Cybercriminals Are Shifting Tactics, And Salt Lake City's Manufacturing Sector Is Now a Prime Target
Look, here’s the thing—if you think hackers are kicking in digital doors to get into your shop’s systems, think again. These days, they’re walking in through the front gate, using stolen login credentials like a punch card. And Salt Lake City’s manufacturers? They’re directly in the crosshairs.
This tactic is called an identity-based attack, and it’s now the most common method cybercriminals use to breach industrial networks. They’re not brute-forcing their way into your ERP or MES anymore. They’re tricking your team, hijacking vendor logins, or exploiting outdated security protocols. And they’re getting smarter by the week.
In fact, one major cybersecurity firm reported that 67% of critical security incidents in 2024 stemmed from compromised credentials. We’re talking about big names like MGM and Caesars getting hit—but here’s the kicker: if it can happen to them, it can absolutely happen to your 75-person CNC shop in West Valley City.
How Are Hackers Getting In?
Let’s break it down in manufacturing terms: they’re not bulldozing the warehouse walls. They’re lifting a copy of your master keycard.
Here’s how they’re doing it:
- Phishing emails disguised as job shop updates or vendor RFQs lure your team into fake login portals.
- SIM swapping lets attackers intercept 2FA texts meant for your team leads or IT guy.
- MFA fatigue attacks flood your phone with approval requests until someone hits “Allow” just to shut it up.
- Supply chain entry points are common—they target your outsourced IT provider, third-party CAD vendor, or even your call center.
In other words: the shop floor isn’t just under physical threat anymore. Your network segmentation, your MES, even your old PLCs—they’re all on the radar.
How To Protect Your Salt Lake City Manufacturing Business
Here’s the good news: you don’t need a full-blown IT department to protect yourself. A few key moves can make a big difference.
- Turn On Multifactor Authentication (MFA)
This is your double-check before the door opens. But don’t rely on text messages—go with app-based MFA (like Microsoft Authenticator) or hardware keys. These tools can keep your ERP or SCADA system safe from stolen passwords.
- Train Your Team to Spot the Bait
Your machinists, schedulers, and engineers don’t need to become IT experts. But they do need to know how to recognize phishing emails and report them fast. One wrong click on a fake shipping form or RFQ request, and you’re toast.
- Limit Permissions
Every role doesn’t need full access to your ERP or file server. Tighten things up. That way, even if someone’s credentials get snatched, the intruder hits a wall before reaching your design files or compliance documents.
- Use Strong Passwords — Or Go Passwordless
Encourage password managers or implement fingerprint readers and hardware tokens. The fewer passwords floating around, the fewer openings hackers have to exploit.
The Bottom Line
Hackers aren’t battering rams anymore. They’re pickpockets with a clipboard and a smile. And they’re after your credentials.
If you’re a Salt Lake City manufacturer dealing with legacy systems, regulatory headaches, and nonstop production deadlines, you don’t have time to babysit your IT security. That’s where we come in.
At Qual IT, we specialize in managed IT services for Salt Lake City manufacturers. We speak your language, we understand your environment, and we know how to secure both your shop floor and your file servers. We’ll make sure your systems are protected—without slowing down your throughput.
Want to know if your Salt Lake operation is vulnerable?
