A recent report from the Wisconsin Center for Manufacturing & Productivity (WCMP) identifies cybersecurity as a critical vulnerability for manufacturers, exacerbated by the rise of AI-driven threats. According to the Growth Opportunities in Manufacturing report, large manufacturers are facing increased cyberattacks, with incidents up 129% since 2021. Smaller companies, while less frequently attacked, are considered attractive targets due to limited cybersecurity resources.
The report highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing cost-cutting with long-term growth. It urges manufacturers to invest in automation and cybersecurity, particularly as more operations shift to remote control. WCMP CEO Buckley Brinkman emphasizes the importance of growth through AI and green manufacturing innovations, urging companies to adapt their defensive strategies to stay resilient against evolving cyber risks.
The full report can be viewed here.
