As cybercriminals escalate their assault on industrial targets, the manufacturing sector has emerged as the primary victim of coordinated cyberattacks, accounting for an unprecedented 69% of all incidents in early 2025 with 1,171 attacks spanning 26 manufacturing subsectors. This dramatic escalation represents a seismic shift from manufacturing’s 8% share of cyberattacks in 2023 to over 25% by late April 2025, establishing the industry as the most lucrative target for ransomware operations worldwide.
The surge in manufacturing-focused attacks reflects the sector’s unique combination of vulnerabilities and high-value targets. Nearly 5,500 successful ransomware attacks targeted organizations in 2024, with manufacturing companies accounting for 370 victims in Q4 alone, nearly matching the 375 victims in professional services in spite of manufacturing’s narrower industry scope. The number of active ransomware groups particularly targeting manufacturers increased 24% from 46 in 2023 to 57 by early 2025.
Supply chain vulnerabilities provide cybercriminals with strategic entry points into manufacturing networks. Attackers increasingly exploit third-party suppliers with inadequate cyber protections, seeking backdoors into large Original Equipment Manufacturers through interconnected supply chains. These compromised production lines can disrupt entire manufacturing networks, magnifying financial losses across multiple organizations simultaneously. Supply chain attacks have erupted with devastating force, increasing by 431% from 2021-2023.
The proliferation of connected devices creates an expanding attack surface that criminals actively exploit. Connected devices worldwide are expected to double from 2023 levels by 2029, with Industrial Internet of Things devices in manufacturing driving significant growth. Each connected device represents a potential entry point, whereas legacy Operational Technology systems connected to newer IIoT devices often cannot be updated, creating persistent vulnerabilities. Manufacturing operations require zero downtime, making traditional cybersecurity strategies like routine patching and incident response particularly challenging without impacting production.
Sophisticated attack methods further boost criminal capabilities against manufacturing targets. Spearphishing attacks on manufacturing are predicted to double in 2025, with artificial intelligence and machine learning-powered campaigns enabling more targeted and effective phishing operations.
Between August 2024 and January 2025, ransomware attacks surged 33% across all sectors, affecting 2,999 organizations. Manufacturing’s attractiveness to cybercriminals stems from the devastating impact of operational downtime. One compromised production line can halt entire supply chains, generating massive financial losses that make manufacturers willing to pay substantial ransoms to restore operations quickly.
