The computer manufacturing industry is a prime target for cybercriminals thanks to its reliance on interconnected systems and supply chains. Cybercriminals target manufacturing because it’s lucrative and accessible, and manufacturers have a low tolerance for downtime. As technology advances, so do the threats.
With industry giants like Virginia Semiconductor Inc., known for producing essential semiconductor components, and General Dynamics Mission Systems offering expertise in electronic warfare and telecommunications equipment, Virginia is quickly becoming an emerging national leader. More specifically, Virginia is known for its innovations in semiconductor technology through the Virginia Alliance for Semiconductor Technology (VAST).
> READ THE INFOGRAPHIC: Integrating Cybersecurity With Industry 4.0: What It Means for Manufacturing
But with the industry’s many endpoints, legacy systems, and extended supply chain, how are manufacturers protecting themselves from attack? Read on to learn about the lengths manufacturers are taking to reinforce and upgrade their cybersecurity.
In this blog, you will get info on:
- how a cyber breach hurts
- a computer manufacturer who fell victim to a cyber attack
- 3 ways to become cyber resilient
- how GENEDGE can help
Risks and consequences of a breach
For computer manufacturers, a cybersecurity breach can have serious repercussions:
- financial and reputational damage
- production downtime, delays, and higher operational costs
- crippling costs from system repairs, legal fees, and potential fines
Attacks frequently target industrial control systems (ICS) and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems, seeking to halt plant operations. Despite many such systems lacking internet connectivity, cybercriminals find alternative infection methods, like USB drives.
Has this ever even affected the industry?
Ubiquiti Networks Inc. suffered a massive loss of $46.7 million from a cyberheist in 2015, revealed in a quarterly financial report. Cyber thieves employed a tactic known as “CEO fraud” or “business email compromise” to spoof communications from executives, persuading the company’s finance department to execute unauthorized wire transfers to overseas accounts.
This breach was only discovered when the company noticed the fraudulent transactions and immediately initiated recovery efforts. While legal actions helped retrieve a portion of the stolen funds, this shows how important it is to enact cybersecurity to prevent similar attacks.
3 ways Virginia computer manufacturers can become cyber resilient
1. Make cybersecurity a business priority
Computer manufacturers can make cybersecurity a core focus by transforming their organizational culture. This involves embedding security into business strategies and processes like product development and supply chain management.
Companies can dedicate budgets and resources to strengthen their cybersecurity measures. By encouraging all employees and stakeholders to prioritize security, they create a shared responsibility and align goals with security needs. This approach helps protect against vulnerabilities and strengthens resilience across the industry’s networks.
2. Become cyber resilient by design
Computer manufacturers can embed cyber resilience directly into product designs to drive security from the first stage. This means including security features as a fundamental part of new products and technologies. Through risk assessments, they identify and address possible threats during development. By adding these protective measures early on, manufacturers deplete vulnerabilities and heighten their response to cyber threats, protecting their creations and operations.
3. Connect and engage the team
To combat cybercrime and enhance resilience, computer manufacturers can embrace an ecosystem approach. This involves fostering trusted partnerships and increasing security awareness among all stakeholders. Rather than relying on a single entity to control the supply chain, this strategy encourages collaboration across the entire business network.
Increased connectivity within the network does not mean more risk; instead, it can improve an organization’s risk exposure. By connecting once-isolated systems, companies gain better visibility and manage security more effectively on a larger scale. This collaborative effort strengthens the overall cybersecurity program, strengthening the ecosystem against threats.
Industry-leading cybersecurity protection for manufacturers
GENEDGE has specialized cybersecurity for manufacturers in Virginia. As a reputable DoD contractor, GENEDGE provides rigorous assessments using a robust risk management framework, ensuring compliance with the Department of Defense’s cybersecurity requirements, like the NIST 800-171r1.
GENEDGE’s programs guide companies in meeting DFARS 252.204-7012 regulations, enabling secure IT infrastructure and aiding in preparation for CMMC audits. Virginia manufacturers can take advantage of a Department of Defense grant covering 80% of assessment costs.
GENEDGE’s support extends beyond compliance, offering online training manufacturing solutions via its Learning Management System and a premier online training solution through Tooling U – SME. Gain a strategic ally in your cyber-resilient ecosystem.
