MiMfg Magazine July 2021 | Page 9

Solutions for Success

July 2021 MiMfg Magazine 9

Cyber Threats Are More Prominent than Ever : Are You Protected ?

All one has to do is glance at the headlines these days to learn about the latest cyber security attack . Cyber security has become a major concern not just for large corporations that handle macro amounts of consumer data , like banks and health care providers , but for manufacturers as well .
“ Cyber attackers really don ’ t care what you do , how long you ’ ve been in business , how big you are , how small you are or even what kind of data you have . They ’ re just looking to exploit companies and they get paid for it ,” says Katie Saglimbene , Director of Marketing for Application Specialist Kompany ( ASK ). ASK is a Michigan-based company that provides managed IT services , cyber security , data backup and recovery , and a whole host of other technology solutions .
Hackers will target any company they see as having vulnerabilities — whether that ’ s a company handling millions of personal records , or a small manufacturer that plays an important role in the supply chain . If anything , hackers will view the smaller businesses as less secure thus being low-hanging fruit . And with companies relying more and more on technology , that creates more opportunities for potential threats .
“ Recent ransomware attacks have really brought to light that anybody can be a target ,” says Saglimbene .
Data integrity and security issues can also arise within the supply chain . For example , any manufacturer doing business with the Department of Defense will soon be required to have Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification ( CMMC ), and it is a requirement on some contracts currently . Having that certification has been a differentiator for ASK , says Saglimbene .
At times , companies may be unaware they ’ re even producing work for the DOD because they represent one link in a vast supply chain .
“ There are definitely instances when a mom and pop manufacturing business will have an agreement with another company that has an agreement with the DOD ,” says Saglimbene . “ And that middle company may have regulations . It ’ s going to be a chain reaction where there has to be some level of data security involved with that .”
As manufacturing companies and their technologies have evolved , so has ASK . With more businesses adopting Industry 4.0 concepts — such as automation , robotics , data collection and analysis — the technology platforms are becoming more sophisticated and thus require more security and support . It is important for manufacturers to have a good handle on each of the “ Three Pillars ” of technology services — IT management , cyber security and data backup and recovery . If one area becomes unstable , that will affect the other two which could impact everything from processes to production , according to Saglimbene .
ASK supports manufacturers with IT managed services , data management and backup and cyber security .
Learn more about MMA ’ s Cyber Threat Protection , powered by ASK , at mimfg . org . MMA members save an exclusive 10 % off standard pricing on all ASK solutions , including :
• Live Security Monitoring
• Detect and Response
• Threat Intelligence
• Security Risk Assessments
• Targeted Phishing Campaigns
• Password Audits
Living in this technology-driven information age is a fact of life for everybody , especially businesses who have assets to protect . Taking steps to protect those assets from threats such as cyber attacks has become a critical piece for businesses in a variety of sectors and sizes .
“ Think of cyber security as insurance ,” says Saglimbene . “ If you want to drive a car , you need insurance . And if you want to run a business , you need to have some level of protection around your company ’ s data and technology infrastructure because it could go away just like that .”

Learn more about MMA ’ s Cyber Threat Protection , powered by ASK , at mimfg . org or contact MMA ’ s Brenda Nalett at 517- 487-8512 or nalett @ mimfg . org . 6