Like all economic sectors, manufacturing has evolved rapidly as new technologies make it more agile and productive. While today’s factories still rely on blue-collar workers, they’re also powered by information technology (IT), the internet of things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and operational tech. In many cases, you will find these and other technologies working side-by-side with human employees, helping companies reach their manufacturing targets while controlling costs.
These technologies are essential to ongoing success, but they might also create access points for cybercriminals who want to disrupt economies (whether for political purposes or just because they think it’s amusing).
As we continue adding new tech to modern manufacturing, we must heed the words of David Carter, RSM Industrials Senior Analyst, “For industrial companies, cybersecurity is the new safety.”
Safety now includes protecting data stored in the cloud, trained AI models, and IoT connections. Even small mistakes could give hackers access to your systems. Finding the right cybersecurity staffing solutions can help resolve these threats.
Middle Market: A Snapshot of the Cyber Risk Landscape
Middle market manufacturers (those that are bigger than small businesses but smaller than large corporations) are common targets for hackers. In the first quarter of 2025, 18% of mid-market firms reported data breaches. While that’s down from last year’s record high of 28%, it still shows that companies need to take the threat seriously.
Thankfully, most businesses seem to understand the threat they face. That’s likely why 91% of them plan to increase cybersecurity spending over the next year.
Even with increased spending, choosing the right professionals to fill manufacturing cybersecurity jobs is essential. The tools you put in place can only work as well as the people managing them.
What This Means for Manufacturing Employers
As digital technology becomes increasingly essential to manufacturing processes and infrastructure, employers need to ensure that they have qualified professionals working for them. In the manufacturing industry, a data breach means more than bad PR. It causes downtime that prevents companies from reaching their production goals.
Sophisticated AI is a double-edged sword for the industry. While it can help companies discover more efficient processes and avoid equipment malfunctions, it also makes cybercrime easier. Today’s criminals don’t need to craft emails that trick employees into handing over sensitive information or downloading malware. The criminals can just ask generative AI tools to write emails for them. Since these cybercriminals can scale their attacks, you need staff members trained to recognize, avoid, and report threats.
You might have already taken steps to protect your data, but it’s never a good idea to get complacent. Hackers will keep looking for new ways to target victims, so manufacturers need effective cybersecurity recruitment strategies that choose lifelong learners eager to stay ahead of attackers. The second you think you have cybersecurity under control is the exact moment you become an easy target.
Strategic Talent Moves for Hiring Leaders
Hiring cybersecurity talent in manufacturing is an obvious requirement for businesses of all sizes. But there are a lot of factors to consider before you bring someone onto your team.
When hiring IT and cybersecurity leaders, you should:
- Look for candidates who understand manufacturing technology as well as information technology
- Consider whether candidates have experience working with managed services to bridge skill gaps your in-house staff can’t cover
- Focus on candidates who understand that cybersecurity protocols are just as essential to workplace safety as helmets, gloves, and OSHA requirements
How MRINetwork Can Help Improve Your Cybersecurity
Manufacturing relies on digital technology now more than ever. These tools make companies more efficient, but they also open doors to cyberthreats. Every owner and manager needs to take these threats as seriously as they take safety guidelines on the production floor.
Of course, needing cybersecurity experts doesn’t necessarily mean that your HR team has the experience or ability to find those professionals. That’s why it makes sense for companies to partner with MRINetwork.
MRINetwork works with nationwide manufacturing staffing experts who can find, recruit, and onboard the talent your business needs. Whether you employ 10 or 1,000 workers, MRINetwork can find cybersecurity professionals who fit your needs.
Connect with an MRINetwork office in your area to get the assistance your manufacturing business needs.
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