Ethical hacking can prepare small manufacturers for potential cyber threats

Many small and mid-sized manufacturers assume they’re not prime targets for cyberattacks, believing that hackers only go after the big fish. In reality, these businesses can often be caught in the crossfire. Smaller companies tend to think, “We’re flying under the radar—too small to be worth a hacker's effort.” But here’s the truth: If you store data, hackers want it. It could be customer information, design files, or production data—there’s always something of value.

That’s where ethical hacking, also known as penetration testing, comes into play. Imagine hiring someone to inspect the locks and windows of your digital house before a real intruder tries to break in. For manufacturers, it’s not just about safeguarding data; it’s about ensuring your business keeps running smoothly. If your systems go down, the resulting delays, financial losses, and damaged partnerships could cause chaos—a scenario no one wants to deal with.

Why Regularly Testing Defenses is Crucial for Manufacturers

Manufacturing companies, especially those that rely heavily on operational technology (OT), face distinct cybersecurity challenges. OT systems, many of which were developed decades ago, weren’t designed with today’s cyber threats in mind. These older systems, built with little focus on security, make easy pickings for cybercriminals.

Back in the day, keeping OT systems isolated from IT networks was enough to manage risk. Now, with everything connected—thanks to smart manufacturing and IoT—the game has changed. What used to be a manageable setup has become a potential gateway for hackers. They might find a vulnerability, disrupt production, or even trigger safety issues.

What’s the solution? Regular penetration testing. Hackers are increasingly targeting small businesses, and pentesting gives you the opportunity to identify and address weak spots before they snowball into bigger problems.

And here’s a thought: Would your systems detect a cyber threat already lurking in the shadows? That’s where pentesting really shows its value. It helps you discover hidden vulnerabilities before they become full-blown disasters.

How Penetration Testing Can Empower Your IT Team

If you work in IT, this might sound familiar: You raise the alarm about a security issue, but it doesn’t get the attention it deserves. It’s frustrating, right? IT teams are often stretched thin, and sometimes, their concerns don’t seem urgent to leadership until something bad happens.

This is where penetration testing can really make a difference. When an external expert confirms the same risks your IT team has been flagging, it becomes harder for management to brush it off. External validation adds weight to internal concerns, making it easier to push for stronger defenses, better policies, and the necessary resources.

Ethical hackers don’t just help test systems—they give your IT team a much-needed voice, supporting them in driving real change.

Why Security Tools Alone Aren’t Enough

Firewalls, antivirus programs, and other detection systems are essential for any business. But depending on them alone can lull you into a false sense of security. Hackers are constantly finding new ways to outsmart these tools, which means even the best defenses can sometimes fail.

Penetration testing bridges that gap. Instead of relying on automated scans, ethical hackers simulate real-world attacks, finding vulnerabilities that your regular tools might miss. It’s not just a checkup; it’s a deeper dive into your defenses, helping you avoid unpleasant surprises.

The Role of Logging and Alerting Systems

A frequently overlooked aspect of cybersecurity is the effectiveness of logging and alerting systems. These systems are supposed to catch unusual activity and sound the alarm, but if they aren’t set up properly, critical events might go unnoticed.

This is where penetration testing can step in. By simulating attacks, ethical hackers can trigger responses from your logging systems, giving you a chance to see if the alerts are being sent to the right people. If there’s already a lurking threat, would your systems detect it? If not, it’s time to reassess and improve your setup.

How Penetration Testing Works

Penetration testing isn’t a one-size-fits-all service. Each business has its own set of needs. Some companies need internal networks tested, while others are more concerned about external vulnerabilities. Internal tests can reveal weaknesses in your infrastructure, while external tests help you understand how well you’re protected from outside threats.

Before any testing begins, you and your ethical hacker will need to agree on the Rules of Engagement (RoE). This process defines exactly what will be tested and the goals of the test. You’ll discuss:

• Scope: Are we focusing on internal systems, external ones, or both?
• Objectives: Is this a general security check, or are you targeting specific areas?
• Level of Access: Will the tester have full access (white-box) or limited knowledge (black-box)?
• Testing Window: How long will the test last, and when is the best time to run it?

Most penetration testers don’t try to stay hidden during the test. Instead, they want to see how well your systems detect their presence. Think of it as a practice run to ensure your monitoring is functioning as it should.

In today’s world, small and mid-sized manufacturers can’t afford to be complacent about cybersecurity. Firewalls and antivirus software are necessary, but they’re only part of a bigger picture. Regular ethical hacking—through penetration testing—gives you a more complete view of your security, highlighting areas that need improvement.

Being proactive isn’t just a smart idea—it’s a necessity for protecting your business and ensuring smooth operations.