Cybersecurity Solutions for Manufacturing: How AI is Transforming IT Services in 2025 -2026

The advancement of technology and rise of artificial intelligence (AI) in 2025 have ignited a new transformative era for manufacturing. One that has industry leaders feeling both eyes-widening excitement and jaw-clenching concern – because with every new machine, sensor, and software update comes the promise of innovation but also the risk of a cyberattack. In this blog, we will explore the landscape of cybersecurity solutions for manufacturing from the role of IT services in cyber and operational strength to foundational approaches to building resilient manufacturing IT.

The Cybersecurity Landscape in Manufacturing

According to the International Business Machines Corporation (IBM), X-Force 2025 Threat Intelligence Index manufacturing is the #1-targeted industry, four years in a row. Manufacturing organizations continued to experience significant impacts from attacks, including extortion (29%) and data theft (24%), targeting financial assets and intellectual property – and this was mainly before AI. Previous to the new dawning era, cyber threats have consisted of direct operational approaches including outdated operational technology (OT), weak segmentation between IT/OT networks, supply chain breaches, and phishing/social engineering. With the emergence of AI-driven threats, the game has changed. These once simple and straight-forward attacks, have now become adaptive in real-time, created using deepfakes and autonomous reconnaissance has become a new norm.

Top Cybersecurity Risks for Manufacturing (2025–2026):

1. Ransomware & Data Extortion – Disrupts operations and demands payment, often paired with data theft.
2. IT/OT Convergence & Legacy Systems – Outdated and unsecured OT systems increase the attack surface.
3. Supply Chain Vulnerabilities – Weak vendor security creates backdoor access to your systems.
4. Social Engineering & AI-Driven Phishing – Deepfakes and AI-generated messages target employees.
5. Intellectual Property Theft – Valuable designs and trade secrets are prime targets for cybercriminals.
6. Emerging Tech Risks (AI, IIoT, Digital Twins) – New tools introduce new vulnerabilities, often before safeguards are in place.

The Role of IT Services in Cyber-Resilience

Since its early adoption in the 1970s, IT services in manufacturing have significantly evolved. Today, it is incorporated into almost every aspect from the factory floor including smart manufacturing driven by robotics, AI, and digital supply chains to the backend systems that manage customer data and operational infrastructure. With the implementation of AI, IT services in manufacturing now plays a larger role incorporating innovation, automation and advanced materials.

As cyberattacks have become more sophisticated, so has cybersecurity solutions – taking the role of IT services in manufacturing from cyber-defense to cyber-resilience. Let’s explore 4 main ways to ensure your manufacturing firm is cyber-resilient.

4 Main Ways to Become Cyber-Resilient

·  Proactive Monitoring & Managed Detection

• Continuous monitoring of both IT and OT environments.
• Real-time response reduces downtime and limits damage.
• Example: Managed SOC (Security Operations Center) integration.

· Network Segmentation & Zero Trust Implementation

• Manufacturing systems often rely on legacy networks that aren’t built for modern threats.
• IT services providers help design Zero Trust models – every device, user, and process is verified continuously.

· Patch Management & Asset Visibility

• Many attacks succeed because of unpatched systems.
• Managed IT automates patching across dispersed sites and ensures asset visibility across both IT and OT layers.

· Incident Response & Recovery

• Backup, restore, and continuity planning as a managed service.
• Aligns with “operational resilience” by minimizing production loss.

Partnering with a trusted managed IT services provider is no longer optional – it’s essential. Firms such as CompuOne specialize in building customized cybersecurity frameworks that strengthen your defenses, improve visibility, and ensure your organization can withstand and recover from even the most sophisticated attacks.

In summary, preparation remains the most powerful defense against cyber threats. In today’s manufacturing landscape, where attacks are not only more frequent but also more adaptive, businesses must move beyond traditional cyber defense and embrace full-scale cyber resilience. That means not just preventing incidents, but ensuring rapid detection, containment, and recovery when they occur.

Operational Resilience as a Business Metric

Now that we have looked closely at the concept of cyber-resilience, let’s take a look at the broader picture of business resilience – also known as operational resilience. Operational resilience is the capability of an organization to identify and manage potential threats, minimize their impact, and ensure the continuity of essential operations in the face of internal or external shocks. Managed IT services work with you and help quantify resilience through uptime, incident response time, and data recovery metrics. In regards to IT services budget, there are equations to assist in measuring these optics. For example, ROI of Resilience = (Estimated Downtime Cost x Likelihood of Occurrence) – Cost of Prevention Measures.

Foundational Approaches to Building Cyber-Resilient Manufacturing IT

Building cyber-resilience in manufacturing IT begins with establishing strong foundational approaches that go beyond traditional defense. Manufacturers must integrate proactive monitoring, network segmentation, zero-trust frameworks, and robust backup and recovery systems into everyday operations. These core strategies create a layered security posture – one that not only detects and mitigates threats early but also ensures business continuity when disruptions occur. By embedding resilience into the fabric of IT infrastructure, manufacturers can protect critical systems, maintain uptime, and adapt swiftly to evolving cyber risks.

5 Ways to Build a Cyber-Resilient Manufacturing IT

1. Assess Current State: Conduct a full IT/OT cybersecurity assessment
2. Prioritize Critical Systems: Identify high-value production assets
3. Integrate Security into Design: Shift from reactive patching to secure-by-design IT systems
4. Educate and Empower Teams: Regular training for factory floor and office staff
5. Partner with Local Managed IT Services: Choose a provider that understands manufacturing workflows and compliance.

Manufacturers in San Diego and Southern California are increasingly partnering with local managed IT providers who understand both the regulatory and production complexities unique to regional industries. CompuOne specializes in cybersecurity solutions for manufacturing. We invite you to schedule a complimentary cybersecurity assessment with us.

Conclusion

As manufacturing continues to evolve into an increasingly digital and AI-driven industry, cybersecurity can no longer be treated as a secondary consideration – it must be a central pillar of operational success. The shift from cyber defense to cyber resilience represents a necessary evolution, empowering manufacturers not only to prevent attacks but to sustain operations and recover swiftly when disruptions occur. By adopting foundational approaches such as Zero Trust architecture, proactive monitoring, and secure-by-design IT infrastructure, businesses can create an ecosystem that resists threats and adapts to them in real time.

In 2025 and 2026, the partnership between manufacturing firms and trusted managed IT service providers will define the difference between vulnerability and strength. Those who invest in resilience today will lead tomorrow’s industry with greater confidence, continuity, and competitive edge – turning cybersecurity from a mysterious cost to a golden asset.