Cyber Security Services For Factories

If your factory is relying on older control systems, remote access tools, and a mix of vendors, you’re not alone. Many modern plants run smoothly on the surface, while hidden cyber risks build up in the background.

We work with manufacturers who worry about exactly the same things:

• “Could ransomware shut down our production line?”
• “Are our PLCs and HMIs exposed to the internet?”
• “What happens if a contractor’s laptop brings malware onto the plant network?”

Get in contact to see how we can help protect your factory:

On this page, we walk through the key cyber security services for factories, how to roll them out without stopping production, and what to look for in a trusted partner. Our team at AGR Technology specialises in securing OT and IT environments in manufacturing so you can keep lines running, orders shipping, and compliance boxes ticked.

Here’s how we approach it.

Why Factories Are Prime Targets For Cyber Attacks

Modern factories sit right in the crosshairs of cyber criminals. They combine valuable intellectual property, 24/7 operations, and time‑poor teams who are focused on throughput, not threat hunting. That makes them attractive and, unfortunately, often under‑protected.

Convergence Of OT And IT In Industrial Environments

In the past, operational technology (OT) networks were mostly isolated. Today, almost every plant has:

• Production data flowing into ERP and MES systems
• Remote support from OEMs and integrators
• Industrial IoT devices sending data to cloud dashboards
• Wireless networks and tablets on the shop floor

This convergence of OT and IT brings efficiency, but it also:

• Expands the attack surface beyond the traditional office network
• Exposes legacy PLCs, SCADA, and HMIs that were never designed to be internet‑facing
• Blurs ownership between IT, engineering, and vendors

Our cyber security services for factories are built around this reality. We treat OT as mission‑critical, and design controls that respect safety, availability, and real‑world production constraints.

Common Attack Vectors In Manufacturing Settings

Based on real incidents across the manufacturing sector, attackers typically get in through:

• Phishing emails and compromised accounts – leading to ransomware or data theft
• Unsecured remote access – exposed RDP, VPN misconfigurations, shared accounts
• Vendor and contractor laptops – connecting straight into the plant network with outdated antivirus or no controls at all
• Flat networks – IT and OT on the same VLAN, no segmentation between lines, cells, or zones
• Legacy systems – unpatched Windows boxes, old operating systems, unsupported ICS software

When we assess a site, these are often the first areas where we find quick wins and high‑risk gaps.

Business Impact Of A Successful Factory Cyber Attack

For a factory, a cyber incident is rarely “just an IT problem”. It can:

• Stop production lines and cause missed orders
• Damage equipment if safety interlocks or setpoints are altered
• Corrupt quality data and batch records
• Expose confidential product designs and recipes
• Trigger regulatory investigations and contract penalties

Unplanned downtime can cost tens of thousands of dollars per hour for some plants. That’s why our focus at AGR Technology is on practical controls that directly reduce the risk of stoppages, safety incidents, and reputation damage.

If you’re unsure where your biggest exposure is, we can start with a targeted assessment and give you a clear, plant‑specific risk picture.

Essential Cyber Security Services Every Factory Should Have

Every site is different, but there’s a core set of cyber security services for factories that we recommend as a baseline. We tailor the depth and rollout to your plant size, maturity, and budget.

Risk Assessment And Asset Inventory For OT And IT Systems

You can’t protect what you don’t know you have.

We help you:

• Build a live inventory of OT assets (PLCs, HMIs, robots, drives, sensors, historian, SCADA, safety controllers)
• Map IT components that touch production (servers, workstations, wireless, firewalls, cloud services)
• Identify critical processes, choke points, and single points of failure
• Assess current controls against industry standards and best practice

The outcome is a prioritised risk register and a practical roadmap. No 200‑page report that gathers dust.

Network Design, Segmentation, And Secure Remote Access

Flat, “everything talks to everything” networks are one of the biggest issues we see.

Our network security services include:

• Designing or refining a segmented architecture (e.g. ISA/IEC 62443 style zones and conduits)
• Separating IT and OT networks with industrial firewalls and strict rules
• Establishing secure remote access for OEMs and service providers with logging, approvals, and time‑bound access
• Hardening wireless networks and remote connectivity used on the plant floor

We work closely with your internal IT and engineering teams so changes don’t surprise operators or vendors.

Industrial Endpoint Protection And Patch Management

Endpoints in factories look very different to office environments. You have:

• Engineering workstations
• Shared HMIs
• Maintenance laptops
• Older PCs running specific control software

We deploy industrial‑friendly endpoint protection and:

• Tune policies so they protect without blocking critical control applications
• Set up structured patch management for both IT and OT, aligned with maintenance windows
• Use compensating controls for systems that can’t be patched (whitelisting, network isolation, tighter access)

ICS, SCADA, And PLC Security Hardening

Industrial control systems require careful handling. Our team has hands‑on experience with common ICS and PLC platforms, so we:

• Review and lock down vendor default passwords and accounts
• Apply secure configuration baselines to SCADA servers, historians, and engineering stations
• Limit who can change logic, recipes, and setpoints
• Introduce version control and backup practices for PLC and HMI projects

The goal is to reduce the chance of unauthorised changes while keeping engineers productive.

