Manufacturing Security Quarterly Digest

by equilibrium risk                       Winter 2025

"Keeping You Informed on the Latest in Manufacturing Security"

1. Letter from the Editor...

2. Highlights from our Manufacturing Security Insights Newsletter...

• Key Insight: UK and EU manufacturers are projected to lose over £80 billion in 2025 due to unplanned downtime, driven by ageing infrastructure and rising cyber threats.
• Cyber Threats: AI-powered phishing and supply chain breaches hit major UK brands, highlighting vulnerabilities in legacy systems.
• Security Tip: Segment and monitor legacy systems to reduce exposure.
• Industry Highlight: UK’s semiconductor strategy gains momentum with £11.5M in funding, reinforcing supply chain resilience.
• Featured Voice: Luke Appleby shares practical security advice for small manufacturers on the Made to Grow podcast.

August Edition – Is Your Supply Chain Resilience-Ready?

• Key Insight: The UK Government’s new supply chain resilience standards demand integrated physical and cyber security planning.
• Policy Update: Launch of the 10-year Modern Industrial Strategy and National Security Strategy 2025, urging manufacturers to adopt robust security practices.
• Security Tip: Vet suppliers for cyber and physical security, include clauses in contracts, and conduct regular audits.
• Regulatory Alert: Introduction of the Foreign Influence Registration Scheme (FIRS) increases compliance expectations for manufacturers with international partners.

September Edition – Is Your Factory Cyber Ready?

• Key Insight: UK manufacturers face escalating cyber threats targeting IP and operational tech. Cyber Essentials accreditation is now critical for securing contracts.
• Threat Landscape: AI-driven scams and insider risks are rising, with Pandora’s Salesforce breach serving as a cautionary tale.
• Security Tip: Review third-party access quarterly and enforce role-based, time-limited permissions.
• Industry Data: 93% of UK businesses have faced critical cyber incidents; yet many lack recovery environments or test plans.
• Free Resource: Equilibrium Risk’s online self-assessment tool helps manufacturers identify vulnerabilities across physical, cyber, and operational domains.

3. Industry News & Trends...

Defence Industrial Strategy 2025: Making Defence an Engine for Growth

Published: September 2025

Why it matters:
According to ADS’s 2025 Security & Resilience Sector Outlook, the UK security sector reached £24 billion in turnover in 2024, with exports accounting for nearly half. This growth reflects global demand for British-made security solutions and resilience expertise.

For UK manufacturers, this trend highlights the potential for international expansion and the importance of integrating export-ready security standards into their operations.

Discover more here.

Published: September 2025

Why it matters:
This review introduces a new UK Defence Innovation organisation aimed at accelerating the adoption of commercial security technologies. It underscores the government’s focus on digital resilience, supply chain security, and sovereign capabilities.

Manufacturers involved in critical infrastructure or defence-related production should take note of the evolving procurement landscape and innovation funding opportunities.

Read the full report here.

4. Featured Security Solution...

Cyber in a Day – Tailored Cyber Security Review for UK Manufacturers

Cyber in a Day is a focused, hands-on cyber security review designed specifically for small UK manufacturing businesses. Delivered by Equilibrium Risk, this one-day on-site service helps manufacturers assess and strengthen their cyber resilience across five key control areas: firewalls, secure configuration, access control, malware protection, and patching.

Within five working days, clients receive a tailored report outlining vulnerabilities and priority actions—ideal for meeting insurance, regulatory, and operational requirements. The service is built for annual repetition and includes optional guidance toward Cyber Essentials certification.

Why it matters:
Cyber threats are evolving rapidly, and manufacturing SMEs are increasingly targeted. This solution empowers business owners to take ownership of their cyber security posture with practical, cost-effective support.

5. Expert Insights

Gain strategic perspective from industry experts—exploring the trends, risks, and innovations shaping the future of manufacturing security.

Cybersecurity in Smart Manufacturing: Managing Risk in Industry 4.0
As UK manufacturers embrace automation, IoT, and AI under the Industrial Strategy, cyber-physical risks are escalating. From ransomware targeting production systems to IP theft via compromised sensors, the threat landscape is evolving. Manufacturers must adopt layered security strategies—segmented networks, access controls, and proactive monitoring—to protect innovation and ensure continuity.

Why it matters:
Digital transformation brings efficiency but also vulnerability. Equilibrium Risk’s “Cyber in a Day” service and quarterly “Security in Focus” meetings help SMEs stay ahead of threats while meeting compliance and insurance requirements.

Supply Chain Resilience: The New Benchmark for Security Readiness
The UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy places heavy emphasis on “securonomics”—resilient, secure supply chains. Manufacturers are now expected to vet suppliers, monitor third-party access, and demonstrate continuity planning. With the launch of the National Supply Chain Centre, scrutiny will increase, especially for firms bidding on government or defence contracts.

Why it matters:
A single weak link can disrupt operations and damage reputation. Equilibrium Risk’s outsourced security management and supplier audits help manufacturers meet evolving expectations and reduce risk across the supply chain.

Security Culture as a Competitive Advantage
Security isn’t just about systems—it’s about people. Manufacturers with engaged, security-aware teams experience fewer incidents and smoother audits. Equilibrium Risk’s quarterly workshops and tailored training foster a proactive culture, turning employees into security champions.

Why it matters:
In a high-tech, high-stakes environment, culture drives resilience. Companies that embed security into their operations gain trust, reduce downtime, and often outperform competitors in compliance and client confidence.

6. Upcoming Events & Webinars

We’re thrilled to launch Security in Focus Live, our new webinar series designed to empower UK manufacturers with strategic, actionable security insights.

This isn’t just another webinar—it’s a quarterly opportunity to rethink how security supports your business growth.

Each session dives deep into the evolving threat landscape, regulatory shifts, and real-world case studies that show how manufacturers are turning security into a competitive advantage.

Attendees will walk away with practical tools, expert guidance, and a clearer understanding of how to align security with business objectives—from Cyber Essentials and supply chain risk management to building a resilient security culture.

Whether you're navigating compliance, protecting IP, or preparing for the unexpected, Security in Focus Live is your go-to resource for staying ahead.

👉 Register Now and join a community of forward-thinking manufacturers who see security not as a cost, but as a catalyst for growth.

7. Success Stories

8. Useful Resources

Here, we have curated a selection of valuable security resources that we believe will be beneficial to you.

We provide them here to you FREE to help you make a more informed decision and build a more resilient manufacturing sector.

Download them by clicking on the image.

If there are any others topics you would like us to cover, let us know and we'll get on it!

9. Contact Us...