Michigan’s manufacturing sector is an essential part of the state’s economy, employing over 600,000 people. As technology plays an increasingly important role in the manufacturing sector, manufacturers must take proactive steps to protect their data and systems from unauthorized access. While small to medium-sized manufacturers in Michigan recognize the growing threat of cyberattacks, many are not taking appropriate actions toward protecting their systems and data. Implementing cybersecurity best practices is crucial to minimize the risk of a successful cyberattack.

Here are some cybersecurity best practices that manufacturers should consider:

Get Your SensCy Score™

Obtain your SensCy Score^™ with the industry-leading cybersecurity assessment tool provided by a Michigan-based company, SensCy. This tool is designed to assess your overall cyberhealth, much like a credit rating for your financial health. By evaluating factors such as preparedness, detection, response, and recovery, the score gives a good indication of an organization’s cyber hygiene and readiness against cyber threats. SensCy Score^™ results range from 0 to 1000, with a target score of 800 or higher.

Establish an Incident Response Plan

An incident response plan outlines the steps a manufacturer should take in the event of a cyber attack. This plan should include roles and responsibilities, communication protocols and steps for recovery and remediation.

Practice Good Password Hygiene

Strong passwords and multi-factor authentication can help prevent unauthorized access to systems and data. Employees should be required to use complex passwords, change them regularly, and avoid reusing passwords across multiple accounts.

Train Employees on Cybersecurity Awareness

Employees are often the weakest link in cybersecurity, and human error can lead to successful cyberattacks. Training employees on cybersecurity best practices, such as identifying phishing e-mails, avoiding public Wi-Fi, and reporting suspicious activity, can help reduce the risk of a successful attack.

Timely Installation of Critical Security Patches

Patches are software updates that address known vulnerabilities in operating systems, applications, and firmware. Cybercriminals often exploit these vulnerabilities to gain access to systems and data, so manufacturers need to apply patches as soon as they become available.

Regularly Back Up Data

Regular backups can help manufacturers quickly recover from a cyberattack and minimize data loss. Backups should be stored in a secure location and tested regularly to ensure they can be restored if needed.

Implement Network Segmentation

Network segmentation involves dividing a network into smaller, more secure subnetworks. This can help prevent the spread of malware and limit the impact of a successful cyberattack.

Conduct Vulnerability Scans Regularly

Vulnerability scans involve using automated tools to search for vulnerabilities in operating systems, applications, and other components of a network. Regular vulnerability scanning can help manufacturers proactively identify and address security weaknesses before they can be exploited by cybercriminals.

By implementing these cybersecurity best practices, manufacturers in Michigan can reduce their risk of a successful cyber attack and protect their operations, reputation, and customers. Manufacturers should consider partnering with cyber-security experts like SensCy to develop and implement effective cybersecurity strategies. These experts can provide valuable guidance on the latest threats and best practices for protecting against them. They can also help manufacturers assess their cybersecurity risks andimplement effective security measures.

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The greatest external threat to small and medium-sized organizations today is cybersecurity attacks and manufacturers are becoming more frequent targets each and every day. To help protect our members and their people, MMA has partnered with SensCy, your trusted guide to Sensible Cyber.

About the Author

Raj Patel is SensCy’s Chief Growth Officer with 25 years of cybersecurity experience. He may be reached at 248-935-0329 or rajpatel@senscy.com.

Sensy is an MMA Premium Associate Member and has been an MMA member company since September 2022. Visit online. Visit online: senscy.com.