Security Monitoring, SIEM, And Anomaly Detection For Production Networks

Without visibility, you’re relying on luck.

We help factories carry out:

• OT‑aware monitoring tools that understand industrial protocols (Modbus, Profinet, EtherNet/IP, etc.)
• Centralised log collection and correlation (SIEM) across IT and OT
• Anomaly detection for unusual traffic, device changes, or unexpected remote connections

We can run this as a managed detection service, or integrate with your existing SOC and tools.

Incident Response Planning And Digital Forensics For Factories

When something does go wrong, the worst time to write a plan is in the middle of the outage.

We work with you to:

• Develop a factory‑specific incident response plan
• Define who makes decisions, who communicates, and who touches which systems
• Create playbooks for common scenarios (ransomware, vendor compromise, lost laptop, suspicious PLC changes)
• Provide digital forensics support when needed to identify root cause and prevent recurrence

This reduces panic, shortens recovery time, and helps with insurer and regulatory reporting.

Security Awareness Training Tailored To Plant Personnel

People on the shop floor are often the last line of defence.

We deliver training that:

• Uses real examples from manufacturing incidents
• Focuses on practical actions: spotting phishing, handling USB drives, reporting issues early
• Respects shift patterns and different roles (operators, maintenance, supervisors, engineers)

We can run this on‑site, online, or as part of a broader change program. If you’d like to see what this looks like, we can share sample modules and case studies from other plants we’ve helped.

Rolling Out Cyber Security In Existing Plants Without Disrupting Production

A common concern we hear is: “We can’t afford downtime for a big cyber project.” We agree. Cyber security has to fit around production, not the other way around.

Here’s how we approach existing factories.

Starting With A Maturity Assessment And Roadmap

We begin with a short, focused maturity assessment covering:

• Current controls across IT and OT
• Past incidents and near misses
• Business priorities, key customers, and compliance drivers

From there we build a staged roadmap, usually over 12–24 months, that lines up security work with:

• Planned shutdowns and maintenance windows
• Capital projects and system upgrades
• Budget cycles and resource availability

You get a clear picture of “what happens first, second, and third” instead of a long wish list.

Prioritizing High‑Impact, Low‑Downtime Security Controls

We target controls that:

• Substantially cut risk (especially ransomware and remote access issues)
• Have minimal impact on daily operations
• Can be rolled out per line, cell, or site to prove value first

Examples include:

• Tightening remote access
• Introducing basic network segmentation
• Hardening backups and recovery processes
• Improving identity and access management

This approach lets you show progress to leadership and auditors without major disruption.

Integrating Cyber Security With Safety, Quality, And Maintenance Processes

In most factories, safety, quality, and maintenance are already well‑structured. We plug cyber security into those existing processes instead of building new silos.

That can mean:

• Adding security checks to Management of Change (MOC) workflows
• Including cyber risks in safety and HAZOP style reviews
• Aligning patching and system changes with planned maintenance
• Capturing security‑relevant events in existing reporting systems

This makes security part of “how we run the plant”, not an extra project.

Governance, Roles, And Responsibilities Between IT And OT Teams

Confusion between IT and OT is a frequent blocker.

We help you clarify:

• Who owns which parts of the environment
• How decisions about network changes, firewalls, and remote access are made
• Escalation paths when something unusual shows up on the plant network
• How external vendors fit into your governance model

Sometimes this is as simple as a RACI matrix and a regular joint review meeting. When everyone knows their role, progress is faster and conflict drops.

If you’d like support designing and implementing this model, AGR Technology can work with your leadership team and frontline engineers to get alignment quickly.

Working With External Cyber Security Providers

Not every factory has in‑house OT security expertise, and that’s okay. Bringing in a specialist can save time, reduce mistakes, and provide an outside view.

Key Capabilities To Look For In A Factory‑Focused Security Partner

When evaluating partners, we suggest you look for:

• Proven experience in your sector (food & bev, automotive, metals, chemicals, etc.)
• Familiarity with major ICS platforms and industrial protocols
• Ability to work safely in live plant environments
• Clear methodology for assessment, deployment, and ongoing support

Ask them to explain how they would segment your plant network or secure remote access to your PLCs. The quality of the answer will tell you a lot.

Questions To Ask Before Signing A Cyber Security Services Contract

Before you commit, clarify:

• Scope: Exactly which systems and sites are covered?
• Ownership: Who is responsible for what during and after the project?
• Response: What support is provided if there’s an incident at 2am on a Sunday?
• Reporting: What deliverables will you receive, and how often?
• Handover: How will knowledge be transferred to your internal teams?

We’re transparent on all of these points at AGR Technology so there are no surprises down the line.

