Manufacturers (Machine Shops)
Machining Meets Malware: 5 Cyber Threats Facing Machine Shops (and the Whiskeys to Match)
In the world of machine shops, precision is everything, down to the thousandth of an inch. But while your CNCs hum with accuracy, your business might be wide open to cyberattacks.
From ransomware that halts production to IP theft that steals your competitive edge, today’s threats are digital, relentless, and increasingly targeting small and mid-sized manufacturers.
To make the conversation a little more enjoyable, we teamed up with San Jose’s own 10th Street Distillery. We’re pairing 5 critical cyber risks with 5 bold whiskeys. Because while cybersecurity doesn’t have to be boring, protecting your shop should never be optional.
1. Ransomware / Peated Single Malt
The Risk: One click. One malicious file. Suddenly, every machine in your shop is idle. Your files are locked. Your production line is frozen.
The Reality: Ransomware has become the #1 threat to manufacturers, especially those with outdated backups or no incident response plan.
A smoky wake-up call. Just like peated whiskey, ransomware leaves a lingering impact. We’ll show you how to build a strong recovery plan and defend your most valuable assets.
2. IP Theft / Rum Cask Finish Single Malt
The Risk: Your CAD files, specs, and proprietary designs are the lifeblood of your business. But they’re also high-value targets for hackers, especially from abroad.
The Reality: Many shops don’t realize their sensitive files are being accessed or stolen until it’s too late.
Aged in sweetness, but sometimes with a bitter surprise. This pairing dives into access control, monitoring, and minimizing human error, whether intentional or accidental.
3. Phishing & Social Engineering /California Coast Blended Whiskey
The Risk: A fake invoice. A spoofed vendor email. All it takes is one employee to click the wrong link and open the door to malware or credential theft.
The Reality: Phishing is responsible for over 90% of breaches—and machine shops aren’t exempt.
Light, citrusy, and deceptively smooth. This pairing mirrors the polished facade of today’s phishing attacks. Learn how to train your team and spot the bait.
4. Supply Chain Attacks / Holiday Edition Port Cask Single Malt
The Risk: You trust your vendors, but do they follow the same cybersecurity standards you do? One breach in their network could give attackers a backdoor into yours.
The Reality: The smaller the vendor, the less likely they’ve invested in serious cybersecurity.
Rich, layered, and influenced by external sources. This whiskey reflects the way third-party vendors can unknowingly expose your environment to risk.
5. Zero-Day Exploits / Distiller’s Cut Single Malt
The Risk: Your software might have vulnerabilities that even developers don’t know about yet.
The Reality: Without real-time monitoring and patching, you’re exposed before anyone knows there’s a problem.
Rare, uncut, and powerful. Zero-day vulnerabilities are unpredictable, but you can be prepared with the right strategy and real-time threat detection.
Bottom Line: Cybersecurity Deserves the Same Precision as Your Machining
A minor vulnerability can cause major disruption. Whether it’s a phishing email or a compromised vendor, one lapse can cost you productivity, IP, and reputation.
Final Sip
Start with a no-cost Cyber Risk Assessment from Nevtec, and enjoy a whiskey with purpose.
Cybersecurity can’t be an afterthought. Not when the stakes are this high.
At Nevtec, we help machine shops like yours identify vulnerabilities, strengthen defenses, and keep production rolling, securely.
