How to Make Your Manufacturing Company Meet NIST Cybersecurity Standards
Learn how to align your manufacturing company with NIST cybersecurity standards for enhanced protection and compliance.
Reviewed by Jeff Harms
Director, Advisory Services at OCD tech
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Updated July, 24
What is NIST
What is NIST Cybersecurity Standards for Manufacturing Company
NIST Cybersecurity Standards for Manufacturing Companies
Manufacturing companies face unique cybersecurity challenges as they integrate operational technology (OT) with information technology (IT). NIST provides specialized frameworks and publications to help manufacturing organizations protect both their intellectual property and industrial control systems.
Key NIST Resources for Manufacturing
- NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) - A flexible, risk-based approach organized around five functions: Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, and Recover. Particularly useful for manufacturers who need to balance security with operational requirements.
- NIST Special Publication 800-82 - Guide to Industrial Control Systems Security, specifically addressing the protection of manufacturing equipment, assembly lines, and control systems.
- NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) - Provides cybersecurity assessment tools designed specifically for small and medium-sized manufacturers.
- NIST Internal Report 8183 - Cybersecurity Framework Manufacturing Profile, which translates the CSF into manufacturing-specific language and contexts.
Why These Standards Matter for Manufacturing
- Protection of manufacturing processes - Safeguards against disruptions to production lines that could cause significant financial losses or safety incidents.
- Supply chain security - Helps ensure that your manufacturing operations don't become a vulnerability for your customers or partners.
- Intellectual property protection - Secures valuable manufacturing designs, processes, and formulations from theft.
- Compliance readiness - Positions manufacturers to meet requirements from customers, especially government contractors who must adhere to standards like CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification).
Manufacturing-Specific Applications
- Industrial Control Systems (ICS) protection - NIST guidance helps secure programmable logic controllers (PLCs), SCADA systems, and other manufacturing-specific technologies.
- IT/OT convergence security - Addresses the unique challenges when connecting traditionally isolated factory floor systems to enterprise networks.
- Digital manufacturing security - Provides controls for protecting additive manufacturing (3D printing), digital twins, and smart manufacturing initiatives.
- Legacy equipment protection - Offers strategies for securing older manufacturing equipment that wasn't designed with cybersecurity in mind.
Manufacturing organizations should begin with the NIST CSF Manufacturing Profile as it provides the most accessible entry point to implementing robust cybersecurity practices tailored to manufacturing environments without requiring deep technical expertise.
NIST Cybersecurity Standards Main Criteria for Manufacturing Company
Explore NIST Cybersecurity Standards for manufacturing companies, focusing on key criteria to enhance industrial security and protect critical assets effectively.
Identify Manufacturing-Specific Assets and Operational Technology (OT)
- Inventory industrial control systems (ICS) including programmable logic controllers (PLCs), human-machine interfaces (HMIs), and SCADA systems that control your manufacturing processes
- Document OT/IT convergence points where manufacturing systems connect to business networks, as these create unique security challenges per NIST SP 800-82
- Map critical manufacturing processes to determine which systems, if compromised, would cause production stoppage or safety incidents
- Identify legacy equipment that cannot be patched or updated but remains essential to operations
Implement Industrial Network Segmentation
- Create separate network zones for manufacturing floors, enterprise systems, and external connections following NIST SP 800-82 guidance
- Deploy industrial firewalls and demilitarized zones (DMZs) between manufacturing networks and enterprise IT networks
- Establish unidirectional gateways where possible to prevent attacks from moving from IT into OT environments
- Implement data diodes for highest-risk connections where data should only flow one way
Develop OT-Specific Access Controls
- Create role-based access controls specific to manufacturing roles (operators, maintenance, engineers) following NIST SP 800-53 principles
- Implement physical access restrictions to control cabinets, HMIs, and other industrial equipment
- Establish separate authentication systems for OT networks when possible
- Document emergency access procedures that balance security with safety requirements during critical situations
Establish Manufacturing-Specific Incident Response
- Create OT-specific incident response plans that prioritize safety and production continuity
- Develop backup procedures for critical manufacturing system configurations and control logic
- Train cross-functional teams including operations, maintenance, and IT staff on responding to manufacturing cybersecurity incidents
- Establish recovery time objectives (RTOs) for critical manufacturing systems based on production impact analysis
Implement Supply Chain Risk Management
- Assess cybersecurity risks in manufacturing components, raw materials, and finished goods supply chains per NIST SP 800-161
- Develop security requirements for vendors providing industrial automation equipment or services
- Create validation processes for firmware and software updates before deploying to production systems
- Establish contractual cybersecurity requirements for equipment vendors and system integrators
Perform Manufacturing-Specific Risk Assessment
- Conduct risk assessments that consider both cybersecurity and safety impacts following NIST CSF Manufacturing Profile
- Evaluate potential product quality impacts from cybersecurity incidents
- Assess intellectual property protection for manufacturing processes, formulas, and product designs
- Document regulatory compliance requirements specific to your manufacturing sector (e.g., FDA for medical devices, ITAR for defense)
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Challenges Manufacturing Company Face When Meeting NIST Cybersecurity Standards
Explore key challenges manufacturing companies face meeting NIST cybersecurity standards, including compliance, risk management, and protecting critical industrial systems.
