The hidden cybersecurity risks behind the connected factory

In a modern factory, machines can send production data to monitoring systems, engineers can check equipment remotely, and software can even help teams track output and spot faults. These connections make it easier to manage a plant but they also mean that a problem with one system can affect others. A compromised industrial computer, for instance, can put the systems controlling production at risk. For manufacturers, the consequences of a cyberattack can extend beyond stolen data. Production may be interrupted, equipment may need to be checked before it is safe to restart, and delayed orders can affect customers further down the supply chain. Protecting a factory therefore involves securing the technology that runs the production line, as well as the office networks that support the business.

The issue is gaining urgency as Indian manufacturers connect more of their industrial infrastructure. Deloitte India’s research on OT security identifies legacy equipment, gaps between IT and operations teams and shortages of specialist skills as persistent barriers. The study also highlights the need to move beyond purchasing security tools and more towards coordinated risk management across industrial environments.

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Industrial systems are difficult to secure in the same way as ordinary office computers. Production equipment might need to run continuously, and applying software updates or changing configurations can require planned shutdowns. Some older devices also lack modern security features, leaving manufacturers to protect them through network controls and carefully managed access.

The growing connection between IT and OT makes coordination essential. A security team may want to isolate a suspicious device immediately while plant engineers need to understand whether doing so could affect a production process. Without agreed procedures, a response intended to contain a cyber threat can create operational complications of its own. The scale of said challenge is reflected in the KPMG Global Tech Report 2026: Industrial Manufacturing. Based on a survey of 258 manufacturing technology leaders across 22 countries and territories, it found that 76% of respondents cited unreliable data as a leading AI risk. Nearly half planned significant increases in cybersecurity investment over the following year, reflecting concerns about connected factories, AI adoption and geopolitical instability.

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India’s manufacturing sector faces particular challenges in securing connected operations, given the coexistence of older industrial equipment and newer digital systems. Deloitte India’s assessment of operational technology security identifies legacy infrastructure, gaps between IT and operations teams, and shortages of specialist skills as barriers to stronger protection. These issues make cybersecurity a plant-level concern, where security measures must account for production requirements as well as digital threats. For manufacturers, preparation involves knowing which equipment is connected, controlling remote access and testing whether production can be restored safely after an incident. IT teams and plant engineers also need agreed procedures for isolating affected systems without creating additional risks for equipment or workers.

These issues will be explored at The Economic Times’ Future of Knowledge Work Summit 2026 in Mumbai. The discussion will examine how manufacturers can protect connected production environments without losing sight of reliability, safety and continuity.

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