Your Shop Floor Is Smart. Is Your Security?

From your automated CNC machines and temperature-controlled storage to smart inventory sensors and badge access systems—manufacturers today are more connected than ever. But each smart device on your network is also a potential point of vulnerability.

In industrial environments, even a small security lapse can lead to costly downtime, damaged equipment, or compromised data. That’s why having a strategic IT partner like TotalCare IT matters. We help manufacturers across Idaho secure their operational technology (OT) and IoT infrastructure—without slowing down production.

Here’s a straightforward guide to help your manufacturing team take control of IoT security.

What Is IoT (and Why It Matters in Manufacturing)?

The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to physical devices—like vibration sensors, smart cameras, connected HVAC systems, and automated conveyors—being linked to your network and the cloud. These devices gather and share data, trigger alerts, and even take action on their own.

In manufacturing, IoT enables:

• Predictive maintenance

• Real-time production monitoring

• Environmental condition tracking (e.g., humidity, temperature)

• Enhanced supply chain visibility

• Smarter quality control

But with these benefits come serious risks: exposed network access, outdated firmware, or unsecured devices can open the door to cyber threats—and those risks can grind production to a halt.

10 Ways to Reduce IoT Security Risk in Manufacturing

1. Know What’s on Your Network

Start with a walkthrough of your facility. Every floor sensor, automated gate, camera, and connected PLC (programmable logic controller) should be accounted for.

• Log the make/model of every connected device

• Document which systems or teams use each one

• Include temporary equipment like rented or mobile devices

TotalCare IT helps Idaho manufacturers build and maintain accurate OT asset inventories—so nothing flies under the radar.

2. Ditch Default Passwords

Many industrial IoT devices ship with factory-default login credentials. If you haven’t changed them, you’re inviting trouble.

• Set unique, complex passwords for each device

• Use a secure password manager accessible to your key team leads

3. Segment Your Network

You don’t want a smart scale or camera having access to your ERP system. Network segmentation is essential for manufacturing IT.

• Separate OT and IoT from office and production data

• Use VLANs or guest networks for third-party devices

• Limit cross-communication between unrelated systems

4. Keep Devices Updated

Outdated firmware is one of the most common vulnerabilities we see in Idaho's manufacturing plants.

• Check monthly for updates or patches

• Automate updates if possible (or schedule downtime for manual ones)

• Retire unsupported or legacy IoT gear

5. Monitor Device Behavior

Monitoring traffic from devices helps you catch problems early.

• Use simple tools to log unusual activity

• Flag behavior like temperature sensors pinging unknown IP addresses

• Review logs at shift change or daily briefings

TotalCare IT offers remote monitoring and alerting that works quietly in the background—so you can focus on production.

6. Create a Response Plan

What happens if a device gets compromised or starts acting erratically?

• Assign a contact for each type of device (OT vs. security vs. office)

• Define steps to isolate or power down a compromised device

• Keep spare firmware or replacement hardware ready

7. Limit Permissions

Most devices don’t need full access to your entire network or the internet.

• Disable unnecessary features (remote access, Bluetooth, USB)

• Only allow access to required systems

• Monitor ports and protocols that should be closed

8. Control New Devices

It's easy to install a new barcode scanner or load sensor without IT oversight—but it’s risky.

• Require approval before adding devices to the network

• Ask: Does it need network access? What data does it collect?

• Block or sandbox unknown devices

9. Encrypt Data In Transit and At Rest

If your IoT devices transmit data about production rates or customer shipments, it must be protected.

• Ensure encryption is enabled on the device

• Use secure storage for all captured data

• Avoid sending data across unsecured public networks

10. Reevaluate Every 6 Months

Manufacturing environments evolve—so should your security.

• Recheck devices, firmware, and passwords

• Remove unused gear from your network

• Test your response plan with tabletop exercises

Why Manufacturers Should Care

Smart sensors and connected machines are here to stay. They drive efficiency—but without proper security, they also increase your exposure. A breached badge reader or infected camera could lead to:

• Line stoppages

• Compliance violations

• Data loss or theft

• Reputational harm

Many Idaho manufacturers we support had no idea how many devices were connected—or how much risk that posed—until we helped them get organized.

Partner With an MSP That Knows Manufacturing

You don’t need to be an IoT security expert. That’s what we’re here for.

TotalCare IT supports manufacturing companies across Idaho Falls, Boise, and the surrounding areas with:

• OT and IoT device inventories

• Network segmentation and monitoring

• Secure onboarding of new smart equipment

• Ongoing patching and alerting

• Tailored response planning for critical systems

We make it simple to secure your shop floor—without slowing it down.

Let’s talk about your IoT footprint. Schedule a free, no pressure discovery call with our team today.