What's Happening?
Manufacturers are increasingly prioritizing cyber security as a strategic concern due to the growing number of cyber attacks targeting industrial operations. According to Rockwell Automation's 10th annual State of Smart Manufacturing Report, cyber risk is now considered one of the most significant external threats to manufacturing growth, second only to economic pressures like inflation. The report highlights that 61% of cyber security professionals in the manufacturing sector plan to adopt artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) tools within the next 12 months, a rate that surpasses other industries by 12 percentage points. This shift underscores the critical role of AI in enhancing security measures and maintaining operational resilience.
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Why It's Important?
The integration of AI-driven cyber security strategies is crucial for manufacturers as they face increasingly sophisticated threats targeting industrial control systems. By adopting AI-enabled detection and response tools, manufacturers can ensure real-time monitoring and predictive capabilities, which are essential for maintaining uptime and resilience. Furthermore, cyber security has emerged as a leading use case for smart manufacturing data, with 38% of manufacturers intending to use insights from connected devices to bolster protection measures. This trend positions cyber security not only as a defensive measure but also as an enabler of innovation, allowing manufacturers to adopt advanced technologies and drive digital transformation.
What's Next?
Manufacturers are expected to continue investing in AI-powered cyber security solutions to safeguard their operations and enable growth. As the convergence of IT and operational technology (OT) deepens, securing these architectures will remain a top strategic priority for nearly half of cyber security professionals over the next five years. However, the industry faces challenges in recruiting and training workers with the necessary cyber security expertise, highlighting the need for workforce development alongside technological advancements. Large enterprises, in particular, are emphasizing the importance of cyber security standards in hiring priorities, reinforcing the necessity of pairing technical investment with workforce capability.
Beyond the Headlines
The focus on cyber security in manufacturing reflects broader trends in Industry 4.0, where protecting operations and enabling growth are inseparable goals. As manufacturers integrate AI-driven cyber strategies, they are better positioned to defend against attacks and accelerate digital transformation initiatives. This approach not only enhances competitiveness but also empowers transformation with confidence, as noted by Stephen Ford, Rockwell's Chief Information Security Officer. The findings underscore the importance of secure digital foundations as prerequisites for adopting advanced technologies, from AI-driven analytics to autonomous production systems.
