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Cybersecurity for Remote Working Impact on Manufactures

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Growing Cyberattacks Targeting Engineering Firms

The shift to remote work and increased reliance on personal devices have created new cybersecurity challenges for engineering companies.

Employees accessing company information from various locations joining public wi-fi, provides cybercriminals with an ever-expanding attack-surface and increases the number of possible entry points for hackers.

Major Cyberattacks on Engineering Firms in 2025

  • British engineering firm Smiths Group (SMIN.L) announced on 28th January 2025 that it is managing a cybersecurity incident involving unauthorised access to its systems. The company, known for manufacturing baggage-screening kits and explosive detectors, stated that it promptly isolated the affected systems upon discovering the breach. Smiths Group was working with experts to recover its systems and to determine any wider impact. It added it would comply with all relevant regulatory requirements.

 

  • In February 2025, just a week after the Smiths Group attack, Birmingham-based engineering firm IMI reported that it was hit by a cyberattack, criminals gaining access to its global systems. IMI did not disclose what data was accessed but employee and customer data was not targeted. IMI had isolated the affected systems and hired external cybersecurity specialists.

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Why Are Engineering Firms Targeted?

Cybercriminals consider engineering firms as high-value targets due to the vast amount of sensitive data they handle. Some key reasons include:

  • Intellectual Property (IP) Theft – Engineering firms develop proprietary designs, blueprints, and technical innovations that hackers can steal and sell on the black market or to competitors.
  • Third-Party Supply Chain Risks – Many engineering firms collaborate with external partners, making them entry points for attackers targeting larger corporations.
  • Weak Security Infrastructure – Engineering firms often rely on legacy systems (Windows XP, Windows 7) and outdated security practices, making them vulnerable to modern cyberthreats.
  • Industrial Espionage – Nation-state hackers target engineering firms to gain access to critical infrastructure projects, defence contracts, and advanced technologies.

With these risks in mind, it’s crucial for engineering firms to strengthen cybersecurity defences before they become the next victim of a cyberattack.

Alarming Statistics for Cybersecurity Threats Against Engineering Companies

While specific data on cybersecurity threats targeting engineering companies is limited, data from 2023, the manufacturing industry accounted for 20% of all cyber extortion attacks – a 42% increase from the previous year. This surge underscores the sector’s growing vulnerability as it integrates digital technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI), expanding potential attack surfaces.

Top Cyber Threats Facing Engineering Firms

  • Ransomware Attacks
    Ransomware is one of the biggest cybersecurity threats to engineering firms. Hackers infiltrate systems, encrypt critical data, and demand a ransom to restore access. If firms refuse to pay, they risk losing valuable project files, blueprints, and client information.

 

  • Phishing and Social Engineering Attacks
    Hackers use phishing emails and fake login pages to trick employees into revealing credentials, which can then be used to access company systems. Social engineering attacks also target executives, convincing them to approve fraudulent transactions.

 

  • Insider Threats and Employee Negligence
    Not all cyber threats come from outside—sometimes, employees accidentally or intentionally leak data. Disgruntled staff, weak passwords, and lost devices can expose sensitive engineering files.

 

  • Supply Chain Attacks
    Engineering firms often work with multiple vendors, subcontractors, and software providers, creating potential security gaps. Attackers can exploit weak links in the supply chain to gain access to critical data.

 

  • Intellectual Property (IP) Theft
    Engineering firms handle valuable designs, patents, and proprietary technology that cybercriminals or competitors can steal. Hackers may also target firms working on government contracts, energy projects, or defence systems.

How Engineering Firms Can Strengthen Cybersecurity

With cyberattacks on the rise, engineering firms must adopt proactive cybersecurity strategies. Here are key steps to improve security:

  1. Implement Strong Access Controls
  • Use role-based access control (RBAC) to ensure employees only access necessary data.
  • Enforce multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all systems.

 

  1. Secure Cloud-Based Collaboration Tools
  • Engineering firms often use cloud platforms like AutoCAD 360, Revit, or BIM 360. Ensure these platforms are configured with strong security settings.
  • Use encrypted file-sharing services for project collaboration.

 

  1. Conduct cybersecurity risk assessment
  • You will learn which defences are working well and which ones need to be strengthened.

 

  1. Invest in Cybersecurity Awareness Training
  • Train employees to recognise phishing, social engineering, and ransomware attacks.
  • Conduct regular security drills to test readiness.

 

  1. Regularly Update and Patch Systems
  • Keep software, firewalls, and antivirus programs up to date to prevent vulnerabilities.
  • Remove outdated software that no longer receives security patches.

 

  1. Establish an Incident Response Plan
  • Have a detailed response plan in case of a cyberattack.
  • Regularly test disaster recovery and backup procedures to ensure quick recovery.

 

As you can see, the growing number of cyberattacks is definitely a major concern for engineering firms. So, the name of the game is vigilance and proactivity, and nothing is more valuable than a well-trained employee, so get in touch with Syn-Star to book a team training session.

How to: Protect Your Internal Devices

View our free guide to find out what the best practices are for protecting your network from personal devices

How to protect your network from external devices

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