Bridging the IT/OT gap: cybersecurity training for manufacturing

When your production line grinds to a halt due to a cyber incident, the impact is far-reaching. Despite this, many manufacturers still treat their IT and operational technology (OT) as separate entities with separate security needs. Effective cybersecurity training for manufacturing addresses this divide and the sector-specific vulnerabilities.

Why manufacturing is a prime target for cybercriminals

Manufacturing is the most targeted sector, accounting for 25.7% of all cyber-attacks. 

Why? Because: 

1. Downtime has a significant impact on manufacturing 
2. Manufacturers have high-value intellectual property such as product designs/blueprints, proprietary manufacturing processes, chemical formulas, etc. 

With such valuable assets at stake, manufacturers need robust protection at every level – yet one vulnerability consistently undermines even the best technical defences. As with other industries, the human element is the weakest link in their cybersecurity. In fact, four out of ten cyber threats involve employees.

The importance of cybersecurity training for manufacturing

Manufacturing facilities face a unique cybersecurity challenge – they operate two different technology networks simultaneously. Business systems (IT) handle company information, while specialised machinery (OT) controls factory equipment. Good cybersecurity training helps unite IT and OT teams, which often have different security priorities. It also addresses the talent shortage in manufacturing cybersecurity, which exceeds 67% globally.

Want to know more about the threats facing manufacturers like you? Check out our guide to cybersecurity for manufacturers.

Training priorities for manufacturing environments

Your cybersecurity training programme should target five key areas that address manufacturing vulnerabilities:

1. Recognising OT-specific threats

Train employees to spot attacks designed to target industrial control systems. These threats look different from traditional ones and include manipulated sensor readings, unexpected system changes, and commands that could damage equipment.

2. Supply chain security awareness

With 15% of cyber incidents originating from vendors or partners, supply chain security breaches are a significant risk. 

Teach employees how to: 

• Conduct vendor risk assessments
• Identify what security requirements should feature in contracts
• Monitor third-party access to systems

3. Securing the IT/OT boundary

Show teams how to maintain separation between business networks and production systems while still allowing necessary data flow. This might include learning about data diodes, industrial firewalls, and network segmentation.

4. Ransomware protection

With 71% of manufacturing cyber-attacks involving ransomware, employees need to understand how ransomware attacks can paralyse production.

Your training should cover: 

• The importance of keeping industrial control systems patched
• Protocols for isolating infected systems 
• Backup strategies for OT environments

5. Phishing readiness

Manufacturing staff are prime targets for phishing attacks disguised as supplier communications, order queries, or delivery notifications. Train your team to spot these deceptive emails by examining sender addresses, checking for pressure tactics ("urgent action required"), and verifying requests through separate channels before clicking links or opening attachments.

6. Regulatory compliance

Manufacturing faces complex compliance requirements that vary by industry, product, and location. Training staff on compliance reduces violation risks.

Focus on:

• Regulations specific to your industry
• Security controls required by different frameworks
• Documentation processes
• Audit preparation

7. Incident response plans

Develop manufacturing-specific incident response procedures that prioritise operational safety and continuity. This ensures teams know how to respond without making hasty decisions that could cause further damage.

Comparing top cybersecurity training providers for manufacturing

When selecting a cybersecurity training provider for your manufacturing operations, it's important to choose one that understands the unique challenges of industrial environments and the IT/OT convergence. Here's how several leading providers compare:

CyberSmart Learn

Strengths:

• Manufacturing-specific training modules
• Strong focus on regulatory compliance
• Supports Cyber Essentials certification
• User-friendly platform accessible to non-technical staff

Limitations:

• Limited simulation capabilities for industrial threats

Ideal for: small to mid-sized enterprises that want to establish a strong security awareness program with clear compliance benefits.

Dragos

Strengths:

• Specialized in industrial control systems (ICS) security
• Offers hands-on OT security training
• Includes ICS-specific threat intelligence

Limitations:

• Higher price point
• May be too technical for general employee training

Ideal for: larger manufacturers with sophisticated OT environments that require specialised technical training for engineering and security teams.

KnowBe4

Strengths:

• Large library of security awareness content
• Customizable training paths for different roles
• Robust analytics and reporting

Limitations:

• Less manufacturing-specific content
• Limited coverage of OT security topics

Ideal for: Organisations looking for security awareness training with strong phishing defence capabilities.

Accreditations to support your cybersecurity training

As your employee training progresses, you'll be in a good position to improve your security posture even further with an accreditation like Cyber Essentials. This certification offers a clear framework that can reduce cyber risks by up to 98.5%. It covers five key control areas:

• Firewalls and internet gateways
• Secure configuration
• Access control
• Malware protection
• Patch management

Working towards an accreditation and having regular training keeps cybersecurity top of mind.

Keep your cyber defences running like a well-oiled machine

Don't wait for a costly incident to prioritise cybersecurity training for manufacturing. With proper education that addresses both IT and OT environments, your team becomes your strongest defence against threats targeting your production line.

Considering introducing cybersecurity awareness training into your business? Check out CyberSmart Learn, our cybersecurity focused learning management system.