Summary:
At our MSP, we work closely with manufacturers across Central Illinois and Indiana—from Danville to Indianapolis. And one thing we’ve learned is this: you wouldn’t leave your forklift running in the parking lot overnight. So why are so many manufacturers leaving the digital back door wide open?
Cybersecurity isn’t just for tech startups or Wall Street firms. It’s for folks like you—running CNC machines, moving product on the dock, and trying to keep the line from going down when the network hiccups. Whether you’re stamping parts in Terre Haute or packaging food in Champaign, the threat is real, and the cost of getting it wrong is brutal.
Here’s what a good cybersecurity setup looks like for a Midwest manufacturer—plain and simple, no fluff.
Good cybersecurity doesn’t just sit on a server somewhere. It walks the line. It understands shift changes, production cycles, and that a 2 a.m. SCADA alert is just as critical as a broken conveyor.
Ask yourself: Does your provider know what a PLC is? Have they been on your floor? If not, they’re guessing—and guessing in cybersecurity is how bad days start.
You need protection that’s built for your reality:
Ransomware doesn’t punch a clock. The best defenses don’t either. You need:
And those backups? Test ’em. Regularly. A dusty backup is about as useful as a fire extinguisher with no pressure.
If you’re in food, pharma, or automotive, you’re swimming in compliance: FDA, NIST, ISO, and a dozen other acronyms. A good cybersecurity partner makes this easier, not harder.
Look for someone who:
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Your team knows how to run a press or mix a batch. But do they know not to click that suspicious email? Phishing is still the #1 way attackers get in. You need real-world security awareness training:
When something breaks, you need a name and a number—not a chatbot. Local support matters. Somebody who understands that “production’s down” isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a five-alarm fire.
The best partners:
Disaster recovery isn’t about if—it’s about when. Whether it’s a cyberattack, a fire, or just a clumsy forklift wiping out a switch, you need to know:
If you don’t know those answers cold, it’s time to write them down.
Outdated systems are the easiest way in for hackers. But patching can be a pain, especially if it takes a machine offline. Smart cybersecurity means:
Your executive team wants results, not buzzwords. A good cybersecurity provider gives you:
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Since 1991, CTS Computers has been a leading provider of IT support and consulting, focusing on small and medium sized businesses in central Illinois and Indiana. We have helped hundreds of businesses increase productivity and profitability by making IT a streamlined part of operations. We equip our clients with customized technology solutions for greater operational value and to reduce risk.
