By Art Flater, Vice President at Central Office Systems
As Vice President at Central Office Systems, a managed service provider dedicated to bolstering computer security and support for small and medium-sized manufacturers in Wisconsin, I’ve seen firsthand the evolving challenges and opportunities our industry faces. The insights from the Wisconsin Center for Manufacturing and Productivity (WCMP) provide a comprehensive view of these dynamics.
Cybersecurity: The Achilles’ Heel
In today’s digital age, cybersecurity has become the Achilles’ heel for many manufacturers. The WCMP recently released its Growth Opportunities in Manufacturing report, highlighting that online threats are becoming more sophisticated, thanks to advancements in AI. “Cybersecurity threats will continue to increase as more machines are controlled remotely through computers rather than manually,” the report states. Hackers are leveraging AI and other new technologies to launch increasingly sophisticated attacks against companies.
The report underscores the urgency for manufacturers to constantly adapt their defensive strategies and create robust incident response plans. At Central Office Systems, we emphasize the importance of proactive cybersecurity measures. According to the WCMP, “About one in six Wisconsin manufacturers know they have been breached and their experience taught them to be much more wary about future attacks.”
The Growing Threat Landscape
The differences between small and large manufacturers also come into play in cybersecurity. Larger companies often present more prominent targets for hackers, but smaller companies with fewer cybersecurity resources may be even more attractive targets. The WCMP report notes that last year, 39% of manufacturing companies with 50 or more employees were hacked, marking a 129% increase from 2021. Meanwhile, 17% of those with fewer than 50 employees were hacked last year — a 13% increase from 2021.
Adapting to Change
Successful companies will be those that adapt to these new realities. As Buckley Brinkman, executive director and CEO of the WCMP, underlines, “The emphasis on domestic manufacturing plays to our strengths as a state and major investments in AI and green manufacturing provide additional momentum during 2024. The manufacturers who lean into growth and take advantage of these opportunities will thrive into the future.”
At Central Office Systems, we are committed to supporting Wisconsin’s manufacturers through these turbulent times. By providing top-notch computer security and support, we help our clients navigate the complexities of modern manufacturing, ensuring they remain competitive and secure.
