{"id":212032,"date":"2026-05-11T10:17:00","date_gmt":"2026-05-11T14:17:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/testing.news-you-need.com\/index.php\/2026\/05\/11\/what-manufacturers-should-look-for-in-a-managed-it-provider-cbia\/"},"modified":"2026-05-11T10:25:09","modified_gmt":"2026-05-11T14:25:09","slug":"what-manufacturers-should-look-for-in-a-managed-it-provider-cbia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/testing.news-you-need.com\/index.php\/2026\/05\/11\/what-manufacturers-should-look-for-in-a-managed-it-provider-cbia\/","title":{"rendered":"What Manufacturers Should Look for in a Managed IT Provider \u00bb CBIA"},"content":{"rendered":"

What Manufacturers Should Look for in a Managed IT Provider \u00bb CBIA<\/a><\/p>\n

https:\/\/www.cbia.com\/news\/small-business\/manufacturers-managed-it-provider-cybersecurity<\/a><\/p>\n

Publish Date: 2026-05-11 10:17:00<\/a><\/p>\n

Source Domain: www.cbia.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Author: <\/a><\/p>\n

Using an unordered list, summarize the following article with between 4 and 8 key points. <\/p>\n

The following article was provided by\u00a0Whittlesey. It is reposted here with permission.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Manufacturing is now one of the top targets for cyberattacks, and this trend is picking up speed. <\/p>\n

Recent IBM X-Force data shows that in 2025, nearly 28% of all cyberattacks hit the manufacturing sector, more than any other industry.<\/p>\n

Ransomware, credential theft, and attacks on public-facing applications are the main threats. <\/p>\n

Smaller manufacturers are also being targeted more often as attackers use automation and AI to go after businesses of all sizes.<\/p>\n

At the same time, cyber insurance companies have made their requirements stricter, and compliance deadlines are now in effect for those in the defense supply chain. <\/p>\n

Cybersecurity Threats Increase<\/p>\n

The merging of IT and operational technology is also making the shop floor more vulnerable to attacks. <\/p>\n

For many operations leaders, this change has happened quickly. <\/p>\n

Cybersecurity is now a direct factor in keeping production running, maintaining customer trust, and meeting contract requirements\u2014not just an IT issue.<\/p>\n

Cybersecurity is now a direct factor in keeping production running.<\/p>\n

This means your IT provider is no longer just a vendor. <\/p>\n

They are a strategic partner whose skills directly impact your risk, insurance options, and ability to keep your operations running smoothly.<\/p>\n

So, what should manufacturers look for? Here\u2019s a practical guide.<\/p>\n

Demand Consistent Ownership\u2014Not Just a Ticket Queue<\/p>\n

Many managed service providers send support requests to a general helpdesk. <\/p>\n

This can work for simple problems, but manufacturing often involves complex interdependencies among IT systems, production equipment, and compliance requirements.<\/p>\n

Choose a provider that takes consistent technical ownership of your environment.<\/p>\n

Choose a provider that takes consistent technical ownership of your environment, either with a dedicated main engineer or a well-coordinated team that knows your systems well. <\/p>\n

This kind of continuity can greatly reduce both resolution time and risk, especially when production or compliance systems are affected.<\/p>\n

Insist on a Cohesive, Well-Managed Security Stack<\/p>\n

A common challenge for manufacturers is dealing with a mix of disconnected security tools. <\/p>\n

Whether you use one provider or several well-integrated solutions, the most important things are strong management, clear visibility, and accountability.<\/p>\n

At a minimum, manufacturers should ensure the following capabilities are in place:<\/p>\n

24\/7 managed detection and response: Continuous monitoring, threat hunting, and active containment\u2014not just alerting<\/p>\n

Advanced email security: Protection against phishing, business email compromise, and social engineering attacks<\/p>\n

Application whitelisting: Particularly valuable in environments with legacy systems or operational technology<\/p>\n

Image-based, immutable backups: With regular testing and separate protection for platforms like Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace<\/p>\n

Security awareness training: Ongoing programs with simulated phishing exercises<\/p>\n

Comprehensive RMM and patch management: Full visibility into assets, vulnerabilities, and update status<\/p>\n

These controls now match not just best practices, but also what cyber insurers and regulators expect.<\/p>\n

Look for In-House Cybersecurity Expertise<\/p>\n

There is a real difference between providers who just resell security tools and those who have cybersecurity experts on staff who can assess risk, create policies, and help with compliance.<\/p>\n

This kind of expertise is now essential as frameworks like CMMC and NIST 800-171 become contract requirements instead of just recommendations. <\/p>\n

Having access to cybersecurity experts can help with incident response planning, risk assessments, and documentation.<\/p>\n

Companies in the defense supply chain are already seeing these standards show up in bids and partner expectations.<\/p>\n

Even if you are not in a regulated industry, having access to cybersecurity experts can help with incident response planning, risk assessments, and the documentation that insurers now often require.<\/p>\n

Understand Who Is Supporting Your Environment<\/p>\n

It\u2019s important to know where your provider\u2019s staff are based and how they are employed. <\/p>\n

This affects communication, accountability, and how access to sensitive systems is handled.<\/p>\n

Many manufacturers prefer providers with full-time, U.S.-based staff, especially when compliance or sensitive data is involved. <\/p>\n

No matter the setup, it\u2019s essential to be clear about staffing and access controls.<\/p>\n

Consider Your Insurance Posture<\/p>\n

Cyber insurance now plays a big role in shaping IT security decisions for manufacturers. <\/p>\n

Insurance companies are doing detailed technical reviews and require more controls, such as multi-factor authentication, endpoint detection and response, immutable backups, incident response plans, employee training, and network segmentation.<\/p>\n

A good IT provider should not only put these controls in place, but also document and prove them.<\/p>\n

A good IT provider should not only put these controls in place, but also document and prove them in ways that meet insurer expectations. <\/p>\n

Companies with strong security often get better premiums and coverage, while those without may face exclusions or denials.<\/p>\n

Prioritize Shared Visibility<\/p>\n

In many manufacturing companies, internal IT teams work with outside providers. In these situations, it\u2019s crucial to have shared visibility.<\/p>\n

Look for platforms and processes that enable both internal staff and external partners to access key information, such as asset inventories, patch status, and security alerts. <\/p>\n

This collaborative approach helps eliminate blind spots and ensures faster, more coordinated responses when issues arise.<\/p>\n

Bottom Line<\/p>\n

Managed IT providers now do much more than just basic support for manufacturers. <\/p>\n

The right partner helps you stay insurable, meet changing compliance needs, and keep your business running strong in a complex threat environment.<\/p>\n

As cyber risks keep growing, manufacturers who align their IT strategy with operational and regulatory needs will be better able to adapt. <\/p>\n

Those who treat IT as just a reactive service may fall behind.<\/p>\n

Whittlesey Technology is a Connecticut-based managed IT and cybersecurity provider serving manufacturers and businesses throughout New England. <\/p>\n

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