Manufacturing Cybersecurity Risks Are Rising: What the 2026 Verizon DBIR Means for Your Business

Cybersecurity Is Now a Business Risk for Manufacturers

Cybersecurity is no longer just an IT issue. For manufacturers, it can affect production, shipping, customer service, and revenue.  When a cyberattack hits, machines may stop running. Employees may lose access to files. Orders may get delayed. Customers may not receive what they need on time. As a result, even one attack can create major problems across the business.

The latest Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report Manufacturing Snapshot shows that cybercriminals continue to target manufacturers. For manufacturing specifically, the report found 3,627 incidents and 2,713 confirmed data breaches. The biggest takeaway is simple: manufacturing breaches continue to grow, and ransomware is a major reason why.

So, what does that mean for your business?

It means manufacturers need to take cybersecurity seriously before an attack happens.

Key Findings Manufacturers Should Pay Attention To

1. Ransomware Is One of the Biggest Threats

First, the report shows that ransomware remains a major problem for manufacturers.  For example, malware was involved in 75% of manufacturing breaches, and ransomware accounted for 61%.  Ransomware is a type of cyberattack where criminals lock your files or systems and demand money to unlock them. In some cases, they also steal data and threaten to share it.  

Verizon referenced the late 2025 ransomware attack on Asahi Group Holdings as an example. The incident forced a shutdown of domestic manufacturing facilities, suspended shipments, and potentially exposed corporate data. For a manufacturer, this can be very costly. If your systems go down, your team may not be able to process orders, print labels, access documents, ship products, or keep production moving.

In other words, ransomware does not just affect computers. It can affect the entire operation.

2. Attackers are exploiting vulnerabilities and stolen credentials

Next, the report found that exploitation of vulnerabilities accounted for 38% of initial access in manufacturing breaches, followed by phishing at 13% and credential abuse at 11%.

In plain language, attackers are getting in through:

• Unpatched systems
• Weak or stolen passwords
• Phishing emails
• Poorly secured remote access
• Exposed applications
• Vendor or third-party access points

Verizon also found that hacking actions were involved in 71% of manufacturing breaches, with both stolen credentials and exploited vulnerabilities contributing heavily. A weak spot may be an outdated system, an old device, or software that has not been updated. If a company does not fix those gaps, attackers may use them to get inside the network.

Also, stolen passwords create another risk. If an employee uses a weak password, reuses the same password, or clicks on a fake login link, criminals may gain access to company systems. Because of this, manufacturers should use strong passwords, multifactor authentication, regular updates, and employee training.

3. Phishing Still Works

Phishing emails remain a common way attackers trick employees. These emails may look like they come from a vendor, customer, manager, delivery company, or software provider. They may ask the employee to click a link, open a file, pay an invoice, or reset a password.

Unfortunately, one click can create a serious problem. That is why employee training matters. When employees know what to look for, they can stop many attacks before they start.

4. Most attacks are financially motivated

Cybercriminals often look for business data they can steal, sell, or use for payment demands. Manufacturing companies are attractive targets because downtime is expensive. The report shows that 95% of threat actors in manufacturing breaches were external, and 87% were financially motivated.  Verizon also found that internal data was compromised in 81% of manufacturing breaches, while credentials appeared in 26% and personal data appeared in 17%.

For manufacturers, this may include:

• Customer records
• Employee files
• Production documents
• Work orders
• Invoices
• Shipping records
• Vendor information
• Quality control documents
• Standard operating procedures

If attackers steal or lock this information, your team may struggle to keep the business running. In addition, the company may face legal, financial, or customer trust issues.  Because of this, manufacturers need to protect both their systems and their documents.

5. Third-party risk is a major concern

Manufacturers often work with many outside partners. These may include software vendors, equipment providers, logistics companies, IT providers, contractors, and suppliers.  These partners help keep the business running. However, they can also create risk if their access is not secure.

The Verizon report found that third-party involvement appeared in 61% of manufacturing breaches, while the human element appeared in 56%.  For example, if a vendor account gets hacked, the attacker may use that access to reach your systems. Therefore, manufacturers should review who has access, what they can see, and whether they still need that access.

The goal is simple: give people access only to what they need.

Practical Steps Manufacturers Can Take

Manufacturing companies can reduce cybersecurity risk by focusing on the basics first:

1. Patch systems and fix known vulnerabilities. Since exploited vulnerabilities are a leading entry point, outdated systems should be reviewed and updated regularly.
2. Use multifactor authentication. MFA helps protect accounts even if a password is stolen.
3. Train employees to spot phishing. Phishing remains a common way attackers gain access, so employees need practical training and realistic examples.
4. Protect endpoints. Laptops, desktops, servers, and mobile devices should have security tools that detect and stop threats.
5. Back up critical data. Backups should be secure, tested, and ready to restore if ransomware or system failure occurs.
6. Review third-party access. Vendors should only have the access they need, and those permissions should be reviewed regularly.
7. Secure business documents. Work orders, invoices, HR files, SOPs, and quality documents should be stored with proper access controls.

How DDL Business Systems Can Help

DDL Business Systems helps manufacturers protect the technology they rely on every day.  We understand that manufacturers need reliable systems, secure documents, working printers, strong networks, and responsive support. When any part of that breaks down, productivity suffers.

That is why DDL offers solutions that help manufacturers reduce risk and keep operations moving across Northern Virginia, the Shenandoah Valley, Maryland, and West Virginia.

DDL can help with:

• Managed IT support
• Cybersecurity protection
• Endpoint security
• Email security
• Phishing protection
• Security awareness training
• Data backup support
• Network security
• Document management
• Managed print services
• Secure printers and MFPs
• VoIP and connectivity solutions

In addition, DDL can help your team review your current technology environment and look for gaps. From there, we can recommend practical steps to improve security, reduce downtime, and protect your business.

Protect Your Manufacturing Business Before an Attack Happens

Cyberattacks can cause serious problems for manufacturers. They can stop production, delay shipments, lock files, expose data, and disrupt your team.  However, you do not have to wait for something to go wrong.  

With the right support, your business can lower its risk, protect important data, and keep daily operations running more smoothly.  DDL Business Systems is here to help manufacturers strengthen their technology, improve security, and protect their business from growing cybersecurity risks.

Schedule a free cybersecurity and technology assessment with DDL Business Systems today.