Cybersecurity has moved from the server room to the boardroom, as global manufacturers face mounting digital threats. According to Rockwell Automation’s 10th annual State of Smart Manufacturing Report, 61% of cybersecurity professionals plan to adopt artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in the next 12 months to strengthen defenses against increasingly complex cyberattacks.
The study, based on insights from over 1,500 manufacturing leaders across 17 major economies, found that cybersecurity (30%) now ranks as the second-highest external risk after inflation and economic volatility (34%). With IT and operational technology (OT) systems becoming more connected, the report warns that the attack surface for manufacturers is expanding at pace.
“Cybersecurity is no longer just a technology issue — it’s a boardroom issue,” said Stephen Ford, vice president and chief information security officer at Rockwell Automation. “You can’t protect tomorrow’s enterprise with yesterday’s tools. AI is a critical part of the modern security stack, enabling manufacturers to detect threats in real time, maintain productivity, and stay ahead in an increasingly aggressive threat landscape.”
AI Adoption Accelerates Cyber Readiness
The findings highlight how manufacturers are making AI central to their cyber defense strategies:
- 61% of cybersecurity teams expect to adopt AI and ML for security within the next year, outpacing adoption in other manufacturing areas by 12 percentage points.
- 38% of manufacturers plan to use real-time data to improve cyber protection.
- 48% of security leaders identified IT/OT convergence as the most critical factor for positive business outcomes over the next five years.
- 53% of respondents from companies earning more than USD $30 billion see cybersecurity expertise as a top workforce priority.
Cybersecurity as a Business Enabler
The report stresses that manufacturers view cybersecurity not only as a protective shield but also as a business enabler. A shortage of skilled talent and rising labor costs remain challenges, but companies are prioritizing cybersecurity and analytical skills in recruitment to strengthen future resilience.
“The most forward-thinking manufacturers are proactively leveraging advanced technologies like AI to stay ahead of evolving risks.”
-Stephen Ford, vice president and chief information security officer at Rockwell Automation
About the Report
The 2025 edition of Rockwell’s State of Smart Manufacturing Report surveyed 1,560 respondents across industries including automotive, semiconductor, energy, consumer goods, and life sciences. Respondents represented companies ranging from USD $100 million to more than $30 billion in revenue.
Full report available at: www.rockwellautomation.com.
