How Hackers Exploit IIoT Vulnerabilities in Smart Manufacturing

Written by Safous | Jun 02, 2025

Smart manufacturing has come a long way, thanks to the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). Connecting sensors, robotics, and control systems enables manufacturers to unlock real-time insights, boost efficiency, streamline operations, and more. But this connectivity comes at a cost: a significantly broader attack surface.

Many IIoT devices are built on legacy Operational Technology (OT) systems that were never meant to connect to the internet. They often lack basic security protections to keep them safe from internet exposure, which makes them easy targets for attackers.

The risk is only growing, with the global IIoT market expected to reach $263.4 billion by 2027.¹ Unfortunately, traditional IT security practices can disrupt operations in OT environments – a software update that’s routine for an office computer could bring a factory floor to a standstill. That’s why OT security demands its own specialized approach.

How Do Attackers Breach IIoT Systems?

IIoT environments combine the scale of IT with the vulnerability of OT, creating vulnerabilities unique to smart manufacturers. The most common ways attackers break in include:

Persistent Connectivity – Many IIoT devices remain online, offering a constant attack surface.
Weak or Nonexistent Encryption – Communications across IIoT systems often lack modern encryption.
Default Credentials – Many businesses still use default passwords, making it easy for attackers to gain access.
Flat Network Architecture – Without segmentation, attackers can move laterally across environments.
Vulnerable Remote Access – Remote interfaces can expose critical systems if not protected properly.
Lack of Visibility – OT networks are historically hard to monitor, and sprawling IIoT deployments make it worse.

All of these issues underscore the importance of mastering attack surface management, which helps organizations proactively protect themselves from cyber threats.

IoT vs. IIoT: Why Industrial Devices Are Uniquely Vulnerable

Not all connected devices are created equal. Consumer Internet of Things (IoT), such as smart home devices and wearables, only connect to IT networks, while IIoT devices control physical infrastructure like manufacturing equipment and power grids.

Unlike IoT, IIoT systems are designed to stay in use for decades, typically 10 to 30+ years. IIoT devices also usually can’t be patched without disrupting production, but they often control things that could endanger people or halt operations entirely if disrupted.

These characteristics make IIoT environments especially sensitive, so understanding IT-OT convergence is absolutely critical. You can’t treat OT systems like IT; they need a specialized, coordinated security approach.

Real-World Cyberattacks Targeting IIoT

Unfortunately, these risks aren’t theoretical. Here are verified examples of how attackers have exploited IIoT vulnerabilities:

Verkada Breach (2021) – Hackers gained access to 150,000 security cameras using exposed credentials.²
Valtia (2016) – DDoS attacks disabled smart heating systems in residential buildings, leaving residents in the cold.³
Stuxnet (2010) – Malware specifically targeted Iranian nuclear centrifuges via industrial control systems.⁴

There have also been several major incidents in the food industry, such as the JBS S.A. ransomware attack,⁵ which disrupted meat production globally, and the Dole Food Company breach,⁶ where operations were halted due to ransomware. Clearly, there’s an urgent need to protect IIoT systems with Industrial Secure Remote Access.

How Safous Minimizes Industrial Exposure With RPAM

Safous is purpose-built to secure remote access in complex environments like IIoT and OT. It reduces exposure across several layers to protect critical infrastructure by:

Cloaking Vulnerable Endpoints – Safous keeps unpatched or weakly encrypted devices hidden from external threats.
Enforcing Access Segmentation – Role-based policies ensure users are only given access to the specific systems or data they need.
Monitoring in Real Time – It logs and audits every privileged remote session to maintain visibility and meet compliance requirements.
Replacing Broad Remote Interfaces – Safous provides tightly controlled, secure connections via just-in-time access controls.

With Safous, you gain the control and visibility needed to secure high-risk environments – without slowing down your operations.

6 Steps to Secure Your IIoT Environment

If you’re still not sure where to start, here’s a simple framework to guide your IIoT security strategy:

Map your device inventory to identify and assess all connected assets.
Shut down open remote access by replacing legacy VPNs with least-privilege zero trust models.
Monitor all remote sessions to establish visibility through logging and auditing according to compliance standards.
Segment IT and OT networks to prevent lateral movement across your systems.
Harden device security by regularly patching firmware, disabling default settings, and applying necessary updates.
Conduct regular security assessments for a comprehensive review of your environment and attack surface.

The benefits of IIoT are real, but so are the risks. Every unsecured IIoT device is a potential attack vector, so taking a proactive approach to remote access and device security with Safous Privileged Remote Access is essential for protecting your manufacturing operations without adding complexity.

Ready to secure your IIoT infrastructure? Schedule a custom demo today, and check out our on-demand Privileged Remote Access webinar to learn more about how this technology safeguards critical infrastructure.

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