{"id":19019,"date":"2025-05-07T09:07:00","date_gmt":"2025-05-07T09:07:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.otava.com\/?p=18449"},"modified":"2025-10-09T10:45:05","modified_gmt":"2025-10-09T10:45:05","slug":"manufacturing-how-to-manage-cloud-data-protection","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.otava.com\/blog\/manufacturing-how-to-manage-cloud-data-protection\/","title":{"rendered":"Manufacturing: How to Manage Cloud Data Protection"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you work in manufacturing, chances are your business relies on cloud technology in one way or another. Your company could be using the cloud to store product designs, supplier contracts, or production schedules. You might have also shifted to smart factories with connected machines and automated processes. Either way, one thing is certain: The more manufacturing moves to the cloud, the bigger the security risks get.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cybercriminals know this. In addition to making everyday products, cybercriminals know that manufacturers handle intellectual property (IP), proprietary formulas, and trade secrets worth millions. And they\u2019re attacking. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to IBM, the average data breach in 2024 cost $4.88 million<\/a>. Manufacturing is one of the most targeted industries. A data breach can lead to money loss, potential factory shutdowns, stolen innovations, and damaged supplier relationships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This isn\u2019t just a \u201cnice to have\u201d conversation. When it comes to cloud data protection, you won\u2019t just be checking a few security boxes. You will ensure your business survives in a world where cyber threats are growing every day.At OTAVA, we help manufacturers take control of their cloud security. We have designed our S.E.C.U.R.E.\u2122 Framework<\/a> to do just that. We provide backup solutions, immutable storage, Disaster Recovery as a Service (DRaaS), and vulnerability scanning. In today\u2019s world, it\u2019s not if a cyberattack will happen\u2014it\u2019s when.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"OTAVA<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/span>Manufacturing\u2019s Biggest Cloud Security Risks<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Manufacturers face various challenges when it comes to cloud security. Below are some of these risks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/span>1. More Smart Factories, More Security Gaps<\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

As factories transition to Industry 4.0, they are facing high-tech, interconnected networks. Machines talk to each other, robots handle automation, and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) is making operations more efficient. However, with all these connections, each device is potentially an entry point for hackers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A hacker doesn\u2019t need to break into your headquarters to steal data anymore. They can infiltrate a single machine on your production line and move from there. Hackers can now manipulate production settings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For instance, a hacker can adjust the calibration of an aerospace component. Now, you have an entire batch of defective parts that could fail in the air.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And yet, many manufacturers still rely on outdated security methods. No one is saying you have to tear down your whole system. However, if your cloud security hasn\u2019t been updated in years, you are leaving the front door unlocked in a bad neighborhood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/span>2. The Supply Chain Security Hole<\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Manufacturers don\u2019t operate in a vacuum. They share data with suppliers, vendors, and distributors. This means a weak link anywhere in the chain can compromise your entire network.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A supply chain attack happens when hackers infiltrate a third party to get access to your systems. Maybe your supplier\u2019s cloud storage is vulnerable. Maybe they\u2019re using weak passwords. These vulnerabilities allow attackers to slip through third-party security and land in your data. Many manufacturers don\u2019t realize how much access they\u2019re giving third-party partners until it\u2019s too late.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is not a small problem, as 16.7% of businesses report<\/a> severe financial losses from supply chain attacks. According to the 2022 Interos Annual Global Supply Chain Report<\/a>, the average supply chain disruption costs around $182 million annually. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/span>3. Insider Threats: When Employees Are the Problem<\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Not all cyber threats come from the outside. In fact, one of the biggest risks is already inside your company.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Think about employees handling sensitive data every day. Some might be careless, accidentally exposing files by using unapproved file-sharing apps. Others might be disgruntled, stealing blueprints or trade secrets to sell to a competitor. And it\u2019s not just full-time staff. Contractors and temporary workers often have more access than they should.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Negligence is the biggest insider threat in manufacturing. It\u2019s usually not malicious, but negligence can manifest in someone doing any of the following: <\/p>\n\n\n\n