Legacy Operational Technology Integration
- Manufacturing environments often contain older operational technology (OT) systems that were designed without security in mind and cannot be easily updated
- These systems may lack basic security capabilities required by NIST frameworks, such as authentication, encryption, or patch management
- The extended lifecycle of manufacturing equipment (often 15-30 years) creates significant challenges for implementing NIST CSF controls that assume regular technology refresh cycles
- Air-gapping is no longer a sufficient security measure as manufacturing systems become more connected to business networks
Production Availability Requirements
- Manufacturing environments typically require 24/7 uptime, making it difficult to implement security patches, updates, or configuration changes
- Security testing activities recommended by NIST (such as vulnerability scanning or penetration testing) can disrupt sensitive industrial control systems
- NIST security controls that require system reboots or downtime must be carefully scheduled around production demands, often creating security implementation backlogs
- The business impact of production disruptions often outweighs perceived security benefits, creating resistance to implementing comprehensive NIST controls
Complex Supply Chain Security
- Manufacturing companies must manage extensive supply chains with numerous vendors, suppliers, and partners who need various levels of system access
- NIST requirements for third-party risk management are particularly challenging given the number of vendors involved in manufacturing processes
- Ensuring consistent security practices across suppliers is difficult, especially with international partners who may operate under different regulatory frameworks
- Manufacturing companies often struggle to implement NIST's identity and access management controls across complex networks of internal systems, external partners, and IoT devices
Safety-Security Balance
- Manufacturing environments must maintain a delicate balance between safety and security requirements, which sometimes conflict
- Safety-critical systems often cannot implement security controls that might interfere with their primary function, creating exceptions that must be carefully documented and managed
- NIST frameworks require risk-based approaches that manufacturing companies struggle to apply when safety considerations must always take precedence
- Security controls like multi-factor authentication or complex password policies can complicate emergency response in manufacturing environments where immediate system access may be needed
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Guide
How to Make Your Manufacturing Company Meet NIST Cybersecurity Standards
How to Make Your Manufacturing Company Meet NIST Cybersecurity Standards
Manufacturing companies face unique cybersecurity challenges due to their operational technology (OT) environments, industrial control systems (ICS), and increasingly connected supply chains. This guide will help manufacturing leaders implement NIST cybersecurity standards in their specific operational context.
Understanding NIST Cybersecurity Standards for Manufacturing
- NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) - The foundation for manufacturing cybersecurity with five core functions: Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, and Recover
- NIST Special Publication 800-82 - Specific guidance for Industrial Control Systems (ICS) security that addresses manufacturing environments
- NIST Special Publication 800-171 - Critical if your manufacturing company handles Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) as part of government contracts
- NIST MEP Cybersecurity Self-Assessment Handbook - Tailored specifically for small and medium-sized manufacturers
Step 1: Identify Manufacturing-Specific Assets and Risks
- Create an inventory of all operational technology (OT) including programmable logic controllers (PLCs), human-machine interfaces (HMIs), and SCADA systems
- Document connections between IT and OT networks - these convergence points represent significant risk areas unique to manufacturing
- Identify legacy equipment with limited security capabilities that may still be essential to manufacturing operations
- Map supply chain dependencies including raw material suppliers, component providers, and distribution partners
- Classify intellectual property assets such as product designs, formulations, and manufacturing processes that require protection
Step 2: Establish a Manufacturing-Specific Cybersecurity Baseline
- Conduct a NIST CSF assessment focusing on the unique aspects of your manufacturing environment
- Implement network segmentation between IT and OT systems to prevent compromises from crossing between environments
- Establish secure remote access protocols for vendors and maintenance staff who need to access manufacturing systems
- Create backup and recovery procedures that account for both digital systems and physical manufacturing configurations
- Implement physical security controls for manufacturing floors and equipment rooms containing critical OT assets
Step 3: Protect Manufacturing Systems and Data
- Deploy industrial firewalls and security gateways designed specifically for OT/ICS environments
- Implement secure configurations for PLCs and industrial controllers following vendor hardening guidelines
- Establish change management procedures for manufacturing system updates that balance security with operational requirements
- Create secure data transfer methods for exchanging designs, specifications, and production data with suppliers and customers
- Implement access controls specific to machine operators that limit capabilities to only what's needed for production roles
Step 4: Detect Manufacturing-Specific Security Events
- Deploy industrial network monitoring tools that understand manufacturing protocols like Modbus, DNP3, and EtherNet/IP
- Establish baselines for normal manufacturing operations to detect anomalies in production systems
