According to an Industry group, half of British manufacturers and even more in the automotive sector were victims of successful cyber-attacks last year, but cost remains a major barrier to change.
According to Make UK, which reflects the industry, the overall figure of 47 percent grew to 62 percent for carmakers.
Despite the fact that security has become a higher priority for 50 percent of its members since the pandemic, and 61 percent now have a board director responsible for cyber, 59 percent cited cost as the most significant impediment to implementing stronger cyber protections.
The shift to mass remote working during the pandemic, like that of many other industries, exposed many manufacturers to a rise in online threats. The move to remote production and remote monitoring of equipment, with employees operating from home “on hastily supplied laptops,” according to Make UK, has created new opportunities for attackers to strike.
According to Trend Micro, manufacturing was the third most frequently targeted sector for ransomware last year.
In the United Kingdom, 63 percent lost up to £5000, and almost a quarter i.e. 22 percent lost between £5000 and £25,000.
On the plus side, the sector seems to be gradually improving. According to over two-fifths (43 percent) of respondents in the Make UK survey revealed that they have been asked by a customer to explain or guarantee the robustness of their cyber processes Furthermore, one-fifth appeared to have requested similar proof from customers or suppliers.
However, the study found that 44 percent of companies still do not provide cybersecurity awareness training to their employees, and 47 percent do not have a formalised incident response plan in place.