Nucor Corp., the largest steel producer in North America, halted operations at several facilities following a cybersecurity breach in its computer systems. The company took affected systems offline and is currently investigating the incident with the help of cybersecurity experts, while also informing federal law enforcement. Although the investigation is ongoing, Nucor is working on resuming operations at the impacted sites.
This cybersecurity breach highlights a significant trend, as the manufacturing sector has been the target of cyberattacks more than any other industry for the past four years, according to IBM’s X-Force 2025 threat report. The report underscores the vulnerabilities in manufacturing due to outdated technology that hackers exploit.
Moreover, Nucor operates multiple facilities across the U.S. and reported net sales of $7.83 billion in the first quarter. The company has faced challenges such as high inflation and reduced construction demand, akin to many U.S. manufacturers. This situation reflects broader concerns in the manufacturing sector regarding the reliability and security of operations, particularly when faced with technological vulnerabilities.
The increasing frequency of cyberattacks in the manufacturing industry necessitates a proactive approach to cybersecurity. Investing in modern, resilient systems is critical not only to protect sensitive data but also to maintain operational continuity. As manufacturing is pivotal to the economy, ensuring its cyber resilience will be essential for sustaining growth and competitiveness in the sector.