ERP Security in Manufacturing Industry: Protect Your Business From Cyber Threats And Data Theft

As manufacturing becomes increasingly digitalized, the security of ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) software used in manufacturing is transitioning from IT’s Priority to a Business Priority. Modern manufacturing ERP software connects the following aspects of the manufacturing process into a unified digital backbone: Production and procurement, as well as finance, suppliers, and customers. Integration of these functions within one unified system has resulted in greater efficiency, and simultaneously has expanded the attack surface for cybercriminals.

Supply chain risks, OT/IT convergence attacks, and more – the modern manufacturing sector is confronted with sophisticated cyber dangers that can interrupt business processes, data breaches, and even affect the bottom-line business performance of any manufacturing company. Read this blog post and discover how ERP security can help the manufacturing sector counter cyber threats.

Table of Contents –

• Why ERP Security in Manufacturing Is Critical?
• Supply Chain Vulnerability and ERP Risk Exposition
• OT/IT Convergence Attacks
• Access Control & Identity Management
• Zero Trust Architecture for Manufacturing ERP Security
• System Integrity & Data Protection in ERP Environments
• Addressing Weaknesses in ERP System Configuration & Integrations
• Conclusion
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why ERP Security in Manufacturing Is Critical?

They are dependent on the use of ERP systems to run sensitive information related to their productions, contracts, and other intellectual data. They might lose their productions, expose their sensitive information, and even tamper with their processes.

While all sectors have their set of threats and attacks, production facilities are particularly vulnerable due to a convergence attack that may occur during OT/IT integration. Operational technology and IT integration can include ERP systems.

Cybercriminals find the manufacturing ERP software more appealing since it essentially provides access to the business as well as operational data.

Supply Chain Vulnerability and ERP Risk Exposition

Among the major threats facing the security of ERP in manufacturing is supply chain vulnerability. ERPs integrate the manufacturing firm with its suppliers, logistics, and distributors using APIs.

Lack of good supplier credentials, vulnerable third-party integration, and insecure exchange of data can make the ERP system vulnerable to attacks. Once a hacker gains access, they can alter inventory information, commit order manipulation, or steal contracting information used when overseeing the contract lifecycle.

As supply chain attacks can be stealthy until they cause major damage, they are dangerous attacks in computer security.

OT/IT Convergence Attacks: An Emerging Manufacturing Threat

The most serious security threat to ERPs in manufacturing comes from the inability to protect the supply chain of a business. ERP solutions connect manufacturers to their suppliers, third-party logistics providers, and distributors through application programming interfaces (APIs) and integrations.

“Convergence” attacks are carried out when attackers abuse the lack of network segmentation or weak access controls to gain access to operational environments from IT systems. The attacker might use a compromised account within the ERP system to cause downtime, safety issues, or “misprogram” machines.

Protecting access to an ERP system is therefore critical to securing manufacturing resources.

Access Control & Identity Management: The First Line of Defense

Robust access control and identity management are fundamental to ERP security in manufacturing. Many breaches have been caused by excessive permissions, shared accounts, or a lack of identity governance.

Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)

Role-Based Access Control prevents employees from accessing ERP functions that are not relevant to their role. For example:

• Accounting modules are accessible to finance teams.
• It means that production teams can access manufacturing data.
• Vendors log on to limited procurement portals.

RBAC reduces insider risks and confines the attack surface of compromised credentials.

Identity and Access Management (IAM)

Effective identity and access management includes:

• Multi-factor authentication or MFA
• Automated user provisioning and deprovisioning
• Regular access reviews
• Segregation of Duties

IAM ensures and enhances ERP governance for audit readiness.

Zero Trust Architecture for Manufacturing ERP Security

The security of ERP applications using the Zero Trust security model involves:

1. Verifying Identity Continuously;

2. Creating Policies for Access Based on the Current Context;

3. Micro-segmenting the ERP application modules;

4. Monitoring User Activity in Real-time.

The Zero Trust approach reduces the ability of a user to move laterally after a breach has occurred and defends the ERP application against both outside and inside attacks.

System Integrity & Data Protection in ERP Environments

System integrity & data protection: This is intended to ensure that the data in the ERP system is accurate, protected, and can be recovered. Manufacturing ERPs store confidential information like manufacturing formulas, contracts, pricing, and other forms of compliance.

Key protection measures are:

• The encryption of ERP databases (both in transit and at rest)
• Secure Backups and Disaster Recovery
• Audit logs and change tracking
• Vulnerability scanning on an ongoing basis

These serve as mechanisms for monitoring unauthorized actions and for ensuring operational integrity.

Addressing Weaknesses in ERP System Configuration & Integrations

Most ERP breaches occur because of the shortcomings in the configuration of an ERP system, including:

• Default passwords
• Insufficiently configured permissions
• Unpatched modules
• Excessive access to administration

Correspondingly, weaknesses in the ERP system integrations, including insecure APIs or outdated connectors, can facilitate unauthorized data exposure.

Conclusion: Secure ERP, Secure Manufacturing Operations

With the increasing number of cyber threats, the need for ERP security in the manufacturing sector has transitioned from being an option to being essential. Manufacturing companies are now facing operational and data security threats that have been created by supply chain vulnerability exploitation, attacks on the OT/IT Convergence, and insecure access control procedures.

By implementing methods such as Role-Based Access Control, Identity and Access Management, Zero Trust Architecture, and some forceful data protection discipline, manufacturers can construct bulletproof ERP platforms. 7 dot 2 IT Consulting assists firms in understanding ERP security holes, securing integrations, and planning for the future with a next-generation ERP architecture. Join forces with us to protect your production and grow responsibly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1) What is ERP security in manufacturing?

 Manufacturing ERP security deals with securing the production-related software from Internet attacks or cyber attacks and hacking by focusing on accessing and securing identities using configuration and data protection mechanisms. The objective is to keep production-related activities secure and safe.

Q2) Why is ERP security critical for the manufacturing industry?

 ERP in manufacturing managesufacturing data, supply chain, agreements, and accounting. Confusion can stop processes, show IP, or break supplies. In addition to items on the checklist, manufacturers should add ERP security to prevent downtime, protect sensitive data, and support compliance.

Q3) What are the common weaknesses in ERP system configuration?

 The typical vulnerabilities that might occur when configuring the ERP system include the use of default passwords, over-assigning admin privileges, outdated patching, and inappropriate permissions. These vulnerabilities create potential targets for cyberattacks that need to be remedied by ongoing security checks and updates.

Q4) How does Zero Trust Architecture improve ERP security?

 A Zero Trust Architecture is based on the premise that no user or system trusts another. Within the ERP landscape of the manufacturing sector, zero trust involves the concept of continuously authenticating identities, contexts of controlled access,