What Manufacturers Should Look for in a Managed IT Provider

The following article was provided by Whittlesey. It is reposted here with permission. 

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Manufacturing is now one of the top targets for cyberattacks, and this trend is picking up speed.

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

Ransomware, credential theft, and attacks on public-facing applications are the main threats.

Smaller manufacturers are also being targeted more often as attackers use automation and AI to go after businesses of all sizes.

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.

Cybersecurity Threats Increase

The merging of IT and operational technology is also making the shop floor more vulnerable to attacks.

For many operations leaders, this change has happened quickly.

Cybersecurity is now a direct factor in keeping production running, maintaining customer trust, and meeting contract requirements—not just an IT issue.

Cybersecurity is now a direct factor in keeping production running.

This means your IT provider is no longer just a vendor.

They are a strategic partner whose skills directly impact your risk, insurance options, and ability to keep your operations running smoothly.

So, what should manufacturers look for? Here’s a practical guide.

Demand Consistent Ownership—Not Just a Ticket Queue

Many managed service providers send support requests to a general helpdesk.

This can work for simple problems, but manufacturing often involves complex interdependencies among IT systems, production equipment, and compliance requirements.

Choose a provider that takes consistent technical ownership of your environment.

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.

This kind of continuity can greatly reduce both resolution time and risk, especially when production or compliance systems are affected.

Insist on a Cohesive, Well-Managed Security Stack

A common challenge for manufacturers is dealing with a mix of disconnected security tools.

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

At a minimum, manufacturers should ensure the following capabilities are in place:

• 24/7 managed detection and response: Continuous monitoring, threat hunting, and active containment—not just alerting
• Advanced email security: Protection against phishing, business email compromise, and social engineering attacks
• Application whitelisting: Particularly valuable in environments with legacy systems or operational technology
• Image-based, immutable backups: With regular testing and separate protection for platforms like Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace
• Security awareness training: Ongoing programs with simulated phishing exercises
• Comprehensive RMM and patch management: Full visibility into assets, vulnerabilities, and update status

These controls now match not just best practices, but also what cyber insurers and regulators expect.

Look for In-House Cybersecurity Expertise

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.

This kind of expertise is now essential as frameworks like CMMC and NIST 800-171 become contract requirements instead of just recommendations.

Having access to cybersecurity experts can help with incident response planning, risk assessments, and documentation.

Companies in the defense supply chain are already seeing these standards show up in bids and partner expectations.

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.

Understand Who Is Supporting Your Environment

It’s important to know where your provider’s staff are based and how they are employed.

This affects communication, accountability, and how access to sensitive systems is handled.

Many manufacturers prefer providers with full-time, U.S.-based staff, especially when compliance or sensitive data is involved.

No matter the setup, it’s essential to be clear about staffing and access controls.

Consider Your Insurance Posture

Cyber insurance now plays a big role in shaping IT security decisions for manufacturers.

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.

A good IT provider should not only put these controls in place, but also document and prove them.

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

Companies with strong security often get better premiums and coverage, while those without may face exclusions or denials.

Prioritize Shared Visibility

In many manufacturing companies, internal IT teams work with outside providers. In these situations, it’s crucial to have shared visibility.

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.

This collaborative approach helps eliminate blind spots and ensures faster, more coordinated responses when issues arise.

Bottom Line

Managed IT providers now do much more than just basic support for manufacturers.

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

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

Those who treat IT as just a reactive service may fall behind.

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Whittlesey Technology is a Connecticut-based managed IT and cybersecurity provider serving manufacturers and businesses throughout New England.