Almost every manufacturing business on the planet relies on the internet. With cyberattacks dominating the news every day, small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) must recognize that cyber risk is a business risk. Attacks on small and medium-sized businesses are on the rise, even though the most memorable headlines focus on large corporations and household brands. According to the Ponemon Institute’s recent Global State of Cybersecurity in Small and Medium-Sized Businesses report, two-thirds of small businesses have experienced a cyberattack in the last year alone. In the United States, that number has risen to 76 percent, up 20 percentage points from just three years ago.

Manufacturing business owners must take steps to protect their company’s data and assets as cyberattacks become more common and sophisticated. Owners can better position their businesses to face and recover from cyberattacks and data breaches by understanding the vulnerabilities and developing a proactive cybersecurity program, raising awareness, educating employees about the risks and mitigation steps, and protecting business assets with cyber insurance.