Cybersecurity Threats Targeting UK Manufacturing Supply Chains

Over the past year, the UK manufacturing sector has quietly become one of the most targeted industries for cyberattacks, not because factories are careless, but because supply chains are now interconnected, data-driven, and more digitally dependent than ever.

For manufacturers across Essex and London, that means cybersecurity is no longer just about protecting your own network. It’s about protecting the partners, suppliers, logistics systems, and production tools that keep your business moving.

At Sunrise Technologies, we see first-hand how attackers are exploiting weak links across the supply chain, and how mid-sized manufacturers can strengthen their resilience without slowing production.

1. Third-Party Access Is Now the Most Common Entry Point

Most manufacturers rely on a network of partners: tooling suppliers, logistics providers, distributors, and equipment vendors. Each partner often has some level of access into the business, even if it’s something as small as a customer portal or file-sharing system.

Cybercriminals know this.

Why it’s a problem:

• Many smaller suppliers lack the same security controls as the manufacturer.

• Attackers compromise a small partner, then pivot into the target manufacturer.

• Access credentials are often shared informally and rarely monitored.

Real-world example:
A component supplier is compromised. Attackers use their portal login to move into the manufacturer’s network, deploying ransomware to halt production.

What manufacturers can do:

• Enforce MFA and conditional access for every external partner.

• Audit all third-party access paths regularly.

• Require suppliers to meet basic cybersecurity criteria.

2. Ransomware is Rising, and Production Environments Are the Target

Ransomware groups recognise the high cost of downtime in manufacturing. The goal isn’t just encrypting servers; it’s hitting operational technology (OT) to force a quick payout.

Why manufacturers are being targeted:

• Production lines rely on older, unpatched systems.

• OT environments often lack network segmentation.

• Backups may not include machine configurations or PLC files.

The impact:

• Production stops.

• Orders are delayed.

• Reputation with customers takes a hit.

Protective steps:

• Segment OT from IT networks — no exceptions.

• Back up machine configurations, not just business data.

• Use endpoint detection that covers OT-compatible devices.

3. Supply Chain Data Is Becoming a High-Value Target

Manufacturers hold valuable data that attackers can monetise — and much of it flows through the supply chain.

What attackers go after:

• Design files and CAD data

• Bills of materials

• Supplier pricing

• Customer order history

• Compliance and certification documents

A breach doesn’t just affect the manufacturer, it impacts every supplier and customer connected to them.

Mitigation:
Data classification, access controls, and encryption across endpoints and cloud systems.

4. Social Engineering Attacks Are Becoming More Sophisticated

Attackers are getting better at impersonating suppliers, hauliers, or even the manufacturer’s own procurement team.

Common supply-chain social engineering attacks include:

• Fake purchase order requests

• Fraudulent payment diversion emails

• Impersonation of logistics partners requesting access

• Delivery rescheduling messages with malicious links

How to reduce the risk:

• Implement robust email protection and impersonation detection.

• Train staff with examples specific to manufacturing workflows.

• Use payment verification processes for sensitive transactions.

5. Legacy Systems Are Opening the Door to New Threats

Manufacturers often rely on older machinery and software that weren’t designed with cybersecurity in mind. Attackers exploit this by looking for:

• Unsupported operating systems

• Outdated PLC firmware

• Flat networks that expose OT devices

• Vulnerable remote access tools used for equipment servicing

Legacy doesn’t mean insecure, but it does mean you need compensating controls.

Best practices:

• Isolate older systems behind firewalls or segmented networks.

• Apply virtual patching where traditional patches aren’t possible.

• Log and monitor access to legacy OT environments.

The Bottom Line: Supply Chain Cybersecurity Is Now a Business Imperative

For manufacturers across Essex and London, the threat isn’t hypothetical, it’s active, evolving, and increasingly aimed at the supply chain. But the good news is that with the right controls, visibility, and partner support, manufacturers can drastically reduce the risk without disrupting production.

At Sunrise Technologies, we help manufacturing businesses build practical, efficient, and well-structured cybersecurity strategies that protect both internal systems and the wider supply chain relationships they rely on.

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