WHY MANUFACTURING MUST WAKE UP TO EMAIL THREATS

A spike in email-based attacks reveals how the manufacturing sector is becoming cybercriminals' favourite target. The threat is evolving—and it's personal.

- By Team ET Now Machinist

There was a time when cybercriminals primarily targeted financial institutions. That era, it seems, is behind us. Today, manufacturing is in the crosshairs- and the threat is only intensifying. According to VIPRE's Q2 2025 Email Threat Trends Report, the manufacturing sector has topped the list of most-targeted industries for six consecutive quarters, with 26% of all email-based attacks directed at it. That's not just a trend—it's a red flag. And one that manufacturers can't afford to ignore.

MANUFACTURING: THE NEW FAVOURITE PLAYGROUND FOR CYBERCRIMINALS

In Q1 2024, manufacturing overtook finance as the most-attacked industry in a surprising shift. One year later, not only has it retained the top spot, but the volume of attacks has grown significantly. VIPRE's data highlights a staggering 71% increase in attacks on manufacturers in 2024, a pace that shows no sign of slowing in 2025.

This isn't just about volume; it's about impact. The sector is being hit with everything from phishing and Business Email Compromise (BEC) scams to malspam and credential theft. And the repercussions go far beyond spam folders—they threaten intellectual property, production schedules, supply chains, and customer trust.

Why manufacturing? It's a perfect storm: complex supply chains, high-value IP, legacy systems, and a workforce often undertrained in cybersecurity. In essence, it's an industry built for efficiency, not necessarily for digital resilience.

PHISHING: STILL THE BAIT OF CHOICE