Manufacturers have been warned to strengthen cybersecurity throughout their supply chains following a sharp rise in attacks.
Mitsubishi Electric Automation Systems Division UK has said cyber attacks targeting trusted software providers, suppliers and third-party partners have risen 20% year-on-year, making them the fastest-growing cyber threat to the sector.
The attackers deploy malicious code through legitimate software downloads, using it to gather information on thousands of systems before selectively targeting organisations.
Mitsubishi Electric Automation Systems Division UK has urged manufacturers to strengthen cybersecurity protocols to prepare for evolving regulatory requirements, including the Cyber Resilience Act, which mandates greater oversight of cybersecurity risks across product lifecycles and supply chains.
David Bean, business development group manager at Mitsubishi Electric Automation Systems Division, said: “Cybersecurity can no longer be viewed as something that begins and ends within a manufacturer’s own network.
“Modern manufacturing operations depend on a complex ecosystem of software providers, equipment suppliers, systems integrators and service partners, all of which can introduce risk if they are not properly managed. If a supplier or software provider is compromised, that risk can quickly extend across multiple businesses.
“Manufacturers should have visibility of every system connected to their operations and understand who has access to critical assets and data. This includes implementing robust access controls, assessing the cybersecurity practices of suppliers and third-party partners, and ensuring security requirements are consistently applied across the wider ecosystem.
“With cyber threats continuing to evolve, organisations that take a proactive approach to supply chain security will be better positioned to maintain business continuity, protect sensitive data and minimise operational disruption.”
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