When we think of “cybersecurity,” most of us picture firewalls, complex passwords, and antivirus software. Yet in reality, one of the most common – and most overlooked – attack vectors lies in something far simpler: outdated software.
Every unpatched system leaves a door open. And in today’s world of fast-moving cybercrime, even a small vulnerability can be all it takes to halt an entire production line.
The rising threat of ransomware in manufacturing
Ransomware attacks are no longer rare headlines; they are daily realities. Automotive suppliers, battery manufacturers, electronics companies, and even consumer goods producers have all seen their operations disrupted by software vulnerabilities.
In Germany, a well-known automotive supplier was forced to shut down its entire system after a ransomware breach in 2024. Around the same time, a battery manufacturer had to suspend production across five facilities when attackers exploited outdated IT systems.
These incidents highlight a crucial truth: a single cyberattack can quickly spiral into operational downtime, supply chain delays, data loss, reputational damage – or even insolvency.
And in many cases, the root cause is the same: critical software that was not updated or patched in time.
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26%
of all cyberattacks worldwide are hitting manufacturing companies
-
$ 1.9 M
average amount manufacturers lose per day due to downtime caused by ransomware
The hard numbers behind manufacturing’s cyber crisis
- In 2024, manufacturing was the most targeted industry, representing 26% of global reported cyberattacks – up from around 10% in 2018. [1]
- Between 2018 and October 2024, there were 858 confirmed ransomware attacks against manufacturers globally. [2]
- Downtime from those incidents ranged from a few hours to 129 days, but on average manufacturing companies lost 11.6 days due to ransomware-related disruptions. [2]
- The average cost of such downtime is ~$1.9 million/day for manufacturing firms globally. [2]
- In the US alone, average downtime cost per attack for manufacturing companies is about $1.3 million/day. [2]
Why cybersecurity is not just an IT problem
It’s tempting to see cybersecurity as something that belongs to the IT department alone. But in today’s connected factories, software is the backbone of production. It manages quality, ensures traceability, and secures efficiency.
When production-critical software is compromised, entire facilities can grind to a halt. When quality-critical systems are breached, the damage may be less visible at first – but it can lead to hidden data losses, compliance risks, or costly rework down the line.
Cybersecurity is not only an IT challenge. It is a production challenge. And the first defense is regular, expert maintenance.
How TechCover protects you
TechCover was designed to keep your software resilient in the face of evolving cyber threats. By bundling regular updates, security patches, and compatibility upgrades into a service contract, it ensures your systems remain secure and aligned with your IT policies.
With TechCover in place:
- Known vulnerabilities are closed proactively, before attackers can exploit them.
- Compatibility with IT security standards is maintained, avoiding sudden disruptions when new measures are introduced.
- Resolution times are shortened, since our experts know your systems, your versions, and your history.
In short: TechCover transforms software maintenance from a “nice-to-have” into the first line of cybersecurity defense.
Is your software at risk? The checklist
Many manufacturers only realize the importance of maintenance when it’s too late. Ask yourself:
- Do you know when your production software was last updated?
- Are patches applied automatically, or only when IT resources are available?
- If a critical system failed today, how long would it take your team to react?
- Are your production and IT systems aligned when it comes to cybersecurity?
If any of these questions raise doubts, your facility could already be exposed. TechCover ensures the answers are always clear, consistent, and secure.
Taking action
Cyberattacks will continue to evolve. The question is not if – but when – they will reach your industry. The only real safeguard is ensuring your software evolves too.
With TechCover, your software is not only updated and secured, but also backed by experts who understand both your production environment and the cyber risks that threaten it.
Because in the end, cybersecurity doesn’t start with firewalls or antiviruses. It starts with maintenance.
Let’s Talk
Would you like to know how well your software is protected today? Reach out to your Atlas Copco representative and learn how TechCover can safeguard your production against unexpected threats.
