It’s been a while since we’ve assessed the state of cybersecurity in the manufacturing space—and now seems a more fitting time than ever to revisit the topic. Between the rapid uptake of AI-driven technologies, increasingly sophisticated cyber threats, and heightened geopolitical tensions, cybersecurity has climbed to the top among priorities for manufacturing firms in 2026. According to an analysis by Cybersecurity Dive, “cybersecurity firms have repeatedly found that manufacturing is the most targeted of the 16 critical infrastructure sectors recognized by the U.S. government.” Cybercriminals in 2026 are going beyond just stealing data—they are seeking to cause major operational disruptions as a means of maximizing extortion leverage.

So, what makes manufacturing companies attractive targets for cybercriminals? Not only do manufacturing companies house sensitive intellectual property, but they also rely on complex supply chains and are highly sensitive to operational disruptions. To add to that, current heightened global tensions have made U.S. manufacturing firms prime targets for threat actors seeking to weaken critical U.S. infrastructure. And large firms aren’t the only ones being targeted. In fact, small and medium-sized businesses are increasingly becoming the preferred targets for cybercriminals due to their lower security levels compared to larger firms. Cyberattacks can have debilitating impacts on manufacturing companies, ranging from delayed or halted production to supply chain disruptions and significant financial losses. These attacks also often result in the theft of critical company data, loss of intellectual property, and exposure of sensitive personal information. Incidents like these may not only lead to higher insurance costs but may also damage a company’s public image as well as its relationships with its customers.

With that said, let’s talk about the top threats to manufacturing cybersecurity in 2026 and what companies can do to mitigate these risks.

Top Threats to Manufacturing Cybersecurity in 2026

• Rapid AI adoption: The widespread adoption of AI poses serious risk to companies that lack sufficient safeguards or governance frameworks. Research from IBM and Ponemon Institute shows that “AI is greatly outpacing security and governance in favor of do-it-now adoption” and that “ungoverned AI systems are more likely to be breached and more costly when they are.”
• Interconnected IT and OT systems: The integration of information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) systems, made possible by advances such as cloud-based networks and the Internet of Things (IoT), significantly expands a company’s attack surface. While IT/OT integration creates operational efficiency, it also exposes a company’s networks to greater risk, allowing threat actors to move laterally across connected systems.
• Legacy OT systems: Operational systems that rely on outdated technology are vulnerable and not easily patched, making them prime targets for cybercriminals.
• Skills shortage: A lack of specialized cyber-professionals in manufacturing firms leads to inadequate monitoring of networks and weakened security. Additionally, as Manufacturing Business Technology points out, cybersecurity leaders are often positioned too low within midmarket manufacturing businesses, which can prevent security issues from receiving board-level attention.
• Third-party risks: Large networks of third-party vendors, suppliers, and contractors open up more points of entry for threat actors, especially if those third parties’ security systems are not properly vetted.

So, what can manufacturers do to address some of these threats?

Mitigating Cybersecurity Risks in 2026: What Can You Do?

• Segmentation: Segment IT and OT systems to prevent lateral movement of cyberattacks and more easily contain threats.
• Prioritize cybersecurity roles: Establish a dedicated cybersecurity lead with direct access to company leadership.
• Leverage AI: Use AI-powered security systems to detect threats and automate responses to attacks.
• Third-party oversight: Minimize third-party cybersecurity risks by conducting risk assessments and limiting/monitoring vendors’ access to company networks.
• Incident response plans: Develop an incident response plan detailing how your organization will detect, address, and recover from cyber incidents.

Partner with RBT for Accounting Services You Can Trust

While you tackle the latest challenges on the cybersecurity front, let RBT CPAs’ specialized manufacturing team take care of your accounting needs. At RBT, we understand the unique challenges faced by manufacturers, and we’re here to support your business’s accounting processes every step of the way. Give us a call today and find out how we can be Remarkably Better Together.