India’s manufacturing sector is undergoing a digital transformation. Automation, IoT, and remote access systems are now widely adopted on factory floors. While these technologies boost productivity and data visibility, they also expose manufacturers to growing cyber threats. This blog post discusses the multiple advantages of using an integrated cybersecurity solution, as well as its effectiveness in combating changing cyber threats.
This makes cybersecurity services in India critical for business continuity and industrial safety.
However, implementing effective security is far from simple. Indian factories face multiple issues that standard IT solutions cannot fix. Here are the top five problems affecting manufacturing cybersecurity, and how expert security consulting services can help address them.
1. Legacy OT Systems Are Vulnerable to Modern Attacks
Most factories in India still rely on outdated control systems. These include legacy PLCs, old SCADA terminals, and unsupported operating systems that lack security features. According to recent research from TXOne and DSCI, legacy equipment is responsible for a large share of operational vulnerabilities in Indian manufacturing environments.
These systems are difficult to patch and nearly impossible to replace without halting production. Specialised cybersecurity services in India must isolate these systems, apply virtual patching where possible, and monitor for unauthorised access. This is one of the most pressing OT security challenges today.
2. IT–OT Convergence Creates New Threat Surfaces
Manufacturing plants are integrating OT environments with enterprise IT systems to streamline operations. While this improves visibility and data flow, it also expands the potential attack surface. A vulnerability in one zone can be used to move into another.
A whitepaper by Siemens and Palo Alto Networks reported that 62% of OT attacks in manufacturing originated from outdated IT vulnerabilities that were exploited across the network.
Managing this convergence is one of the central OT security challenges. It requires segmentation, OT-specific firewalls, and guidance from experienced security consulting services to design and enforce layered defences.
3. Supply Chain and Third-Party Vulnerabilities
Manufacturers rely on vendors for raw materials, automation hardware, cloud platforms, and software integration. However, not all vendors follow the same security standards. A weak vendor system can serve as an entry point for attackers.
The DSCI and KPMG 2023 reports list supply chain threats among the top five concerns for India’s industrial cybersecurity posture.
Addressing these risks requires dedicated cybersecurity services in India that include vendor assessments, access controls, and endpoint protections. Trusted security consulting services can help manufacturers create a framework for secure vendor onboarding and compliance monitoring.
4. Shortage of OT-Skilled Cybersecurity Talent
The DSCI estimates that India needs nearly 790,000 additional cybersecurity professionals. This gap is especially wide in OT environments, where industrial expertise and security knowledge must intersect.
Factories are often forced to depend on general IT staff or outsourced teams without deep knowledge of manufacturing cybersecurity. This results in poor threat detection, misconfigured security tools, and a lack of incident response planning.
To overcome this challenge, companies must invest in skill development and partner with cybersecurity services in India that specialise in OT risk management. Many also rely on security consulting services for assessments, playbook development, and training.
5. Insider Threats and Weak Security Culture
Employees, contractors, and system integrators often have privileged access to industrial systems. Without proper controls, even accidental mistakes can result in system outages or data leaks.
A report from Seqrite in 2025 revealed that insider threats accounted for a significant portion of cyber incidents in Indian automotive supply chains.
Managing insider threats is a key part of manufacturing cybersecurity. Organisations must implement user access monitoring, real-time alerts, and strict account provisioning policies. These strategies are typically deployed with the help of cybersecurity services in India and reinforced through awareness programs led by security consulting services.
The Role of Professional Services in Mitigating Risk
Cyber threats are evolving faster than most manufacturers can respond. Off-the-shelf software and traditional IT teams are no longer sufficient. Defending against modern threats requires a combination of technology, expertise, and strategic planning.
Specialised cybersecurity services in India offer:
- Real-time monitoring and alerts tailored for OT environments
- Risk-based asset management and segmentation
- Threat intelligence aligned to industry-specific scenarios
- Supply chain security programs
- Workforce training for cybersecurity culture
Engaging with security consulting services helps factories benchmark their current maturity, identify gaps, and implement long-term improvements in security posture.
Conclusion
India’s factories are scaling faster than ever, but this growth must be matched with resilience. From outdated systems and integration risks to vendor flaws and internal threats, manufacturers face a unique set of OT security challenges.
The right cybersecurity services in India do more than install software. They help secure the physical processes that keep the economy moving. With the support of experienced security consulting services, manufacturers can protect their operations, data, and people while building trust with clients and regulators.
Let’s Start the Conversation
Is your manufacturing plant protected with real-time OT threat detection and asset visibility? Are legacy control systems and third-party vendors exposing your factory to avoidable cyber risks? Can your production environment recover quickly from a ransomware or insider-led disruption?
Reach out to WhizHack Technologies to schedule your OT Security Consultation today. Together, we will strengthen the cyber resilience of your manufacturing operations and ensure long-term operational continuity.
