Ransomware Attacks Increasingly Targeting Manufacturers
Think your business is safe from hackers? You could be wrong, according to the Manufacturing Leadership Council, the division of the NAM focused on digital transformation in manufacturing.
With the incidence of ransomware attacks against manufacturers on the rise, all businesses should be on guard against cyber extortion, advises Peter Vescuso, vice president of marketing at industrial cybersecurity provider Dragos and a member of the MLC.
How it works: Ransomware schemes often target manufacturers by disabling their operations technology and blackmailing victims into paying to restore system functionality.
What we’re seeing: Industrial ransomware attacks increased significantly in 2021, with criminal groups specifically identifying manufacturers as vulnerable and profitable targets.
Why it matters: Many manufacturers remain unprepared for ransomware attacks.
- About 90% of manufacturers have limited visibility into their OT systems, according to Dragos.
Who’s behind it: In 2021, ransomware groups Conti and Lockbit 2.0 caused 51% of all ransomware attacks, and 70% of their attacks targeted manufacturers.
Protect yourself: To protect against ransomware attacks, manufacturers must take the necessary steps to modernize and secure their IT and OT systems. Check out NAM Cyber Cover for information and risk management solutions.
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