Under the Surface: Subtle Ways Cyberattacks Cripple Manufacturing

Cyberattacks in the manufacturing sector are evolving faster than many organisations can adapt. While high-profile threats like ransomware and DDoS attacks dominate the headlines, subtle and less visible tactics can quietly disrupt production, damage reputations, and even compromise safety.

1.   Third-Party Infiltration Makes Seeking Outside Assistance Perilous

Businesses often rely on third-party vendors to provide materials that become the products they sell or software that keeps their facilities running. Larger entities with 10,000 or more staff maintain an average of 173 third-party relationships, with many respondents saying that increasing outside pressure and the 2020 pandemic made such partnerships necessary. However, the more relationships a brand has, the harder it is to track them all.

The same survey found that only 11% of organisations have full visibility across all tiers of their suppliers. Another 12% said they have no visibility at all, while 19% were unsure how to address the problem.. This significant lack of transparency is an enormous benefit for cyberattackers, who can then slip in alongside vendors undetected.

2.   Data Manipulation Requires Staff to Stay Vigilant

Following a successful attack, employees must watch for subtle changes in product quality that could mean threat actors tampered with important data. It is easier to notice big damage like a shut-down factory line or information theft, but some might leave subtler traces of their breach.

For instance, attackers who gain access to digital design files or CNC machine inputs could make small alterations, changing dimensions, materials, or finishes that compromise performance without immediate signs of error. Such changes may only surface later as premature wear, product failures, or customer complaints, underscoring the need for staff to stay alert to even minor irregularities.

3. Compromised Design Files Pose Hidden Risks

Some manufacturing systems rely on downloading digital design files to operate machinery. Cyberattackers can exploit this process by embedding malicious code within those files, leading to equipment malfunctions, software corruption, or data leaks. Even when downloads come from trusted sources, a single compromised file can disrupt production or expose valuable intellectual property. Regular validation and malware scanning of all design inputs are essential to prevent such subtle breaches.

4. Insider Threats Are a Must-Monitor

Unfortunately, humans aren’t machines — they are going to make mistakes now and then. Though 83% of companies saw at least one insider attack in 2024, the main reasons weren’t frustration with higher-ups or intent to cause damage before quitting or being fired. Four key factors driving insider threats were:

• Complex IT ecosystems
• Outdated security practices
• Insufficient training and awareness
• Poor enforcement of access controls

Because the cybersecurity landscape is also rapidly changing, businesses often struggle to keep pace. Frequently shifting recommendations can cause confusion or frustration, leading to noncompliance that opens attack vectors.

Real-World Examples of Cyberattacks in Manufacturing

IBM has also found manufacturing to be the most targeted sector for cyberattacks over the last four years. However, if that is not enough encouragement to prioritize cybersecurity, here are a few examples of manufacturing cyberattacks to showcase the havoc they can wreak.

Unimicron

In February 2025, PCB manufacturer Unimicron disclosed that it had been targeted by the ransomware group Sarcoma. The group claimed to have exfiltrated 377 gigabytes of data, leveraging phishing emails and n-day vulnerabilities to infiltrate systems, move laterally across the software environment, and extract sensitive information. Within its first month of activity, Sarcoma had already compromised 36 victims — a stark reminder of the ongoing importance of employee training and timely security updates.

Clorox

The Clorox breach serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of third-party visibility and workforce awareness. In 2023, the cleaning products giant reported a cyberattack that disrupted its supply chain and delayed shipments to retailers. The aftermath cost the company an estimated $380 million, with roughly $50 million spent on remediation and the remainder attributed to lost sales and operational downtime.

Applied Materials

That same year, Applied Materials announced that an attack on one of its suppliers was expected to cost the company around $250 million. Although it did not identify the affected partner, many pointed to MKS Instruments, which had recently suffered a ransomware incident disrupting order processing and shipments. As one expert observed, it was telling that MKS had to explicitly state that the breach “had a material impact,” underscoring how more business leaders are now recognizing that cyber threats carry very real financial and operational consequences.

How to Strengthen Defenses Against Subtle Threats

Even with strong firewalls and multi-factor authentication in place, many risks can slip through unnoticed. The following steps can help manufacturers reduce exposure to smaller, harder-to-detect attacks:

1. Vet vendors and technology carefully – Regularly assess third-party partners and the equipment they provide to ensure they meet security standards. Keep critical or legacy systems offline where possible, and segment networks to limit the spread of potential breaches.

2. Verify downloads and digital assets – Always scan files, software updates, and design downloads for malicious code, even when they come from trusted sources. After an incident, recheck digital designs and system configurations to confirm they haven’t been altered.

3. Prioritize staff training and incident readiness – Employees who understand how to identify phishing attempts, data manipulation, and social engineering are less likely to fall victim to them. A clear incident response plan helps maintain order and minimizes disruption when attacks occur.

Securing the Future of Manufacturing

Cybersecurity is no longer optional for manufacturers; it is a core part of operational resilience. Protecting digital systems, supply chains, and connected equipment requires a coordinated effort between leadership, IT teams, and frontline staff. By treating security as a shared responsibility, manufacturers can safeguard productivity, trust, and innovation for the long term.

Lou Farrell

Lou, the Senior Editor of Revolutionized, has had a life-long passion for writing. Over the past several years, he’s honed his skills covering topics in the fields of Technology and Manufacturing, hoping to inspire and educate others.