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Examining the Role of Cybersecurity in Manufacturing Growth

A groundbreaking survey from Cyolo has unveiled insights that challenge the long-held belief that cybersecurity is merely a productivity roadblock. In fact, recent findings indicate that manufacturing leaders are beginning to recognize secure remote access as a pivotal factor in fostering business growth and enhancing operational efficiency.

The research report titled "Can Cybersecurity Drive Growth? The Strategic Role of Secure Remote Access in Manufacturing" is grounded in a global survey involving Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs), Chief Information Officers (CIOs), operational technology (OT) security leads, operations managers, and plant engineers across the manufacturing sector. With the industry's ongoing evolution, the report illustrates how manufacturers are adapting to new market demands and a pressing need for rapid innovation.

One of the most noteworthy findings is the transformation in how manufacturers perceive cybersecurity. Traditionally viewed as a necessary tool for risk mitigation, cybersecurity is now being embraced as a driving force of business innovation, productivity, and continuity. Cyolo's survey indicates that manufacturers are aligning their secure access strategies with key business priorities and optimizing OT operations without compromising safety or system uptime.

As companies forge ahead with their Industry 4.0 initiatives, which encompass enhanced digitalization and greater connectivity, secure remote access (SRA) is increasingly being recognized as a foundational component in attaining measurable operational improvements. The survey results showed that 67% of respondents see improved collaboration with third parties as a significant advantage of SRA, while 58% reported enhanced operational efficiency and 50% noted cost savings. This trend underscores that the capabilities offered by secure access extend beyond mere security—they are integral to driving the overall value of the business.

Almog Apirion, the CEO and co-founder of Cyolo, articulated this sentiment by stating, "This report shows that global manufacturers are increasingly perceiving cybersecurity as a business enabler rather than an inhibitor. Today’s manufacturing landscape demands value creation, speed, and agility. Properly implemented secure remote access can serve as a catalyst for innovation, improved uptime, and increased productivity. In essence, more effective cybersecurity can lead to a healthier bottom line."

Key Findings from the Survey

The report highlights several critical trends in the adoption of secure remote access in manufacturing:

1. Rise of AI in Cybersecurity: A staggering 96% of surveyed manufacturers intend to integrate artificial intelligence into their remote access security frameworks. Among the expected benefits, 61% cited enhanced real-time threat detection and response, with others anticipating greater compliance (47%) and proactive risk identification (38%).

2. Third-Party Access Dominance: A remarkable 88% of manufacturers allow remote access for third-party vendors to their operational technology environments, with only 54% permitting internal employee access. The access provided to over 100 external parties poses significant risks if not adequately secured, highlighting the necessity for robust security policies and tools.

3. Adoption of IT Security Practices in OT: There is a notable trend towards implementing security best practices long established in information technology (IT) settings within operational technology. The survey revealed that 69% of organizations are utilizing multi-factor authentication (MFA), while 34% have commenced Zero Trust security strategies, indicating a commitment to modern security architectures tailored to operational landscapes.

4. Compliance as a Catalyst: Compliance continues to be a major factor influencing the adoption of secure remote access, particularly in the EMEA region. The survey illustrated a bidirectional relationship; regulatory requirements encourage the adoption of SRA, while SRA itself aids organizations in maintaining their compliance commitments. About 30% of EMEA respondents view regulatory drivers as primary motivators for SRA implementation versus only 19% in North America. Furthermore, 42% report that SRA enhances compliance adherence.

This survey was conducted by Takepoint Research on behalf of Cyolo, gathering insights from 535 qualified respondents across North America and the EMEA region. It included voices from key industry players such as CISOs, CIOs, and OT security leaders.

To explore the complete findings and additional insights from the report, visit Cyolo.

About Cyolo

Cyolo specializes in providing secure remote privileged access for cyber-physical systems. Their Cyolo PRO (Privileged Remote Operations) solution enables industrial organizations to connect employees and third-party vendors to essential assets in a secure and manageable manner. Unlike traditional secure remote access setups, Cyolo enhances security while boosting operational agility and productivity without the need for significant infrastructure changes.

With headquarters in Israel and a growing presence in the US and EMEA, Cyolo's expertise is reshaping access solutions across global manufacturing environments. For further information, visit Cyolo's website.