Here’s five cyber security questions every manufacturer in Yorkshire should be asking.
As Yorkshire businesses adopt connected technology, cyber security can no longer be treated as just an IT issue. An incident can stop production, delay orders and disrupt supply chains. Asking the right questions can protect your people, operations and growth.
So, if it’s made in Yorkshire, here’s how you can make it smarter. Start by asking yourself these five questions and then access the fully-funded help available to protect your business.
1. Do you know what your biggest cyber risks are?
Identify the systems, data and equipment your business relies on most. Consider the impact if production software, machinery, customer records or supplier systems became unavailable.
2. Are your people prepared to spot a cyber threat?
Cyber security does not have to begin with expensive technology. It often starts with people. Regular, practical training can give employees the confidence to recognise suspicious emails, use stronger passwords, report concerns and follow safer working practices. Everyone should understand the part they play.
3. How secure are your connected systems and supply chain?
Digital connections between factories, suppliers and customers can create new opportunities for attackers. Review who can access your systems, how suppliers handle your data and whether connected equipment is protected and kept up to date.
4. Could your business keep operating after an attack?
A clear response plan can limit damage and speed up recovery. Decide who would lead, how you would communicate and which services must be restored first. Regularly test that vital information can be recovered.
5. What recognised standard should you work towards?
Cyber Essentials, Cyber Essentials Plus and ISO 27001 provide a structured way to strengthen security and build customer and supplier trust. The right starting point depends on your capability, risks and ambitions.
Helping Yorkshire manufacturers tackle cyber threats
These questions sit at the heart of a new £400,000 Government-funded cyber security pilot delivered by Made Smarter Yorkshire with Sheffield Hallam University. The fully funded programme will help SME manufacturers build their cyber capability, from basic awareness through Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus to support towards ISO 27001 certification. The pilot aims to create Cyber Security Champions inside Yorkshire businesses, giving employees the skills and confidence to spot threats, encourage safer working practices and build stronger cyber defences.
Cyber attacks are no longer something manufacturers can afford to think will happen to somebody else. Digital technology is creating huge opportunities, but the more connected a business becomes, the more important it is that cyber security develops alongside it. This isn't simply an IT problem. An attack can stop production, delay orders, increase costs and disrupt customers and suppliers. For smaller manufacturers, one of the biggest challenges can simply be knowing where to start.
Jessica Armitage, Programme Manager for Made Smarter Yorkshire
She added: “That's why we've made this support fully funded and accessible to businesses at different stages of their journey. We want to help manufacturers take that first step, develop people who can champion cyber security within their business, and provide a pathway to keep strengthening their resilience.”