AI Advancements in Manufacturing 4.0 Increase Pressure to Safeguard Critical Infrastructure through Identity and Access Management
Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly integrated into Manufacturing 4.0, with many leaders citing it as a useful tool to sharpen their edge and keep up with growing operational demands. Yet, as with many other emerging technologies, it also introduces risk—especially in critical infrastructure.
“Navigating this digital shift requires balancing productivity targets with critical security,” said Imprivata Chief Technology Officer Joel Burleson-Davis, in a recent article featured on Advanced Manufacturing.org.
Every new AI system, IoT device, and digital integration widens the attack surface. In manufacturing environments where uptime, safety, and intellectual property are mission-critical, the consequences of a cyberattack go far beyond data loss. A breach can disrupt supply chains, halt production, and even threaten public safety.
AI relies on vast, interconnected ecosystems to thrive, but with that connectivity comes vulnerability and increased risk of a third party data breach. Credential-based attacks remain the most common entry point in manufacturing, and as more employees, third party contractors, and vendors gain access to the network, including AI-driven systems, identity compromise becomes a top concern. Attackers need only to exploit weak credentials to move laterally across critical systems, creating heighted risk.
Compounding the challenge is supply chain complexity. Tariff pressures, shifting trade policies, and competitive demands are driving manufacturers to onboard new suppliers and vendors at unprecedented speed. Each integration introduces new risks, especially when security vetting is rushed or incomplete. For organizations in critical infrastructure sectors, these weak links are particularly dangerous, creating pathways for adversaries to disrupt essential services.
“As manufacturers integrate modern digital technologies, such as the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and automation, alongside an increase in shared workstations and mobile devices, the real challenge is providing simple, secure access to critical systems efficiently and at scale,” said Burleson-Davis.
To ensure and maintain organizational security, the foundation of secure digital transformation in manufacturing hinges on identity and access management (IAM).
By controlling who has access to what, IAM ensures that security and productivity can coexist. As noted by Burleson-Davis, “While this transformation will dramatically increase operational efficiencies, it will also greatly expand digital estates—creating vast attack surfaces and countless entry points for data breaches.”
For critical infrastructure, IAM must be more than a checkbox. Role-based access controls are essential to prevent unauthorized access, overprivileged accounts, ensuring users, whether on the factory floor or in remote offices, only reach the systems required for their jobs. Multifactor authentication (MFA) should be enforced across the workforce, including contractors, to protect against stolen credentials. Continuous monitoring and audit trails are necessary for compliance and for rapid response when suspicious activity arises.
Equally important is third-party oversight. With 48% of organizations reporting third-party remote access as a leading attack vector, according to Imprivata research, manufacturers must adopt granular, temporary, and auditable permissions for vendors. These measures reduce supply chain exposure while still allowing critical collaboration.
At the same time, regulatory requirements are catching up. Defense contractors must meet Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) standards, while NIST frameworks, ISO standards, and sector-specific regulations are becoming more stringent across manufacturing, energy, healthcare, and other critical infrastructure sectors. Each emphasizes identity and access governance, auditing, and access controls—further proof that IAM is central to both security and compliance.
AI will continue to reshape manufacturing, but innovation cannot come at the cost of resilience. Manufacturers that integrate IAM into their security strategies can defend against credential theft, supply chain risks, and third-party vulnerabilities while ensuring compliance with evolving regulatory frameworks.
In Manufacturing 4.0, success depends on both efficiency gains and securing critical infrastructure. Those who adopt a security-first mindset built on a strong foundation of IAM will not only safeguard their operations but also strengthen trust and stability.