Cybersecurity is critical for Connecticut’s manufacturing industry, which is increasingly facing cyber threats that can disrupt operations, steal intellectual property, and compromise sensitive data. This is especially important for manufacturers working with the Department of Defense (DoD), as they must comply with the recently published Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) 2.0 rule. Officially released on October 15 and set to take effect on December 16, CMMC 2.0 mandates cybersecurity standards for handling Federal Contract Information (FCI) and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). This regulation highlights the heightened cybersecurity expectations for manufacturers in defense, as well as the need for cybersecurity across the entire industry.
Connecticut manufacturers encounter unique challenges, including managing both legacy and modern technologies, complex supply chains, and limited cybersecurity resources. These factors make it essential to adopt cybersecurity practices that not only strengthen defenses but also help maintain compliance with evolving standards. In this blog, we’ll explore key practices to help Connecticut manufacturers protect their operations, safeguard critical data, and build a secure environment.
As manufacturing becomes increasingly digitized, the sector has also become one of the top targets for cybercriminals. According to the World Economic Forum, “Heightened connectivity and data transparency has made manufacturing the most targeted sector for cyberattacks for three years in a row.” The sector now accounts for 25.7% of all cyberattacks, with ransomware involved in 71% of these incidents. Manufacturing organizations are particularly vulnerable to ransomware attacks due to their limited tolerance for downtime and relatively low cybersecurity maturity compared to other industries.
Recent cyberattacks in Connecticut emphasize these vulnerabilities, with multiple industries facing significant disruptions in the fall of 2023. In one of the state’s largest recent breaches, a file transfer software vulnerability involving "MOVEit" compromised sensitive data for hundreds of thousands of Connecticut residents.
“It’s one of the biggest that we have seen recently,” said Robin Chataut, assistant professor of cybersecurity and computer science at Quinnipiac University, in an interview with Fox61.
The incident highlights the risk of cyber threats to Connecticut’s manufacturers and the potential impacts on their operations and reputation. Common threats that manufacturers face include:
Fortunately, there are ways that manufacturing organizations can protect themselves.
Manufacturing employees are trained to stay safe in the facility—whether it’s wearing a hard hat, staying within designated areas, or watching their step. Equally essential is cybersecurity training, which allows employees to serve as the first line of defense against costly cyber incidents. Through cybersecurity awareness training, employees learn to recognize potential hazards such as phishing emails, follow best practices for protecting information, and know how to report suspicious activity.
Recommended training programs should emphasize awareness, education, and reporting. Leaders should also clearly communicate cybersecurity policies, so everyone understands their role. Awareness of the risks and potential impact of cyber threats helps everyone remain vigilant. Many managed service providers (MSPs) offer such programs. For instance, Charles IT provides cybersecurity awareness training specifically tailored for manufacturers.
In the manufacturing industry, Internet of Things (IoT) devices and Industrial Control Systems (ICS) play critical roles in improving efficiency and automating processes. IoT devices are connected equipment like sensors, cameras, or monitors that collect and transmit data to improve processes. Industrial Control Systems are technology solutions that help monitor and manage machinery and equipment in real-time, often controlling key manufacturing functions such as production, assembly, and distribution. While these connected devices and systems boost productivity, they also create new cybersecurity risks. If they’re left unprotected, they can serve as easy entry points for cybercriminals, potentially resulting in data breaches, system downtime, or even full operational shutdowns.
To secure IoT and ICS environments, here are three essential best practices:
While we touched on the importance of updates for IoT devices, regular software updates and effective patch management deserve their own spotlight. Keeping all software and systems up to date is critical for more than just security, although patching vulnerabilities does play a major role in preventing cybercriminals from infiltrating networks. Timely updates also improve system performance and stability, reducing the risk of costly downtime that can arise if critical systems fail or are breached.
To implement effective patch management protocols, consider these strategies:
Modern manufacturing relies on connected systems, automation, and AI to keep operations running smoothly. At the core of these processes is data, which is the information that ensures each part of production works seamlessly with the next. If this data is disrupted or, worse, hacked, it can halt production or expose valuable operational insights to competitors. Manufacturers benefit by focusing on both data security to protect proprietary information from theft and data integrity to ensure products meet the quality and design standards set by engineers.
Best practices for data protection and backup solutions include:
Every manufacturer needs a well-defined incident response plan that all employees understand and can follow in the event of a cyberattack. A clear, practiced plan ensures that if cybercriminals infiltrate systems, employees will know their roles in responding and mitigating the impact. This not only reduces the potential damage to operations but also speeds up recovery, helping the business resume normal activities faster.
Key components of an incident response plan include:
To ensure that an incident response plan is effective, manufacturers can conduct tabletop exercises with their managed service provider (MSP). These exercises simulate a cyber incident, allowing teams to practice their roles and identify areas for improvement. This hands-on approach reinforces employee readiness and highlights any adjustments needed for a real response.
For manufacturers in Connecticut and across the U.S., two key cybersecurity regulations are essential: the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) 2.0 and the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS). CMMC 2.0 establishes data security requirements for contractors working with the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), mandating that they meet specific levels based on the sensitivity of the data they handle. DFARS, meanwhile, requires all companies working with the DoD to adhere to strict data security standards to secure and maintain contracts.
To ensure compliance, manufacturers can implement the following IT security solutions:
By meeting these compliance standards, manufacturers not only strengthen their defenses against cyberattacks but also protect their contracts, avoid potential fines, and uphold a good reputation with customers.
In an increasingly connected manufacturing landscape, Connecticut manufacturers must prioritize essential cybersecurity practices to safeguard their operations. Key strategies include employee training, securing IoT devices and industrial control systems, implementing regular software updates, developing incident response plans, and maintaining compliance with industry regulations. By adopting these measures, manufacturers can create a cybersecurity framework that protects their valuable data and mitigates the risk of cyber threats.
We encourage all manufacturers to take proactive steps in enhancing their cybersecurity posture. Don’t wait for a cyber incident to occur—investing in cybersecurity today is crucial for ensuring the long-term success of your business.
At Charles IT, we specialize in providing tailored cybersecurity solutions to meet the unique needs of manufacturers. Reach out to us today to learn how we can help you strengthen your cybersecurity!