Manufacturing Industry
Threat Report.
Manufacturing remains the most targeted industry globally for the fourth consecutive year. 71% of firms saw increased threat activity. Discover why IT/OT convergence and AI-driven fraud are reshaping the threat landscape.
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The Manufacturing Reality
For the fourth consecutive year, manufacturing remains the most targeted industry globally. The threat landscape has fundamentally shifted.
Most Targeted
Of global cyberattacks target manufacturing—fourth year running.
Threat Activity
Of large firms experienced increased threat actor activity.
Active Groups
Distinct threat groups actively targeting the sector.
AI-Driven Fraud
Of detected fraud now involves AI, with deepfakes up 2,000%+.
What's Inside
A comprehensive analysis of the threats facing UK manufacturing in 2026.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Key statistics and trends shaping the manufacturing threat landscape.
THREAT ACTOR ANALYSIS
Profiles of the 29 distinct groups actively targeting the sector.
IT/OT CONVERGENCE
How the disappearing air-gap creates new attack vectors.
SUPPLY CHAIN VULNS
Third-party risk management and vendor security strategies.
AI DRIVEN FRAUD
Deepfakes, voice cloning, and the new face of social engineering.
REGULATORY COMPLIANCE
The Cyber Security and Resilience Bill's impact on manufacturing.
ACTIVE DEFENCE
Practical guidance for 24/7 security operations and continuous testing.
CASE STUDIES
Real-world incidents and lessons learned from 2025.
The Air-Gap
Is a Myth.
As manufacturing environments become increasingly connected, the convergence of IT and operational technology has created a perfect storm. Attackers recognise that whilst core IT perimeters have hardened, the vast ecosystem of industrial control systems, IoT devices, and multi-tier supply chains remains critically exposed.
The New Threat Model
- Double extortion ransomware prioritises data theft before encryption
- AI-driven deepfakes bypass vendor verification protocols
- 41.8% of breaches originate from third-party vendors
Active Defence Strategy
24/7 Security Operations
Detect and contain threats before they escalate to production line disruption.
Continuous Penetration Testing
Validate gaps in cloud, vendor, and identity integrations regularly.
Supply Chain Validation
Replace paper questionnaires with technical testing of critical suppliers.
Get the Full Report
Download the complete analysis to understand the threats facing manufacturing and how to protect your operations.