Zero Trust for Manufacturing: Turning Risk Into Resilience

The factory floor is the backbone of modern manufacturing, powered by intricate systems, automation, and cutting-edge technology. For years, cybersecurity strategies in this space relied on network segmentation and air-gapped systems to keep operational technology (OT) separated from IT networks, creating barriers designed to protect sensitive systems.

But the rise of Industry 4.0 has changed everything. Interconnected devices, AI, and cloud technologies have redefined how factories operate, blurring the boundaries between OT and IT. Once-isolated systems now face vulnerabilities from necessary connections, remote access points, and even something as mundane as a USB drive.

This evolution has expanded the attack surface for cybercriminals, exposing manufacturing systems to entirely new risks. Today’s threats, such as ransomware, go far beyond financial losses—downtime alone costs manufacturers an average of $1.3 million per day¹. The consequences reach into operational disruptions and, more concerningly, physical safety.

The stakes have never been higher, and it’s clear that traditional security models can no longer keep pace. This is where zero trust changes the narrative, offering manufacturers a modern framework to confront these challenges head-on.

In this eBook, we delve into zero trust as the strategic solution for building cyber resilience and protecting manufacturing systems against the growing sophistication of cyber threats. 

Outdated defenses: why legacy solutions can’t protect modern manufacturing

The modern factory floor has undergone an extraordinary transformation by incorporating technologies that drive innovation and efficiency but also dramatically expand the attack surface. Attempting to protect these advanced environments with outdated, legacy security measures creates dangerous vulnerabilities that adversaries are quick to exploit.

Let’s take robotics as an example. Legacy security protocols weren’t built for today’s risks—such as an attacker gaining access to a robotic management system and reprogramming its functions. Once an improbable scenario, it’s now a glaring vulnerability in hyper-connected environments. 

Future-proofing manufacturing with zero trust security

Perimeter-based security is a relic of the past, ill-equipped to handle the threats manufacturers face today. The traditional concept of a "trusted inside" and an "untrusted outside" is obsolete in a world where interconnected systems blur these boundaries.

Zero trust redefines the rules by assuming threats can come from anywhere—inside, outside, or in between. In this model, trust is never a given, and every user, device, and connection must continuously prove itself. Zero trust empowers manufacturers to take control of their security, staying ahead of sophisticated attacks and safeguarding operations in an era of constant risk.

Upgrade your security strategy: a framework for industrial resilience

As manufacturers drive digital transformation and adopt interconnected technologies like IoT and AI, the need for a modern, risk-focused security approach has never been greater. Zero trust offers the flexible framework required to safeguard these innovations without sacrificing protection.

Our latest eBook is your guide to modernizing your security strategy and building true cyber resilience. Inside, you'll discover:

• Practical strategies to reduce the attack surface across industrial control systems (ICS).
• How zero trust addresses IT and OT convergence, securing critical connections without increasing risk.
• Clear steps to strengthen security while preserving operational efficiency and continuity.

The Path Forward: Strengthening Cyber Resilience in Manufacturing

Outdated security models can’t keep pace with today’s manufacturing challenges. As cyberattacks grow more sophisticated and industrial environments become increasingly interconnected, the need for a proactive, resilient security strategy has never been more urgent.

Discover how a zero trust framework can help you secure your connected operations while driving innovation forward. Download the eBook for practical insights on protecting critical manufacturing systems and preparing your organization for the future of industrial security.

¹Bischoff, Paul. “On average, US manufacturing organizations lose $1.3m per day to downtime from ransomware attacks.” Comparitech, 29 May 2024, https://www.comparitech.com/blog/vpn-privacy/ransomware-attacks-manufacturing-utilities/