---

In the dynamic landscape of manufacturing, cybersecurity is no longer a concern confined to IT departments but a strategic imperative for organizational leaders. Recent events, including new SEC reporting rules and high-profile hacks targeting manufacturers, underscore the critical need for a proactive and comprehensive cybersecurity approach in 2024.

Securing operational technology (OT) poses unique challenges. The decision to allocate responsibility for OT cybersecurity within the IT department or establish a separate OT group hinges on a careful cost-benefit analysis, with investments in OT security proving increasingly beneficial in 2024.

Manufacturers must prioritize the security of AI implementations to prevent cyber threats that could transcend the cyber-physical barrier. On a positive note, AI can enhance cybersecurity by efficiently sifting through vast amounts of security data and augmenting analyst capabilities. While the cloud offers scalability and cost-effectiveness, it also presents cybersecurity risks. Manufacturers must actively enforce security policies for data stored in the cloud, including auditing, categorizing, and specifying storage parameters.

In conclusion, a proactive and layered cybersecurity approach is essential. Organizations that prioritize cybersecurity hygiene early on can confidently navigate SEC reporting requirements and ward off cyber threats. Collaboration between security teams and organizational leadership is pivotal to striking the right balance between security, user convenience, and technological innovation.

As we progress into 2024, investing in these core cybersecurity defenses will significantly reduce the risk, ensuring a secure future for the manufacturing sector. If your organization has interest in the new ISO/IEC 42001:2023 Information Technology Artificial Intelligence Management System Certification, reach out to us to connect with a project manager in your area. Feel free to contact us by phone at (248) 358-3388 or email [email protected].

---