Today’s manufacturing is a wonder of efficiency and cost-effectiveness. However, the same technology that makes it possible for smaller manufacturers to thrive in our global economy also presents security challenges. The digital design process makes it easier than ever for employees to share information with one another and outside experts, but at the same time, with every endpoint connected to the Internet, there is always a risk of a cybercriminal stealing this intellectual property or other sensitive information.
As we develop more ways to collaborate and share information, criminals are also working on new ways to steal it. Information is the new currency among thieves, and the right individuals will pay top dollar for a competitive advantage, whether through outright theft or by disabling critical systems. One of the main attack points for cybercriminals today is the endpoint, which can be compromised in a variety of ways. Malicious emails are always waiting for employees to click on them, and these days it is easier than ever to use publicly available information to create sophisticated false messages to trick users into disclosing their credentials. Malware can also find its way onto user machines via USB devices and even through visiting well-known websites that have been infected. Hackers can also gain access to endpoints by exploiting weaknesses in network defenses.
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