Typical Engagement And Pricing Models For Manufacturing

For factories, common engagement models include:

• Fixed‑scope projects – risk assessments, segmentation design, hardening programs
• Managed services – ongoing monitoring, threat detection, and support
• Hybrid models – internal teams handle day‑to‑day tasks, with us providing expertise and oversight

Pricing depends on plant size, complexity, and service level. We’re happy to provide a clear, itemised proposal so you can see exactly what you’re paying for and the outcomes it supports.

If you’d like an indicative range or a tailored quote, reach out to AGR Technology and we’ll walk you through options that match your risk profile and budget.

Maintaining Compliance And Continuous Improvement

For many manufacturers, cyber security is now tied to customer contracts, insurance requirements, and regulations. One audit or questionnaire can quickly expose gaps.

Aligning With Industry Standards And Regulations

We help factories align with relevant frameworks such as:

• ISA/IEC 62443 for industrial control system security
• ISO 27001 for information security management
• Sector‑specific requirements from regulators and major customers
• SOC & SOC2

The aim isn’t to “pass an audit at any cost”, but to build sensible controls that satisfy auditors and genuinely reduce risk.

KPIs And Metrics To Track Factory Cyber Resilience

To show progress and justify investment, we work with clients to define practical KPIs, such as:

• Number of critical vulnerabilities unresolved beyond target time
• Percentage of OT assets covered by monitoring
• Mean time to detect and respond to incidents
• Training completion rates for plant personnel
• Backup success and tested restore frequency

These metrics help guide decisions and give executives a clear line of sight into cyber resilience.

Routine Testing: Vulnerability Scans, Pen Tests, And Red Team Exercises

Security isn’t “set and forget”. We support ongoing assurance through:

• OT‑aware vulnerability scanning tuned to avoid disrupting fragile systems
• Targeted penetration testing of remote access, perimeter, and key applications
• Tabletop exercises and red team simulations to test processes and decision‑making

Testing frequency is tailored to your risk profile, regulatory drivers, and change rate.

Building A Culture Of Security On The Shop Floor

Technology alone won’t keep a plant secure.

We help build a culture where:

• Operators feel comfortable reporting suspicious activity
• Maintenance teams follow secure practices when adding or changing equipment
• Engineers factor cyber risk into design decisions
• Leadership reinforces that security is part of quality and safety, not a separate topic

This culture change doesn’t happen overnight, but with steady communication and visible support from management, we see strong improvements over time.

AGR Technology can help design communication campaigns, quick reference guides, and practical on‑the‑floor tools that make secure behaviour the easy choice.

Conclusion

Factory environments are under growing pressure from cyber threats, regulators, and customers. At the same time, you still have production targets, safety requirements, and tight margins to meet.

Our view at AGR Technology is simple: cyber security services for factories must be practical, plant‑aware, and aligned with how you already run your operations.

We can help you:

• Understand your current OT and IT risk posture
• Prioritise cost‑effective controls that don’t disrupt production
• Put monitoring, response, and training in place so incidents are less likely and easier to handle

If you’re ready to reduce cyber risk to your plant, without shutting down lines, let’s talk. Contact AGR Technology to schedule a short discovery call, and we’ll walk through your environment, your concerns, and the best next steps for your site.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most important cyber security services for factories?

Core cyber security services for factories typically include OT/IT risk assessments and asset inventories, network segmentation and secure remote access, industrial endpoint protection and patch management, ICS/SCADA/PLC hardening, security monitoring and SIEM, incident response planning, and tailored security awareness training for plant personnel. These services are adapted to each site’s size, risk, and budget.

Why are factories prime targets for cyber attacks?

Factories combine valuable intellectual property, 24/7 operations, and tightly scheduled production, which leaves little time for detailed cyber risk management. Converged OT and IT networks, legacy systems, and remote access for vendors expand the attack surface. A successful attack can halt production, damage equipment, or expose sensitive designs and recipes.

How can we roll out cyber security services for factories without causing downtime?

The safest approach is to start with a short maturity assessment and then build a 12–24 month roadmap aligned with planned shutdowns, maintenance windows, and capital projects. Prioritize high‑impact, low‑disruption controls—such as tightening remote access and basic segmentation—and integrate security tasks into existing safety, quality, and maintenance processes.

What should I look for in a partner providing cyber security for manufacturing plants?

Choose a provider with proven manufacturing experience, familiarity with major ICS platforms and industrial protocols, and the ability to work safely in live plants. They should offer a clear methodology, references or case studies, well‑defined responsibilities, and documented support for incidents, reporting, and handover to your internal teams.

How much do cyber security services for factories typically cost and how are they priced?

Costs vary by plant size, complexity, and service level. Typical models include fixed‑scope projects (assessments, segmentation designs, hardening), ongoing managed monitoring, or hybrid arrangements. Many providers offer itemized proposals, so you can see exactly which systems are covered, expected outcomes, and how the investment aligns with your risk and compliance needs.

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