Rockwell Automation, Inc., the world leader in industrial automation and digital transformation, has unveiled findings from its 10th annual State of Smart Manufacturing Report. The report, based on insights from over 1,500 manufacturing leaders across 17 leading manufacturing nations, underscores how cybersecurity is increasingly recognized as a critical business concern. About one-third of respondents hold direct responsibilities for both information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) cybersecurity.
As manufacturers expand smart operations, the growing convergence of IT and OT systems has amplified vulnerability to cyberattacks. According to the report, organizations are now turning to artificial intelligence (AI) to manage these risks and enhance protective measures.
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“Cybersecurity has moved beyond the IT department and into the boardroom,” said Stephen Ford, Vice President and Chief Information Security Officer at Rockwell Automation. “With IT and OT increasingly interconnected, the potential attack surface is broader than ever. Our research mirrors what we see in the field: Cyber threats are now among the top challenges to manufacturing growth. Relying on outdated tools is no longer enough—AI has become essential for modern security, helping manufacturers detect threats in real time, maintain operations, and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving threat landscape.”
Key Global Cybersecurity Insights from the Report:
Cyber threats rank high among external risks: Cybersecurity concerns are cited by 30% of respondents, making it the second most pressing external risk after inflation and economic growth (34%).
AI adoption accelerates: 61% of IT and cybersecurity professionals plan to implement AI and machine learning (ML) for security within the next year, outpacing general manufacturing adoption by 12 percentage points.
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Data-driven protection rises: 38% of manufacturers intend to leverage existing data sources to enhance cybersecurity measures.
Securing IT/OT convergence is crucial: Nearly half (48%) of cybersecurity professionals identified protecting integrated IT/OT systems as key to positive outcomes over the next five years, compared to an average of 37% across industries.
Cyber readiness is a talent priority: Over 53% of respondents from companies with revenues of $30 billion or more consider cybersecurity expertise and standards as critical skills, slightly higher than the 47% of all respondents.
Workforce challenges persist: Shortages of skilled professionals, training gaps, and rising labor costs continue to hinder competitive advantage. As manufacturers hire new talent, cybersecurity and analytical capabilities are becoming central to recruitment strategies, emphasizing the link between technological innovation and workforce development.
“Cybersecurity has evolved into a strategic enabler,” added Ford. “It’s not just about defending against threats—it’s about confidently driving transformation. Leading manufacturers are proactively deploying advanced technologies like AI to stay ahead of emerging risks.”
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