61% of cybersecurity professionals in manufacturing plan to adopt AI to strengthen protection against rising risks

Rockwell Automation, the world’s largest company dedicated to industrial automation and digital transformation, has released the results of the 10th edition of its State of Smart Manufacturing Report. The study, conducted in partnership with Sapio Research, gathers opinions from 1,560 industry leaders across 17 major manufacturing powers, revealing a clear shift: cybersecurity has become a strategic, not just technical, concern.

Thirty percent of respondents rank cyber threats among the most serious external risks, only surpassed by inflation and economic slowdown (34%). Additionally, 61% of IT and OT leaders plan to adopt artificial intelligence and machine learning for security within the next 12 months, a figure 12 points above the industry average.

The convergence of information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) expands the attack surface. Forty-eight percent of experts indicate that protecting this architecture will be essential for achieving positive outcomes over the next five years. Furthermore, the shortage of specialized talent in cybersecurity and data analytics is already a hiring priority, especially among companies with over $30 billion in annual revenue.

According to Stephen Ford, CISO of Rockwell Automation, “You can’t protect tomorrow’s company with yesterday’s tools. AI is a vital part of the modern security arsenal, capable of detecting threats in real time, maintaining productivity, and staying ahead in an increasingly aggressive landscape.”

The report also shows that 38% of manufacturers plan to leverage data from their existing systems to enhance security, and nearly half (49%) will implement AI for cybersecurity, up from 40% last year. Additionally, 55% identify cybersecurity practices and standards as highly important skills in new hires.

The sector also faces challenges such as supply chain disruptions, global competition, and pressure to improve sustainability without compromising quality. However, 81% of respondents agree that these obstacles are accelerating digital transformation, with AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity being among the top areas of investment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  1. Why is cybersecurity now a strategic priority in manufacturing?
    The increasing interconnectedness of IT and OT, along with a rise in targeted industry attacks like ransomware, compels companies to integrate cybersecurity into corporate planning, not just technical functions.

  2. What role does artificial intelligence play in industrial cybersecurity?
    AI helps detect threats in real time, optimize incident response, and analyze large data volumes to identify anomalous patterns before they cause harm.

  3. What are the main external risks identified by manufacturers?
    Inflation and economic slowdown top the list, followed by cyber threats and supply chain disruptions.

  4. Which manufacturing sectors are most vulnerable to cyberattacks?
    According to Black Kite data, the manufacturing sector accounts for 21% of ransomware attacks, with particular impact on industries such as mining, pharmaceuticals, and automotive.

Scroll to Top