers now taking a digital-first approach, the sector is facing an unprecedented level of cyber threat.
As operations become increasingly interconnected - integrating legacy systems with smart devices, digital platforms and supply chain technologies - manufacturers are becoming prime targets for cyber criminals. To stay ahead of these threats, the need for regular penetration testing (or pen testing) must become an essential component of a comprehensive cyber security strategy.
What is Penetration Testing?
Penetration testing, often referred to as ethical hacking, involves simulating real-world cyber-attacks in a controlled manner to uncover vulnerabilities within an organisation’s digital infrastructure. These tests are designed to mimic the tactics and techniques used by malicious actors, allowing businesses to identify and fix potential vulnerabilities before they can be exploited. In essence, it enables organisations to think like hackers and defend accordingly.
There are various types of penetration tests, and which ones you require will depend on various factors.
You may require testing for a new website or system, or you might need regular testing to meet compliance requirements. At PureCyber, our expert, CREST certified team will carry out a detailed scoping and discovery call to determine your penetration testing needs in detail.
The Cyber Security Landscape in Manufacturing
The manufacturing industry has become the most frequently targeted sector for ransomware attacks globally. In fact, our threat intel suggests that in 2024 manufacturing accounted for around 30% of reported ransomware incidents - almost double the previous year. The overall number of cyber-attacks in the sector also rose by over 100% in just the first half of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.
A combination of factors makes manufacturing particularly vulnerable. Many businesses still rely on outdated operational technology (OT) systems that were never designed with cyber security in mind. The pressure to minimise downtime means that even a brief disruption can lead to substantial financial losses. Meanwhile, highly complex and interconnected supply chains increase the attack surface, particularly when third-party partners lack sufficient security measures.
Our recent article Manufacturing Resilience: The Importance of Cyber Security in Supply Chain Management, looks in detail at how supply chain cyber security has become a critical element of manufacturers overall security posture, and the importance of ensuring your suppliers and third-party vendors are operating cyber secure operations.
Adding to the challenge, manufacturers tend to lack investment in cyber security - despite the fact that the average cost of a single cyber incident now exceeds $5.6 million.
The Real-World Cost of Inaction:
The consequences of ignoring cyber security risks are becoming increasingly clear.
In one high-profile incident, Schneider Electric suffered a cyber-attack that compromised more than 40GB of sensitive data - its second such breach in a single year. Similarly, a German battery manufacturer was recently forced to halt production across five of its plants for two weeks, incurring heavy operational and financial losses.
These examples underscore the real and immediate risks that cyber-attacks pose to production continuity, intellectual property, reputation and long-term profitability.
How Penetration Testing Strengthens Defence
Pen testing provides a structured approach to uncovering security flaws across both IT and OT environments. For manufacturers, this means identifying exploitable vulnerabilities not only in digital networks and applications but also in production systems and equipment, as well as physical production/business sites such as factories.
One of the key benefits of pen testing is its role in regulatory compliance. As standards such as ISO27001, NIS2 and the Cyber Essentials framework become increasingly vital, regular pen testing helps demonstrate a proactive stance in meeting cybersecurity obligations.
Pen testing also helps protect proprietary designs, formulas, and technologies from theft - particularly relevant in a sector where intellectual property is often the most valuable asset. Furthermore, by including third-party integrations and systems in the testing process, manufacturers can identify and mitigate supply chain risks that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Best Practice Implementation
To ensure maximum effectiveness, penetration testing should be carried out on a regular basis - ideally following significant system changes or software deployments. Rather than relying solely on internal assessments, manufacturers should consider engaging external cyber security experts who bring a fresh perspective and specialised expertise to the process.
A well-scoped pen test should evaluate both legacy OT systems and modern IT infrastructures. Integrating the results of these tests into broader risk management strategies enables businesses to prioritise remediation efforts and allocate resources effectively.
If You’re Not Proactive, You’re Not Secure.
The digital transformation of the manufacturing sector is bringing tremendous opportunities for growth, innovation and efficiency. However, it also introduces a wide array of cyber risks that must not be ignored. Penetration testing provides manufacturers with a powerful and proactive tool for identifying vulnerabilities, securing systems, and ensuring operational resilience.
Far from being a one-off exercise, pen testing should form a core part of any manufacturer’s long-term cyber security strategy. By adopting the mindset of a hacker, organisations can better defend themselves against them - protecting their operations, their data, and their future.
PureCyber’s team of CREST certified penetration testers are here to support your organisation and help you carry out a full range of penetration tests from application testing to infrastructure testing and even red teaming exercises to assess your cyber security in real-time.
How Can PureCyber Help?
The PureCyber team are here to take over the burden of your cyber security and ensure your organisation’s data remains secure and well managed, with proactive monitoring and real-time threat intelligence - providing you with a comprehensive and reliable cyber department to support you in all aspects of your security efforts, including: 24/7 Security Operations Centre (SOC) services, Managed Detection & Response (MDR/EDR),Threat Exposure Management (TEM) & Brand Protection Services & Penetration Testing.
PureCyber is recognised as an Assured Service Provider by the NCSC to offer governance and compliance consultancy services/audits. Contact our team of compliance experts to enquire about our full range of Governance Support - including Cyber Essentials, ISO 27001, FISMA, SOC1 and SOC2 standards.
Get in touch or book a demo for more information on our services and how we can safeguard your organisation with our expert cyber security solutions.
Email: info@purecyber.com Call: 0800 368 9397
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Keep an eye on our Events & Webinars page for upcoming PureCyber events including:
Webinar: Uncover The Unseen: Redefining Cyber ROI With Threat Exposure Management
Wednesday June 4th | 11am
Join our high-impact session revealing how continuous Threat Exposure Management and brand protection are rapidly becoming a critical part of the new frontline of cyber security. Offering compelling examples of how the most prepared organisations are redefining their cyber ROI through proactive cyber security.
What you’ll learn:
+ How attackers are exploiting your digital footprint in places you aren’t watching
+ Why brand protection is no longer just a marketing problem - it’s a security priority
+ Real-world examples of the positive ROI impact proactive cyber security can have
+ The costs of inaction: data leaks, impersonation, revenue loss & reputational damage