MxD survey found just 34% of manufacturers
have comprehensive system security plans in place
CHICAGO, July 16,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Research from MxD
(Manufacturing x Digital), the digital manufacturing institute and
the National Center for Cybersecurity in Manufacturing supported by
the Department of Defense, has revealed an urgent need for the U.S.
manufacturing sector to strengthen its cybersecurity posture.
The report, titled Behind the
Firewall, establishes the sector's cybersecurity
preparedness and finds that manufacturers are overestimating their
capabilities.
Securing U.S. manufacturing has emerged as an economic and
national security priority as the manufacturing sector remains the
most targeted sector worldwide for cyber-attacks. Faced with unique
challenges in securing business operations against geopolitical
threats, the report shares insights and strategies for
manufacturers to enhance their cyber resilience.
The survey found:
- 76% of manufacturers are confident their organization can
prevent cyber risks and respond to cyber-attacks
- Only 34% of manufacturers have comprehensive system security
plans (SSPs) in place - a fundamental cybersecurity requirement and
often required for compliance
- Just 43% of all manufacturers have a dedicated cybersecurity
leader, such as a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) or
Director of Cybersecurity
- The disparity is stark when compared by size: 88% of large
manufacturers (500+ employees) have such leaders, compared to 35%
of small- and medium-sized manufacturers (fewer than 500
employees)
- Encouragingly, 82% of manufacturers are planning to raise
cybersecurity spending in the upcoming budget cycle
"The supply chains which support U.S. manufacturing are only as
strong as their weakest link. We must strengthen at every level to
ensure a resilient domestic manufacturing capability, including
within the defense industrial base," said MxD CEO Berardino Baratta. "We see a sense of
overconfidence in our research results, which is concerning given
that everyone is at risk, from the largest multinational to small-
and medium-sized manufacturers who often lack the proper resources
to protect themselves from cyber-attacks."
"Manufacturing sector cyber-attacks are no longer rare, one-off
events," said MxD Director of Cybersecurity Michael Tanji. "The rise in incidents shows
repeated and concerted efforts to steal IP or other company data,
resulting in production shutdowns, logistical delays, and more. Our
manufacturing sector must stay ahead of these growing threats – and
we can only do that by updating and upgrading cyber capabilities
across the industry."
This survey identifies key areas where manufacturers can benefit
from additional resources to strengthen their cybersecurity
infrastructure. Research results were segmented by vertical sector
and manufacturer size, which allows for a deeper understanding of
needs and insights at all levels of the manufacturing sector. In
turn, this enables MxD to develop tools, like cyber playbooks and
training guides, which more effectively address sector
needs.
This report launches as MxD reaches its 10-year anniversary and
underscores the imperative for strengthening U.S. manufacturing
competitiveness and resiliency. As a public-private partnership,
MxD convenes and collaborates with manufacturers to prepare and
protect domestic supply chains against cybersecurity threats.
About MxD
MxD (Manufacturing x Digital) advances
economic prosperity and national security by strengthening U.S.
manufacturing competitiveness through technology innovation,
workforce development, and cybersecurity preparedness. In
partnership with the Department of Defense, we convene an ecosystem
to solve critical manufacturing challenges by accelerating digital
adoption, empowering a skilled workforce, and modernizing supply
chains. MxD is also the National Center for Cybersecurity in
Manufacturing as designated by DoD. Visit mxdusa.org to learn
more.
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SOURCE MxD