Ransomware in Manufacturing: How to Protect Your Production Line and IP

Ransomware isn’t just a tech issue anymore, it’s a business-critical threat that’s hitting UK manufacturers hard. If you’re running a production line or managing sensitive intellectual property, this is something you can’t afford to ignore.

Why Are Manufacturers Being Targeted?

Manufacturing businesses are increasingly digital. From automated machinery to cloud-based supply chains, everything’s connected. And that’s exactly what makes them vulnerable.

Cybercriminals know that downtime in manufacturing costs serious money. They’re not just after data, they’re after leverage. And unfortunately, many manufacturers still rely on legacy systems and outdated security practices.

Search trends show growing interest in terms like:

• “manufacturing cybersecurity”
• “how to protect a manufacturing business from theft”
• “cybersecurity threats in manufacturing industry”

That tells us one thing: awareness is growing, but action still lags behind.

Other blogs you may be interested in

• Cyber Essentials for Manufacturers: What you Need to Know in 2025
• Cyber Essentials Made Simple: A Step-by-Step Guide for Small Manufacturers
• Key Factors to Consider When Selecting a Security Provider for Manufacturing

Real-World Impact: The JLR Wake-Up Call

Let’s look at what happened to Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) in August 2025.

JLR was hit by a ransomware attack that shut down production across multiple sites—UK, China, Slovakia, India. It couldn’t have come at a worse time: right before “New Plate Day” in the UK.

Dealers couldn’t register new vehicles, customers were left waiting, and the supply chain went into panic mode.

The result? Hundreds of millions in lost output. The UK government had to step in with a £2 billion loan guarantee just to help JLR recover.

And here’s the kicker: JLR had cybersecurity certifications and employee training programmes in place. But the attack still exposed serious gaps in their resilience and response planning.

If a global brand like JLR can be blindsided, it’s time for every UK manufacturer to ask: Are we really prepared?

Common Weak Spots in Manufacturing Security

Here’s where most manufacturers fall short:

• Legacy Equipment: Old machines often lack modern security protocols.
• Weak Access Control: Outdated systems are easy targets.
• Poor Cyber Hygiene: Unpatched software, weak passwords, and no multi-factor authentication.
• Low Staff Awareness: One wrong click can open the door to an attack.

Other blogs you may be interested in

• The Essential Guide to Cybersecurity for Manufacturing Companies
• Top Cyber Security Solutions for Manufacturing Companies: A Comprehensive Review
• What Sets Equilibrium Risk Apart in the Manufacturing Sector

So, What Can You Do About It?

1. Think Cyber-Physical Security isn’t just digital. It’s physical too. Combine cybersecurity with monitored CCTV, access control systems, and intrusion detection. Protect your data and your premises.
2. Upgrade Legacy Systems If your equipment is older than your mobile phone, it’s probably time for an upgrade. Retrofitting or replacing outdated machinery can close critical security gaps.
3. Train Your Team Your people are your first line of defence. Regular training on phishing, password hygiene, and incident reporting can make a huge difference.
4. Layer Your Access Control Use biometrics, badge readers, and role-based access. Don’t let one login open the door to everything. Search interest in “access control for manufacturing companies” is rising—because it works.
5. Have a Backup Plan Literally. Back up your data regularly and test your recovery procedures. If ransomware hits, you’ll want to bounce back fast.
6. Partner with Experts Work with a security management company that understands manufacturing. At Equilibrium Risk, we don’t just install systems, we help you build a proactive security culture that aligns with your business goals.

Other blogs you may be interested in

• Why Security Is the Missing Link in the UK’s Industrial Strategy
• Implementing Access Control Systems in Manufacturing: Best Practices
• How to Choose a Security Partner Who Understands Your Business Goals

Why This Blog Matters

We’ve seen a spike in search interest around manufacturing security, especially terms like:

• “manufacturing cybersecurity solutions”
• “cybersecurity protection for manufacturers”
• “how manufacturers protect against cyber threats 2025”

This blog is designed to meet that demand—and help UK manufacturers take action before it’s too late.

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This content has been generated with the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI). While AI technology was used to draft and develop the initial content, it has been thoroughly reviewed, edited, and fact checked by Luke to ensure accuracy and relevance. We strive to provide high-quality and trustworthy information, but please be aware that AI-generated content may contain errors or omissions. We take full responsibility for the final content presented here and are committed to maintaining transparency and integrity in our use of AI technology.