- Implement physical monitoring systems that can detect tampering with manufacturing equipment
- Create alerts for unexpected changes to PLC programming or industrial control system configurations
- Monitor for quality control deviations that might indicate cybersecurity compromises affecting manufacturing processes
Step 5: Respond to Manufacturing Security Incidents
- Develop manufacturing-specific incident response plans that consider both cybersecurity and operational safety
- Train plant floor personnel to recognize and report potential security incidents
- Create containment procedures that minimize production disruptions while addressing security threats
- Establish coordination between IT and OT teams during incident response activities
- Implement backup production capabilities where possible to maintain operations during security events
Step 6: Recover Manufacturing Operations
- Develop recovery procedures for industrial control systems that restore proper and safe operation
- Maintain verified backups of PLC programming and HMI configurations
- Create procedures to validate product integrity after cybersecurity incidents
- Establish alternate production methods for critical manufacturing processes during system recovery
- Document lessons learned specific to manufacturing operations to improve future resilience
Step 7: Address Manufacturing Supply Chain Security
- Implement supplier security requirements that align with NIST standards
- Conduct security assessments of critical manufacturing suppliers
- Establish secure methods for sharing production data with suppliers and customers
- Create contingency plans for supply chain disruptions due to cybersecurity incidents
- Verify the integrity of industrial components and software before installation in manufacturing systems
Step 8: Document and Test Your Manufacturing Security Program
- Create manufacturing-specific security policies and procedures that align with NIST guidance
- Conduct tabletop exercises that simulate cyber attacks on production systems
- Perform regular security assessments of both IT and OT environments
- Document compliance with industry-specific regulations that may apply to your manufacturing sector
- Maintain evidence of security controls for audits and assessments
Addressing Common Manufacturing Security Challenges
- Legacy Systems: Implement compensating controls like network segmentation and monitoring for manufacturing equipment that cannot be updated
- Operational Downtime Concerns: Develop testing procedures that minimize production impacts when implementing security controls
- Vendor Access: Create secure remote access methods for equipment vendors that limit capabilities and monitor activities
- IT/OT Integration: Establish clear security boundaries between information technology and operational technology networks
- Skills Gap: Provide manufacturing-specific cybersecurity training for operations personnel
Resources for Manufacturing Cybersecurity
- NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) - Offers cybersecurity resources tailored to manufacturers
- NIST's Cybersecurity for Manufacturing (CSAM) Resources - Manufacturing-specific implementation guides
- Manufacturing Leadership Council - Industry group with manufacturing cybersecurity resources
- ICS-CERT Advisories - Industrial Control System security alerts relevant to manufacturers
- CISA Manufacturing Resources - Guidance specific to manufacturing cybersecurity
Next Steps for Your Manufacturing Company
- Begin with a manufacturing-specific cybersecurity assessment against NIST CSF
- Focus first on protecting critical production systems that would cause the most operational impact if compromised
- Develop a roadmap for addressing gaps that balances security improvements with operational needs
- Engage both IT and OT stakeholders in cybersecurity planning
- Consider third-party expertise in industrial control system security if internal resources are limited
By following these manufacturing-specific steps to implement NIST cybersecurity standards, your company can protect both information technology and operational technology environments while maintaining production efficiency and meeting compliance requirements.
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Frequently asked questions
OCD Tech offers a comprehensive suite of cybersecurity and IT assurance services, including SOC 2/3 and SOC for Cybersecurity reporting, IT vulnerability and penetration testing, privileged access management, social engineering assessments, virtual CISO (vCISO) support, IT general controls audits, WISP development, and compliance assistance for frameworks like CMMC, DFARS, and FTC Safeguards.
OCD Tech specializes in serving highly regulated sectors such as financial services, government, higher education, auto dealerships, enterprise organizations, and not-for-profits throughout New England.
Typically, OCD Tech’s on-site work spans 1–2 days, depending on complexity and number of sites, followed by 1–2 weeks of analysis and reporting to deliver clear, actionable recommendations.
SOC 2 reporting demonstrates to clients and prospects that an organization follows best-in-class controls over security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy—boosting trust, meeting RFP/due diligence requirements, and helping secure contracts. OCD Tech helps organizations achieve and maintain this compliance.
Yes—OCD Tech provides guidance for compliance with DFARS (NIST 800‑171), CMMC (Levels 1–3), and FTC Safeguards, ensuring organizations meet specific government or industry-based cybersecurity mandates.
A virtual CISO delivers strategic, executive-level cybersecurity leadership as a service. OCD Tech’s vCISO service is ideal for organizations lacking a full-time CISO and helps build programs, define policy, oversee risk, and guide security maturity.
Absolutely. OCD Tech provides tailored internal IT Audit training and security awareness sessions, plus annual reviews of Written Information Security Programs (WISP), such as Massachusetts 201 CMR 17 and other state or industry-specific controls.
