5 Steps to Overcoming Patch Management Challenges in Manufacturing Environments

Posted March 28, 2023

Recent reports and analyses have highlighted the increasing threat of cyberattacks targeting the manufacturing sector. With ransomware attacks specifically targeting manufacturing firms and the critical manufacturing sector, it is more important than ever for manufacturers to prioritize patching their IT systems to avoid security threats and minimize their risks.

According to a 2020 Ponemon Institute study, 60% of data breaches can be traced back to unpatched vulnerabilities, demonstrating the critical role patching plays in preventing cyberattacks.
Research from the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) suggests that 90% of successful cyberattacks exploit known vulnerabilities for which patches are available but have not been applied.
A 2021 study by cybersecurity firm Tenable found that the average time to exploit a known vulnerability is just seven days, illustrating the importance of timely patching to minimize the risk of cyberattacks.
In the 2021 IBM X-Force Threat Intelligence Index, it was reported that vulnerabilities in ICS and OT systems increased by 49% compared to the previous year, emphasizing the growing need for patch management in these critical sectors.
The same IBM report also found that the manufacturing sector experienced a 40% increase in ransomware attacks in 2020 compared to 2019, which can be partly attributed to unpatched systems and other security weaknesses.

According to IBM’s X-Force Threat Intelligence Index, ransomware attacks have been the leading cause of cyberattacks in the industrial sector, with manufacturing firms experiencing a significant surge in such incidents. A growing number of threat actors have been focusing on the manufacturing industry due to the significant financial impact that these attacks can have on businesses. The potential for disruption to operations, supply chains, and revenue streams makes manufacturing organizations attractive targets for cybercriminals.

The critical manufacturing sector, manufacturers essential to the functioning of a nation’s economy, infrastructure, and national security, has also found itself in the bull’s eye. Threat actors are taking advantage of vulnerabilities in Industrial Control Systems (ICS) and Operational Technology (OT) environments. These vulnerabilities often result from outdated systems, inadequate security measures, and a lack of proper patch management. As a result, cybercriminals can exploit these weaknesses to gain unauthorized access, disrupt operations, and extort companies for financial gain.

To mitigate these risks and better protect their organizations, manufacturers must emphasize the importance of patching their IT systems. By doing so, they can close security gaps, protect valuable assets, and reduce the likelihood of falling victim to ransomware or other cyberattacks.

Regular patching is a vital part of maintaining a secure IT environment, as it ensures that vulnerabilities in software and hardware are addressed promptly. When vendors release updates or patches, they often include fixes for known security flaws. By applying these patches, manufacturers can safeguard their systems against known threats, reducing the risk of successful cyberattacks. Furthermore, attackers often target systems with known vulnerabilities, which can be easily exploited if left unpatched.

However, manufacturers face several challenges in implementing effective patch management. One of these challenges is the complexity of their IT environments, which often consist of a mix of legacy systems, modern technologies, and interconnected ICS and OT systems. Patching these systems can be a time-consuming and resource-intensive process, which may cause organizations to delay or neglect necessary updates.

Additionally, manufacturers must balance the need for security with the potential impact of patching on their operations. In some cases, applying patches can cause system downtime, disrupting production processes and impacting revenue. This can lead organizations to weigh the risks of potential cyberattacks against the immediate consequences of patch deployment.

To overcome these challenges and prioritize patch management, manufacturers should consider the following recommendations:

Develop a comprehensive patch management strategy that includes regular patching, monitoring, and reporting. By establishing a clear plan, manufacturers can ensure that their IT teams prioritize patch deployment and keep their systems up to date.
Invest in automated patch management tools that can help streamline the patching process and reduce the burden on IT staff. These tools can scan networks for vulnerabilities, apply patches automatically, and generate reports on patch compliance, making it easier for organizations to stay on top of security updates.
Establish a risk-based approach to patch management, which prioritizes patches based on the severity of vulnerabilities and the potential impact on operations. This can help manufacturers balance the need for security with the potential disruption of patch deployment.
Ensure regular communication between IT, OT, and ICS teams, as well as other stakeholders within the organization, to raise awareness of the importance of patch management and promote collaboration in addressing security threats.
Conduct regular security training and awareness programs for employees, emphasizing the role of patching in maintaining a secure IT

Kevin Willette

Kevin Willette is Partner / CEO of Verus Corp. His focus is ensuring complete customer satisfaction and providing as much or as little support as is needed for the individual client. Kevin knows that plenty of places do IT services, but what sets Verus Corp apart is the local feeling and the commitment to doing things right the first time. He has always wanted to be a business owner because it affords him the opportunity to offer a service that was better than anything clients had seen before. His true goal is to help customers make their businesses better by removing potential IT barriers. Kevin served as chair for Habitat for Humanity during his time at Minnesota State University, Mankato. He has also served on the WatchGuard Advisory Council since 2016. Kevin’s work with Verus Corp has helped them achieve awards as the WatchGuard Partner of the Year and Cisco Select Partner. Kevin graduated from Minnesota State in 2000 with a major in Business Marketing and minors in Business Administration and Music.