British Manufacturing Severely Affected By Cyber Attacks

Britain’s manufacturing sector has been severely tested by cyber security attacks since the start of the pandemic, according to new research by Keeper Security

In fact, the 2021 Cybersecurity Census Report found the average manufacturing company experienced 30 cyber attacks during the past year alone, with 85% expecting that figure to increase over the coming 12 months.

It’s clear that the pandemic had a large impact on the manufacturing sector when it comes to cyber security, with nearly a third (30%) of manufacturers experiencing disruption to trade through successful cyber attacks, and 28% also suffering disruption to supply chains. 

The effect of the pandemic has also resulted in businesses focusing their priorities across a host of different areas, with budgets pulled in multiple directions and only 39% of senior IT leaders able to prioritise IT as their number one investment. 

This has led to gaps in cyber security provision, ranging from a lack of necessary skills, to poor security hygiene. 

According to the research, 60% of employees don’t understand the cyber security implications of poor password hygiene. 24% also admit that they lack the skills to deal with cyber attacks, and 58% believe the UK has a skills shortage among IT workers, directly impacting their company’s cyber security. 

The switch to remote working throughout the pandemic also made a big difference to the increase in cybersecurity attacks on the manufacturing sector, with 53% of respondents explaining that cyber security policies had been relaxed over the past year to implement working from home. 

The switch to remote working presents a continuing concern to manufacturers, with 25% highlighting remote working as their greatest cyber security risk this year. 

Despite these concerns, there are solutions at hand, and manufacturers are taking the issue of cyber security seriously. 78% of respondents see cybersecurity as becoming more important to their business over the next 12 months, and 79% of manufacturers are looking to implement a board member whose role is specifically dedicated to the cyber-welfare of their organisation. 

Perhaps one of the biggest defences in the fight against cyber attacks could be the creation of an independent, national body capable of holding businesses accountable and forcing the industry to become more cyber-compliant. With 82% of respondents in favour of such a body, and 86% of UK manufacturers wanting all businesses to have a level of certified cybersecurity protection in place before being allowed to trade, we could see an effective shield against cyber crime in the UK. “The UK manufacturing sector has faced an unprecedented number of operational challenges the past year, which resulted in an increased number of cyber attacks” explained Darren Guccione, CEO of Keeper Security. “The switch to distributed remote work exposed existing cyber security vulnerabilities and internal control weaknesses across an exponentially larger attack surface. The good news is that manufacturers can access cost-effective cybersecurity solutions which effectively protect their organisations.”

According to the report, a step-change is already apparent among manufacturers in the UK, with cyber security becoming an increasingly important priority. It just needs the right resources, skills and budget. 

Keeper Security:     HRNews:      Plant Services

You Might Also Read: 

Industrial Companies At Risk As Attacks Double:

 

« Internet Phone Providers Under Attack
New US National Cyber Director »

CyberSecurity Jobsite
Perimeter 81

Directory of Suppliers

Perimeter 81 / How to Select the Right ZTNA Solution

Perimeter 81 / How to Select the Right ZTNA Solution

Gartner insights into How to Select the Right ZTNA offering. Download this FREE report for a limited time only.

XYPRO Technology

XYPRO Technology

XYPRO is the market leader in HPE Non-Stop Security, Risk Management and Compliance.

CSI Consulting Services

CSI Consulting Services

Get Advice From The Experts: * Training * Penetration Testing * Data Governance * GDPR Compliance. Connecting you to the best in the business.

IT Governance

IT Governance

IT Governance is a leading global provider of information security solutions. Download our free guide and find out how ISO 27001 can help protect your organisation's information.

WEBINAR: 2024 and Beyond: Top Six Cloud Security Trends

WEBINAR: 2024 and Beyond: Top Six Cloud Security Trends

April 4, 2024 | 11:00 AM PT: Join this webinar to find out about six emerging trends dominating the cloud cybersecurity landscape.

Cymbel

Cymbel

Cymbel provides businesses and government agencies with the tools and expertise they need to manage the most complex security and compliance challenges.

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI)

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI)

IAI offers a holistic approach that provides defense forces, governments, critical infrastructures and large enterprises with end-to-end cyber security & monitoring tools.

Pathway Forensics

Pathway Forensics

Pathway Forensics is a leading provider of computer forensics, e-discovery services and digital investigations.

Fair Isaac Corporation (FICO)

Fair Isaac Corporation (FICO)

FICO provides analytics software and tools used across multiple industries to manage risk, fight fraud, optimize operations and meet strict government regulations.

ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is a Virtual Private Network services provider offering secure encrypted access to the internet.

certSIGN

certSIGN

certSIGN develop innovative software for information security and information systems protection.

Information System Authority (RIA) - Estonia

Information System Authority (RIA) - Estonia

RIA ensures the interoperability of the state’s information system, organises activities related to information security, and handles security incidents in Estonian computer networks.

Cybil

Cybil

Cybil is a publicly-available portal where members of the international cyber capacity building community can find and share information to support the design and delivery of programs and projects.

Cypherix

Cypherix

Cypherix is tightly focused on cryptography and data security. We leverage our expertise to deliver state-of-the-art, world-class encryption software packages.

International Association of Security Awareness Professionals (IASAP)

International Association of Security Awareness Professionals (IASAP)

IASAP provides a members-only virtual sharing platform where security awareness professionals engage in a lively, year-round exchange of information and ideas.

DeVry University - Cyber Security Degree

DeVry University - Cyber Security Degree

Explore the dynamic world of data protection with a hybrid or online cyber security degree specialization with DeVry's IT & Networking Bachelor's Degree.

Horizon3.ai

Horizon3.ai

Horizon3.ai is a leader in security assessment and validation enabling continuous security overwatch from an attacker’s perspective through our NodeZero SaaS solution.

Advantio

Advantio

Advantio offers a unique combination of technologies and managed, advisory and testing services to increase your cyber resilience and compliance.

Rocky Mountain Cybersecurity

Rocky Mountain Cybersecurity

Rocky Mountain Cybersecurity's mission is to provide value by dramatically improving the cybersecurity posture of our clients and business partners.

Romanian Tech Startup Association (ROTSA)

Romanian Tech Startup Association (ROTSA)

Romanian Tech Startups Association is an umbrella organization that aims to promote, support and represent the interests of tech startups in Romania.

Exium

Exium

At Exium we’ve integrated networking and security in a cloud-delivered Zero Trust platform powered by 5G and open source.