We live in an era where technology reigns supreme and the lines between the physical and digital worlds blur. Manufacturing industries find themselves facing a new and alarming reality as supply chains become increasingly interconnected. The risk of cyber threats infiltrating production lines has soared to unprecedented levels. Surprisingly, many manufacturers remain oblivious to the fact that their production lines have been breached, making them unwitting accomplices in a dangerous game of cyber espionage.

Imagine a scenario where your manufacturing facility hums with activity, seemingly functioning flawlessly. The assembly line is in full swing, churning out products at an impressive pace. But beneath this seemingly harmonious operation, a silent intruder lurks, exploiting vulnerabilities and siphoning off valuable intellectual property. The consequences of such breaches are far-reaching, affecting not only the manufacturers but also the wider economy, supply chain partners, and ultimately, the consumers who unknowingly use compromised products.
 
Establishing a Beachhead: Infiltration Into the Network

Breaching a manufacturing production line requires a series of steps. The initial stage involves establishing a beachhead within the network, targeting a specific asset that acts as a gateway to the broader infrastructure. Once this foothold is secured, the infiltrator gains a strategic advantage, with the potential to disrupt, change, or even destroy the sourcing and manufacture of products.

Any manufacturer knows full well that even a tiny deviation from the specs can have disastrous results. Precision engineering in manufacturing requires precise tolerance standards. Any divergence, intentional or not, can affect product safety and integrity. Security isn't simply for the product. Suppliers use digital manufacturing processes to produce parts like safety components. It is crucial to the safety of the final product that the same security measures be taken during these off-site production operations.
 
Propagation and Reconnaissance: Mapping Targets and Vulnerable Systems

Once inside the network, the attacker's next step is to propagate to other assets, gradually spreading their influence within the manufacturing infrastructure. This allows them to reach their intended targets, such as intellectual property, trade secrets, or sensitive data. To accomplish this, cybercriminals initiate reconnaissance activities, meticulously mapping out vulnerable devices and systems along the way.

In any manufacturing industry, the supply chain plays a vital role, demanding secure sourcing, manufacturing, and delivery of components. The interconnectedness of the supply chain requires meticulous attention from a transportation and logistics perspective, ensuring the integrity and security of each component. A single weak link within this chain can provide an opportunity for cyber attackers to exploit, leading to severe disruptions and potential compromise of the entire manufacturing process.
 
Shedding Light on Production Line Breaches

In the dynamic landscape of manufacturing, where the convergence of technology and physical operations accelerates, the threat of production line breaches looms larger than ever before. The risks faced by manufacturers demand a multifaceted approach to security, encompassing both the manufacturing process itself and the entire supply chain.

Manufacturers must strive for full IT visibility. Period.

Only with full IT visibility and essential business risk context can you empower your manufacturing business with the tools and knowledge needed to detect, assess, and mitigate potential breaches in production lines.

Don't let blind spots compromise your OT infrastructure! Download Tenable's OT Security Checklist now to gain visibility, manage asset inventory, and strengthen threat detection. Safeguard your critical systems and ensure comprehensive protection. Get the checklist today!