Welcome to our monthly manufacturing security newsletter, where we bring you the latest insights on safeguarding your operations and staying ahead in the industry.

Our Latest Blog...

Discover why security is the overlooked foundation of the UK’s Industrial Strategy.

Learn how integrated physical and cyber protection empowers manufacturing growth, innovation, and supply chain resilience — and what manufacturers must do to stay ahead. 

Check out our latest blog below:

Read the full blog here

In Manufacturing News...

UK Manufacturing in 2025: Innovation and Sustainability Take Centre Stage

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This article explores how UK manufacturing is entering a new era of innovation, driven by the government's Invest 2035 Industrial Strategy. Key themes include sustainability, electrification, and the development of domestic semiconductor supply chains. The Driving the Electric Revolution Industrialisation Centres (DER-IC) are highlighted for their work in recycling rare earth materials and advancing lightweight materials and thermal technologies.

For manufacturers concerned with supply chain resilience and ESG compliance, this article underscores the importance of aligning operations with national sustainability goals. It also signals opportunities for innovation in materials and energy efficiency—critical areas for security-conscious manufacturers aiming to future-proof their operations.

Find out more here.

UK Semiconductor Strategy Gains Momentum with £11.5M in New Funding

The UK’s semiconductor sector continues to grow, supported by a £1bn National Semiconductor Strategy and the creation of an independent Semiconductor Institute. Recently, Innovate UK awarded £11.5 million to 16 projects aimed at strengthening semiconductor manufacturing and supply chain resilience.

Semiconductors are vital to modern manufacturing systems, including security infrastructure. This investment signals a push toward domestic capability, reducing reliance on volatile global supply chains—a key concern for manufacturers managing both cyber and physical security risks.

Find out more here.

Recycling Rare Earth Magnets: A Breakthrough for Sustainable Manufacturing


The University of Birmingham is piloting a facility that uses Hydrogen Processing of Magnet Scrap (HPMS) to recycle rare earth magnets from end-of-life electronics. This initiative, funded by DER-IC and Innovate UK, can recover up to 100kg of commercial-grade material daily.

Rare earth materials are critical for high-tech manufacturing and security systems. This breakthrough not only supports environmental goals but also enhances supply chain security—especially relevant for manufacturers looking to reduce dependency on imports and improve operational resilience.

Read more here.
Security Tip...

Lock Down Your Legacy Systems


Many manufacturing environments still rely on legacy systems—older machines or software that were never designed with cybersecurity in mind. These systems often lack basic protections and can be easy targets for attackers.

Action:
  • Segment your network so legacy systems are isolated from internet-facing or business-critical systems.
  • Apply virtual patching or compensating controls if updates aren’t possible.
  • Monitor access logs and restrict user permissions to only what’s necessary.
Why it matters:

Legacy systems are often the weakest link in your security chain. By isolating and monitoring them, you reduce the risk of a single vulnerability compromising your entire operation.

In Security News...

£80 Billion Lost to Downtime Across UK and EU in 2025

New research by IDS-INDATA reveals that UK and EU manufacturers are projected to lose over £80 billion in 2025 due to unplanned downtime. Key contributors include ageing infrastructure, outdated operational technology (OT), and increasing cyber threats. The automotive sector alone could face up to £12 billion in losses. The report urges manufacturers to adopt predictive maintenance and digital resilience strategies to mitigate these risks.

This story highlights the direct financial impact of cyber and physical vulnerabilities in manufacturing environments. It reinforces the need for proactive security and maintenance strategies—especially for SMEs that may lack the resources of larger firms but face the same risks.

Discover more here.

Biggest Cyber Attacks on UK Businesses in 2025 (So Far)

This roundup details major cyber incidents affecting UK businesses in 2025, including attacks on Marks & Spencer, Co-op, and Mailchimp. The breaches involved AI-powered phishing, social engineering, and supply chain vulnerabilities. These attacks compromised millions of customer records and disrupted operations across sectors.

Manufacturers increasingly rely on digital supply chains and cloud-based systems. This article underscores the evolving threat landscape, particularly the rise of AI-driven attacks and the importance of securing third-party relationships—key concerns for any manufacturer managing sensitive data or just-in-time production.

Stay up to date here.
Our Next Event...

Recently, our MD, Luke Appleby, had the pleasure to be invited onto the Made to Grow podcast, hosted by Rich Dale from Flowlens.

In this episode, Luke dives into the important topic of security for small manufacturers and sheds light on how small oversights can lead to major security breaches. From leaving passwords on sticky notes to implementing practical steps to protect your business, Luke offers valuable insights that are crucial in today's digital landscape.

Watch this eye-opening discussion and learn how to safeguard your manufacturing business from potential cyber threats. Tune in now and level up your security game!

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