Majority of Cybersecurity Experts Schedule AI Integration as Manufacturing Sector Faces Escalating Cyber Security Threats
In the ever-evolving landscape of smart manufacturing, cybersecurity has emerged as a critical business enabler and key component of digital transformation, according to Rockwell Automation's 2025 State of Smart Manufacturing Report.
The report, which was conducted in association with Sapio Research, offers a wide breadth of manufacturing business perspectives, with a balanced distribution of company sizes spanning revenues from $100 million to over $30 billion. The survey sampled from a range of industries including Consumer Packaged Goods, Food & Beverage, Automotive, Semiconductor, Energy, Life Sciences, and more.
Stephen Ford, vice president and chief information security officer at Rockwell Automation, emphasized the importance of cybersecurity, stating that it is now a boardroom issue. He highlighted that as manufacturers advance smart operations, the integration between IT and OT increases the risk of cyberattacks.
One of the key trends highlighted in the report is the widespread adoption of cybersecurity platforms. Nearly all manufacturers (96%) have already invested or plan to invest in OT cybersecurity platforms within the next five years, with more than half already adopting these solutions at scale. Security is evolving from a compliance cost to a driver of operational resilience and profit.
The convergence of Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT) networks is increasing attack surfaces, making integrated and converged security measures essential. About 48% of cybersecurity professionals see securing this IT/OT integration as vital for future success.
Another significant trend is the accelerated use of Artificial Intelligence (AI). A majority of cybersecurity professionals (61%) plan to adopt AI and machine learning technologies within the next year to enhance threat detection and real-time response capabilities. AI is viewed as a critical component of a modern security stack, enabling manufacturers to stay ahead of evolving cyber threats while maintaining productivity.
Despite the urgency, there is a significant shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals. Over half of respondents from large companies indicate workforce development in cybersecurity is a critical priority. Aligning technical innovation with human development is increasingly important in the manufacturing industry, and as manufacturers recruit the next generation, cybersecurity and analytical skills are becoming hiring priorities.
The report also highlights the shift to secure-by-design and cyber-literate cultures. The six forces pushing OT cybersecurity into the manufacturing mainstream include secure-by-design hardware, budget alignment with automation, and the cultivation of a cyber-aware workforce and culture where safety and security co-exist.
Manufacturers are beginning to use AI to help manage these risks and strengthen protection. They now view cyber resilience alongside traditional key performance indicators like safety, throughput, and cost, focusing discussions on return on investment and operational improvements such as reduced downtime and audit hours.
Rockwell Automation, Inc. (NYSE: ROK), a global leader in industrial automation and digital transformation, is at the forefront of these developments. The company employs approximately 27,000 problem solvers dedicated to their customers in more than 100 countries.
The key global cybersecurity findings from the report were not explicitly listed in the provided text. However, it is clear that the report portrays cybersecurity in smart manufacturing as an integral, strategic, and technology-driven domain critical for operational performance and growth, heavily enabled by AI, integration of IT/OT security, and organizational culture shifts.
As the threat landscape continues to evolve, manufacturers must remain vigilant and proactive in their cybersecurity strategies. By leveraging advanced technologies like AI and fostering a culture of cyber awareness, they can stay ahead of evolving risks and ensure the security and success of their operations.
[1] Rockwell Automation. (2025). 2025 State of Smart Manufacturing Report. [2] Rockwell Automation. (n.d.). Cybersecurity. [3] Rockwell Automation. (n.d.). OT Security. [4] Rockwell Automation. (n.d.). Industrial Security. [5] Rockwell Automation. (n.d.). Digital Transformation.
- In light of the increasing integration between IT and OT networks in the manufacturing industry, finance plays a crucial role in the adoption of OT cybersecurity platforms, as nearly all manufacturers are either investing or planning to invest in these solutions.
- As cybersecurity becomes a key component of digital transformation in various industries such as Consumer Packaged Goods, Food & Beverage, Automotive, and more, technology-driven solutions like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning technologies are being adopted by a majority of cybersecurity professionals to enhance threat detection and response capabilities.
