Smart factories, smart security

With cyber-attacks against manufacturing firms on the rise, decision-makers should be turning to cloud-based ERP systems. Aldo Veenstra at ECI Software Solutions explains how UK manufacturers can stay safe amid rising cyber-threats

 

Manufacturers in the UK continue to face persistent labour shortages. Recent research has shown that over a third (36%) of vacancies within the industry are proving hard to fill as applicants lack the appropriate skills, qualifications, or experience. As a result, manufacturing leaders looking to stay competitive are increasingly turning to digital solutions to augment human labour and streamline operations.

 

Industry 4.0 offers significant benefits for UK manufacturers which are facing multiple challenges, from rising labour costs to volatile supply chains. However, greater adoption of technologies, like artificial intelligence (AI), also increases exposure to cyber-attack risks. Simply put, there’s more data up for grabs, and that’s an attractive proposition for cyber-criminals.

 

In fact, research released earlier this year showed that cyber-attacks on manufacturers are up globally, with 80% of firms experiencing a significant increase in incidents or breaches in 2024, with downtime costing between $200k-$2m. For some manufacturers, the lower of that figure is enough to put the lights out forever, which is why it’s ever more important to put systems in place to mitigate such attacks.

 

Conventional cyber-security protocols are no longer sufficient. Evolving threats require a proactive approach to safeguarding data assets, which is why many manufacturers are turning to industry-specific tools to help manage their data in a safer way that doesn’t limit its potential.

 

It’s time to embrace cloud-based ERP

In response to operational pressures and to stay ahead of the competition, manufacturers looking to future-proof their business are adopting cloud-based Enterprise Resource Planning technologies (ERPs) to enhance visibility into processes, streamline operations, and boost automation initiatives.

 

 Unlike legacy systems, cloud ERPs offer manufacturers comprehensive security architectures that include centralised data governance, granular access controls, continuous monitoring, and real-time threat detection.

 

Additionally, the inherent scalability of cloud platforms allows manufacturers to adapt to new threats and regulatory changes, without overhauling their infrastructure. Realising these benefits hinges on effective implementation of comprehensive data management and security strategies, which provide manufacturers with a resilient, future-proof foundation to thrive in an increasingly digital economy.

 

Beyond embracing cloud technologies, there are additional best practices that can help manufacturers secure data and systems amid the growing concern of cyber-attacks. These include boosting employee education and data protection strategies.

 

 

Boosting employee education

According to Fortra, a staggering 95% of data breaches stem from human error. This shows why it’s so important to give employees the right cyber-security training to help prevent mistakes and reduce risks. For small and mid-sized businesses without dedicated security teams, next-generation endpoint protection, equipped with advanced threat detection, is also key to strengthening defences.

 

Managed services offering round-the-clock monitoring can provide an additional layer of protection against emerging threats. And ERP systems can ensure that employees only have access to the data relevant to their roles, limiting exposure to sensitive information and insider threats.

 

 

Data protection and recovery strategies

Effective cyber-resilience means having strong data backup for both offline and cloud systems. Regular backups, ideally automated or at least done weekly, can reduce the impact of a breach and help your business recover quickly.

 

SMEs should also make sure their vendors and suppliers follow solid cyber-security practices to avoid outside risks that could threaten operations. Cloud-based ERP systems can help protect manufacturers’ data by storing it off-site, away from on-premise threats, and making it easier to restore information quickly, which reduces downtime and prevents data loss.

 

As cyber-attacks become more damaging and more frequent, manufacturing leaders need to take a proactive role in their approach. Using tools like cloud ERP systems can help ensure you have secure, reliable data management in place, protecting your business and giving you an edge in a fast-changing, tech-driven industry.

 

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ldo Veenstra is President, Manufacturing & Residential Home Construction Divisions Europe, ECI Software Solutions

 

Main image courtesy of iStockPhoto.com and B4LLS