Protecting Manufacturing Systems with Access Reviews

Introduction

In today’s connected manufacturing landscape, the production floor is no longer isolated from the digital world. From IoT-enabled machinery to cloud-based supply chain platforms, manufacturing systems are deeply integrated with technology. While this increases efficiency, it also exposes the industry to serious cyber risks.

Unauthorized access to manufacturing systems can lead to production shutdowns, theft of proprietary designs, and even safety hazards. That’s why user access review and identity governance and administration (IGA) solutions are critical to ensuring operational security and protecting valuable assets.

Cybersecurity Risks in Manufacturing

Manufacturing companies face a broad range of threats:

• Industrial espionage targeting intellectual property and trade secrets

• Ransomware attacks disrupting production lines

• Insider threats from disgruntled employees or contractors

• Compromised IoT devices used to infiltrate networks

With so many systems—ERP platforms, production management tools, design software, and supply chain portals—managing who has access to what is a significant challenge without proper governance.

The Impact of Unauthorized Access

Even a single compromised account can have devastating consequences in manufacturing:

• Intellectual property theft: Competitors can gain access to proprietary designs or formulas

• Production downtime: Unauthorized changes to machinery settings can halt operations

• Safety risks: Interference with automated equipment can endanger workers

• Regulatory violations: Breaches of standards like ISO 27001 or NIST guidelines can lead to fines and loss of certifications

Regular access reviews ensure that every user’s permissions match their current role and that no outdated accounts remain active.

IGA and Compliance in Manufacturing

Many manufacturing companies must meet strict compliance requirements, especially those in aerospace, automotive, defense, or pharmaceuticals. Common standards include:

• ISO 27001 for information security management

• NIST Cybersecurity Framework for critical infrastructure protection

• CMMC for defense contractors handling controlled unclassified information

IGA solutions help maintain compliance by:

• Automating periodic access reviews

• Maintaining detailed audit trails

• Ensuring segregation of duties to prevent fraud

Managing Vendor and Contractor Access

Manufacturing operations often involve multiple third-party vendors—equipment suppliers, maintenance teams, logistics providers, and temporary contractors. Each external account can be a potential entry point for cyber threats if not properly controlled.

Access governance ensures that:

• Vendors have only the access they need and for the duration required

• Accounts are immediately deactivated when contracts end

• All vendor activity is monitored for unusual patterns

Balancing Security and Productivity

In manufacturing, speed and efficiency are key. Delays in granting system access can slow production, while overly restrictive permissions can hinder collaboration.

An effective IGA system:

• Automates provisioning based on predefined roles

• Integrates with ERP, MES, and design platforms for seamless access control

• Quickly adjusts permissions when employees change roles or shift locations

This balance ensures strong security without disrupting production timelines.

How SecurEnds Supports Manufacturing Security

SecurEnds offers tailored solutions for manufacturing environments by:

• Automating access certifications across both IT and OT systems

• Integrating with popular platforms like SAP, Oracle, and Siemens Teamcenter

• Detecting high-risk accounts using advanced analytics

• Providing auditors with on-demand compliance reports

By centralizing and automating access management, SecurEnds helps manufacturers protect their intellectual property, ensure production continuity, and maintain compliance with industry regulations.

Conclusion

In the manufacturing sector, downtime and data breaches can cost millions. Regular user access reviews and strong identity governance and administration are essential for safeguarding systems, preventing insider threats, and protecting valuable designs and processes. With SecurEnds, manufacturers gain both operational resilience and peace of mind, keeping production secure and efficient.