The Rising Threat of Ransomware in Manufacturing Firms
The manufacturing industry is becoming increasingly digitised, with more advanced OT systems and IoT devices steadily creeping into daily operations. But this transition is creating new vulnerabilities that many companies are not yet able to sufficiently address. As the attack surface widens and security measures are neglected, threat actors begin to see manufacturing firms as an easy target.
Ransomware attacks are particularly common in manufacturing, compared to other cyber threats, because these companies often cannot afford extended periods of downtime. A single disruption can lead to a cascade of effects across the entire supply chain. This additional pressure makes manufacturers far more likely to pay the ransom, seeing it as the fastest way to return to normal operations. Over time, this behaviour increases the number of attacks by reinforcing the idea that this industry is a good target.
In April 2024, Netherlands-based manufacturer Nexperia experienced a ransomware attack credited to Dark Angels (AKA Dunghill). The attack compromised 1Tb of data, some of which was leaked to the public. Nexperia took swift action to contain the breach and remove the group’s access, but much of the damage had already been done. This incident highlights the threat presented by ransomware attacks in manufacturing, and the importance of preventing them.
Anatomy of a Ransomware Attack
- Phishing Scams: Employees may unknowingly click on malicious links or attachments, allowing malware to enter the network - or provide sensitive information such as login credentials.
- Compromised Credentials: Weak or reused passwords are a common vulnerability.
- Supply Chain Vulnerabilities: Third-party vendors or contractors with inadequate security measures can act as gateways for cyber-attacks.
1. Infiltration: Threat actors breach the network through phishing scams or other vulnerabilities.
2. Encryption: Malware spreads through systems, encrypting critical files and rendering them inaccessible.
3. Ransom Demand: The attackers issue a demand for payment, often in cryptocurrency, in exchange for the decryption key.
Ransomware Attack Prevention Strategies
- Multi-layered Security: Deploy firewalls, endpoint protection, and intrusion detection systems to safeguard networks.
- Employee Training: Conduct regular sessions to educate staff on good cyber hygiene practices. Include simulations of common cyber-attacks, to test their knowledge.
- Software Updates: Keep all systems patched and up-to-date, to address known vulnerabilities that attackers might exploit.
- Stay Informed: Understanding the latest threats is essential. Use threat intelligence to stay on top of new ransomware groups, methods, and recent breaches.
- Network Segmentation: Divide the network into isolated segments to limit the spread of ransomware.
- Least Privilege Access: Restrict user permissions, to ensure employees only have access to what is necessary for their roles. This will make it more difficult for threat actors to access sensitive systems.
- Backups: Backup data regularly. This is the strongest possible defence against ransomware, as it will allow operations to continue during an attack.
- Incident Response Plan: Develop and regularly test a plan to handle ransomware incidents effectively.
Recovery from Ransomware Attacks
- Isolate: Immediately isolate affected systems, to prevent lateral movement.
- Assess: Determine what exactly has been affected by the breach.
- Inform: Notify any relevant parties, including stakeholders, vendors, clients, staff, authorities, and the public if necessary.
- Remove: Take steps to remove the threat. This may include changing login credentials or deleting malware, to name some examples.
- Scan: Perform scans to ensure that no threat remains.
What Businesses Shouldn’t Do: Under no circumstances should a ransom be paid. It does not guarantee the safe return of data, and encourages further attacks. The Australian government also frowns upon it.
Once it has been determined that no threat remains, companies should take these
steps to recover:
- Restore Backups: Restore any compromised or lost data from backups.
- Decryption Tools: In some cases, cyber security firms or law enforcement may offer tools to decrypt files.
- Analyse and Improve: Work with cyber security specialists to analyse the attack, and strengthen defenses against future incidents.
The Role of Cyber Insurance and External Partnerships
It is important to briefly address the role that external companies play. Outsourcing cyber security can vastly reduce the chances of a ransomware attack occurring, and mitigate the damage if one does occur. External providers have years of experience with such threats, making this a good option for companies who are unsure if they are up to the challenge.
Cyber insurance has also become an important safety net for manufacturers. It provides financial support for damages and recovery, making a ransomware attack far easier to withstand.
Protect Your Manufacturing Firm From Ransomware
Ransomware is a significant threat to the manufacturing sector, due to high vulnerability and the severe consequences an attack can incur. But the danger can be mitigated with proper awareness and planning. Prevention and recovery strategies will help companies prevent ransomware attacks, and recover faster in the worst-case scenario.
Pronet specialises in defending manufacturing firms from their biggest threats, including ransomware attacks. We take security seriously, and are committed to keeping you safe. Don’t wait for an attack – speak to our security experts now, and prioritise security in your company.
