How Should Manufacturers Secure ERP, Shop-Floor Systems, and Remote Access?
Manufacturers should secure ERP, shop-floor systems, and remote access by starting with identity: MFA on every account, conditional access, tightly controlled admin rights, and a documented review of every vendor account. Backed by device management and tested backups, those controls close the gaps attackers most often use to reach production systems.
The Manufacturing Security Framework
- Identity security: MFA and conditional access for every user, including shared and service accounts where possible.
- Device management: Know every laptop, workstation, and shop-floor device, and keep them patched.
- Email protection: Filtering and user training reduce the phishing behind most ransomware and email compromise for manufacturers.
- Secure remote access: Replace open remote desktop connections with controlled, logged access.
- Backup and recovery: Protect ERP data and production files with backup and disaster recovery for manufacturers that is tested, not assumed.
- Vendor access review: Document every vendor account and remove access that is no longer needed.
Why ERP and Shop-Floor Access Create Risk
Manufacturers often rely on legacy systems, vendor remote access, shared workstations, and business-critical applications that need stronger access controls. When one of these systems is compromised, the impact reaches production, shipping, and customers, not just the office.
What to Review First
- MFA
- Conditional access
- Admin permissions
- Remote access
- Backup coverage
- Vendor accounts
Many of these are also the cyber insurance controls for manufacturers carriers ask about at renewal, so fixing them helps on both fronts.
Plain-English Takeaway
If systems keep production moving, access to those systems needs to be secured, documented, and reviewed. If you work with an MSP, these controls belong on your list of questions manufacturers should ask before hiring an MSP.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the first step in securing ERP access?
Turn on MFA for every ERP user and admin account, then review who has access and remove accounts that are no longer needed.
How should manufacturers handle vendor remote access?
Give vendors individual accounts, require MFA, limit access to the systems they support, log sessions, and remove access when the work is done.
Can legacy shop-floor systems be secured?
Often, yes. When a system cannot be updated, it can usually be isolated on the network, restricted to specific users, and monitored more closely.
What is conditional access?
Conditional access sets rules for when and how users can sign in, such as requiring a managed device or blocking sign-ins from unexpected locations.
Identify Manufacturing Security Gaps
Review access to your ERP, shop-floor systems, and remote connections, and see which gaps to close first.
