Cybersecurity Threats in Manufacturing Surge by 30% in 2025 Report from Check Point Research

In a recent report, Check Point Research (CPR), the threat intelligence sector of Check Point Software Technologies, has revealed alarming statistics indicating a staggering 30% increase in cyber attacks targeting the manufacturing sector compared to the previous year. This trend underscores a significant threat landscape that manufacturing organizations are grappling with, driven by a trifecta of escalating ransomware attacks, rising supply chain vulnerabilities, and increasing geopolitical tensions that have led to more state-sponsored and hacktivist cyber attacks.

Overview of the Manufacturing Sector's Vulnerability

The report outlines that on average, manufacturing organizations are facing up to 1,585 cyber attacks per week—a dramatic increase from previous years. Notably, regions such as Latin America and the Asia-Pacific are facing the heaviest impact, with Taiwan experiencing an astonishing average of 5,100 weekly attacks. Meanwhile, Europe has seen a surge in attack rates, with six out of the top ten countries for increased attacks located in this region.

Manufacturers are traditional targets, not just due to their vast repositories of data, but also because cybercriminals are acutely aware of the costs associated with even brief operational downtime. Ransomware groups are drawn to this sector, well aware that disrupting production for just one hour can lead to losses of millions. They need not steal sensitive customer data but can simply halt operations and demand ransom to restore functionality.

Ransomware: The Principal Threat

Ransomware continues to pose the most significant threat to manufacturers. Recent incidents highlight the devastating impacts:

- Clorox (2023) suffered interruptions due to a ransomware attack that led to a staggering $356 million loss in one quarter.
- Nucor (2025), North America’s largest steel manufacturer, was compelled to stop production following a major cyber attack.
- Sensata Technologies (2025) faced severe disruptions in shipping and production due to ransomware, affecting their relationships with customers.
- Schumag AG (2024) was ultimately driven into bankruptcy after enduring long-term chaos stemming from a ransomware attack.

These cases emphasize that ransomware attacks often lead to a cascade of repercussions, including loss of customer trust, contract issues, delayed innovations, and intensified scrutiny from regulatory bodies. For many manufacturers, the erosion of reputation and long-term competitive position offers losses comparable to, or even exceeding, the immediate chaos caused by an incident.

Supply Chain Vulnerabilities and Cyber Threats

Manufacturers do not operate in isolation; they are interlinked through extensive networks of suppliers and partners reliant on IoT/OT systems. This interconnectedness is a double-edged sword, as each connection represents a potential entry point for attackers. Currently, cybercriminals have been selling unauthorized access to manufacturing networks, effectively authorizing numerous affiliates in the ransomware ecosystem. A single compromised supplier or an inadequately secured IoT device can trigger a domino effect, bringing entire production lines to a standstill.

Recent statistics reveal that a single compromised supplier could disrupt thousands of downstream companies, affecting the entire supply chain and customer trust. This scenario underscores the reliance on just-in-time deliveries for competitiveness among manufacturers, making even a brief operational halt potentially damaging to revenues, customer loyalty, and brand valuation.

Geopolitical Factors Heightening Risks

In addition to cybercriminal activities, manufacturers face threats from state-sponsored attackers aiming to steal intellectual property and engage in strategic sabotage. Over recent years, advanced designs in drones, automotive industries, and defense technologies have been at risk, with concerns rising as hacktivists actively disrupt supply chains linked to national defense, energy sectors, and critical infrastructure.

These geopolitical factors complicate matters further, as companies find themselves increasingly cornered, facing threats that extend beyond mere financial motives to political confrontations. Leadership must recognize the external risks that could potentially compromise traditional business considerations.

Leadership Insights and Priorities

Manufacturing leaders can no longer afford a reactive mindset when it comes to cybersecurity. It's essential for executives to integrate resilience in their operations and to treat downtime as a board-level risk. Key priorities include:

1. Incorporate Resilience into Operations: Regularly test business continuity plans, ensuring recovery times are measured in hours, not weeks.
2. Secure the Supply Chain: Implement cybersecurity standards across vendors and partners and mandate visibility over access points and third-party risks.
3. Protect Intellectual Property: Invest in intelligence-driven defensive measures and crisis communication strategies. Cyber threats toward manufacturing are increasingly intentional, and local defensive strategies can help mitigate their impacts.
4. Invest in Proactive Defense: Shift towards a “prevention-first” strategy that emphasizes reducing the likelihood of disruptions before they occur, rather than merely responding to them.

By prioritizing these challenges, manufacturing leaders can not only safeguard their operations but also attain a competitive edge in the marketplace. In an industry where uptime, reliability, and innovation define market share, operational resilience can serve as a significant differentiator.

Conclusion

The cyber threats besieging the manufacturing sector are intensifying in both scale and impact. The convergence of legacy systems, interconnected supply chains, and low tolerance for downtime creates a unique vulnerability profile that must be addressed. For executives, ensuring cyber resilience has become crucial in establishing a competitive advantage. Organizations that take swift and appropriate actions can protect their production lines and secure sustainable growth and viability in the future.

For further details, download the 2025 Manufacturing Security Report for comprehensive insights and analysis.

About Check Point Research

Check Point Research continuously provides up-to-date threat intelligence to its clients and the wider security community. With a team of over 100 analysts and researchers, the organization collects and analyzes global cybersecurity data stored in ThreatCloud AI, which informs product development focused on preventing attacks.

About Check Point Software Technologies

As a leading provider of digital trust, Check Point Software Technologies safeguards over 100,000 organizations worldwide via its AI-driven cybersecurity solutions. Their Infinity Architecture seamlessly integrates cloud, on-premises, and workspace management, providing flexibility and simplicity while ensuring top-tier security.

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