Cybersecurity is a major worry for organizations in today’s increasingly connected world. Manufacturing has been considered one of the top three most targeted industries for cyber-attacks, which is why manufacturers are concerned.

1. 6/16/22, 2:42 PM Three Key Ways OEMs Can Mitigate Their Cyber-Threat Risk
https://itsecuritywire.com/featured/three-key-ways-oems-can-mitigate-their-cyber-threat-risk/ 1/2
Three Key Ways OEMs Can Mitigate Their Cyber-
Threat Risk
Cybersecurity is a major worry for organizations in today’s increasingly connected world. Manufacturing has
been considered one of the top three most targeted industries for cyber-attacks, which is why manufacturers are
concerned.
Cybersecurity threats have increased in recent years, particularly with the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Cybercriminals are targeting all types of enterprises, including essential infrastructure and global supply chain
participants.
No organization should believe itself to be totally immune to cyber-attacks, whether it’s ransomware, phishing
attacks, Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS), or social engineering methods.
Most of the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and other handle sensitive data, run extensive IT and OT
activities, and, unfortunately, many lack the resources to address serious cybersecurity risks appropriately.
So, why should OEMs emphasize cybersecurity in particular? First and foremost, they assist manufacturing clients
who are themselves subject to cyber threats. Whether it’s customer data, client lists, or staff information, they
must keep their sensitive data away from prying eyes.
Here are a few strategies OEMs can use to protect themselves and mitigate the
dangers of an evolving cybersecurity threat scenario.
Begin with the labor force
Having IT security as a part of the workplace culture is a good place to start. Some may claim that in today’s
digital environment, everyone is aware of devious ‘phishing’ scams and how to deal with them. Each employee is
likely to have received at least one strange email in the previous week or month. However, because the
sophistication of these e-mails is improving, ongoing training of employees on the current strategies is required.
As a result, OEMs must ensure that everyone in their business is aware of the risks and is armed with the
necessary information to minimize them. OEMs should teach employees ‘do’s and don’ts,’ such as avoiding
By Umme Sutarwala - June 15, 2022

2. 6/16/22, 2:42 PM Three Key Ways OEMs Can Mitigate Their Cyber-Threat Risk
https://itsecuritywire.com/featured/three-key-ways-oems-can-mitigate-their-cyber-threat-risk/ 2/2
opening unusual email attachments, clicking on links, using proper password practices, and so on, as well as
enacting formal company-wide rules that hold employees responsible.
Also Read: Addressing the Rise of Cyber-Threats to Supply Chains
Consider cyber insurance
Investment in cybersecurity insurance solutions is another method OEMs may use. It’s also vital to remember that
cyber insurance isn’t a panacea in and of itself. When additional cybersecurity measures are in place, it works
best.
Insurers may also provide audits to assist OEMs in addressing cybersecurity threats and improving their risk
management capabilities. Additionally, manufacturers who are better prepared prior to an audit often obtain
cheaper rates and deductibles, making cyber insurance more affordable.
When it comes to cybersecurity, OEMs have their job cut out for them. Safeguarding all of their external
connections from being hacked should be a top priority.
Devise an Incident-Response (IR) strategy
The unpleasant fact is that there isn’t much a company can do to block a hacker from breaking into the system.
OEMs should build an IR plan to deal with data breaches in the case of an incident. Damage will be limited, and
recovery time and expenses will be reduced if an effective IR strategy is implemented.
It’s evident that cybersecurity isn’t simply an IT issue; it’s much more. It’s a problem of company management,
requiring meticulous planning and analysis, a constant focus, and internal communication and training. And
because the danger to cybersecurity is ever-changing, OEMs must keep their fingers on the pulse of the latest
threats and, when appropriate, disclose them internally.
Developing a successful plan requires a significant time and financial investment, but the rising incidence and
sophistication of cyber-attacks is a real danger that OEMs must be prepared for.
For more such updates follow us on Google News ITsecuritywire News
Umme Sutarwala
Umme Sutarwala is a Global News Correspondent with OnDot Media. She is a media graduate with 2+
years of experience in content creation and management. Previously, she has worked with MNCs in the
E-commerce and Finance domain