Research Highlights Increasing Cyber Vulnerabilities in Europe's Manufacturing Sector

Risks in Europe's Manufacturing Sector: An Analysis



Recently, a new report titled "Securing Manufacturing's Digital Future" was released by KnowBe4, an esteemed name in the field of cybersecurity focusing on human risk management. This report sheds light on how Europe's digital manufacturing sector is increasingly vulnerable to cyberattacks, particularly ransomware and social engineering exploits, making it a prominent target for adversaries.

Cyberattacks on the Rise


For the fourth consecutive year, the manufacturing industry stands out as the sector experiencing the most cyberattacks. As European manufacturers adopt digital technologies to create smart factories, they risk exposing their operations, sensitive intellectual property, and economic stability to cybercriminals. Investment in digitalization aims to improve efficiency and productivity but also expands the opportunities for attacks on operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT), placing valuable data at considerable risk.

According to the report, the frequency of attacks against manufacturing firms is rapidly growing, reflected in a staggering 89.2% increase in confirmed data breaches from 2023 to 2024. Ransomware is a prevalent and alarming aspect persistently affecting the sector, with findings from the 2025 Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report (DBIR) revealing it accounted for 47% of all manufacturing breaches.

Manufacturers’ low tolerance for downtime complicates the situation further; any disruption can lead to colossal losses, echoing throughout entire supply chains. This fact is underscored by the consistent targeting of European manufacturers by notorious ransomware groups such as LockBit, PlayCrypt, and 8Base—all of whom see this sector as a lucrative opportunity.

Human Factor: The Largest Weakness


The report also pinpointed the human element as a critical vulnerability. Social engineering tactics were responsible for 22% of cybersecurity breaches amongst manufacturing organizations. Javvad Malik, a security awareness advocate at KnowBe4, emphasizes that cyber threats often originate from human errors rather than technical failures.

Errors such as falling for phishing scams, using weak passwords, or disregarding security procedures leverage the human element as an easier target for attackers. He stressed the need for manufacturers to cultivate greater cyber resilience, indicating that ignoring cybersecurity can lead to both data loss and potential systemic chaos across operations and national infrastructure.

Significance of Security Awareness Training


Another notable point from the findings is the pivotal role of security awareness training. Over a sustained period of effective training lasting a year, instances of phishing susceptibility among employees plummeted dramatically—from 31.8% to a remarkable 3.6%, representing an impressive reduction of 89%.

The crux of building a resilient manufacturing sector does not simply involve patching systems but empowering employees with the tools to identify and counter threats proactively. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, manufacturers must prioritize comprehensive training on tackling cybersecurity threats at every level of the organization.

In conclusion, while digitalization enhances productivity and efficiency, it simultaneously exposes the manufacturing sector to various vulnerabilities. Moreover, the human element remains both the largest liability and potential solution in addressing these burgeoning threats. As matured cyber defense strategies become imperative, the necessity for immediate action is clear. Failure to execute effective responses may not merely result in data breaches, but deep-seated disruptions that extend from individual companies to far-reaching infrastructures.

About KnowBe4


Founded with a goal to facilitate smarter security choices, KnowBe4 commands the trust of over 70,000 organizations globally. It cultivates a robust security culture and manages human risk through a comprehensive AI-empowered platform designed for Human Risk Management. Offering advanced training modules and promoting awareness, KnowBe4 endeavors to convert workforces from vulnerable targets to formidable assets against cybersecurity challenges.

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