IT & Cyber Security

8 in 10 UK Manufacturers Hit by Cyber Incident in a Year

UK manufacturers remain the world's most targeted industry for cyber attacks, yet many still treat cybersecurity as an IT responsibility rather than a board-level priority. As threats become more sophisticated and the cost of breaches continues to rise, strong executive leadership, clear governance and a proactive approach to cyber resilience have become essential for protecting long-term business performance

Elizabeth Jenkins-Smalley

Editor In Chief at The Executive Magazine

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Manufacturing’s Persistent Cyber Vulnerability

UK manufacturers face a critical cybersecurity challenge, with the majority reporting significant breaches and financial losses. A recent ESET survey reveals that cybersecurity remains predominantly an IT function within most organisations, a structural weakness that undermines strategic resilience.

The manufacturing sector stands as the most targeted industry globally, accounting for 28% of all cyber incidents last year. This fifth consecutive year of targeting reflects both the sector’s critical infrastructure status and persistent vulnerabilities in operational security.

Most organisations within the sector continue to favour reactive security measures, with only 45% adopting preventative strategies. This reactive posture correlates directly with organisational maturity deficits and operational challenges when incidents occur.

Executive Governance as Critical Defence

The root challenge centres on governance. When cybersecurity operates as an IT function rather than a board-level strategic priority, organisations struggle to allocate appropriate resources and executive attention. Financial losses from major incidents frequently exceed six figures, yet investment decisions remain driven by reactive pressure rather than strategic foresight.

Manufacturing organisations must establish board-level cyber governance frameworks. This requires integrating cyber risk into strategic planning, allocating dedicated budget aligned with threat exposure, and moving beyond point solutions that address symptoms rather than systemic vulnerabilities.

Organisations that embed cybersecurity into executive decision-making demonstrate measurably better incident prevention and recovery outcomes. This structural realignment from IT function to strategic governance represents the defining challenge for UK manufacturing resilience.

Building Institutional Resilience

Developing effective cyber resilience extends beyond technology. Organisational culture, executive commitment, and strategic planning must converge to create comprehensive defence frameworks. Manufacturing leaders must champion this evolution, recognising that competitive advantage increasingly depends on operational security maturity.