--- title: Solving the OT Security Patch Cycle Challenge for NE Ohio Manufacturers description: Discover how Cleveland manufacturers can tackle the OT security patch cycle problem without sacrificing productivity or uptime. Learn about innovative solutions to protect legacy systems. image: https://www.lazorpoint.com/hubfs/Auto%20Parts%20Manufacturing%20%281%29.webp --- [![LAZ-Full-Horizontal-REV Just the Name](https://www.lazorpoint.com/hubfs/Logos/Lazorpoint%20Logos/LAZ-Full-Horizontal-REV%20Just%20the%20Name.png) ](https://www.lazorpoint.com) ![burger icon](https://www.lazorpoint.com/hubfs/Digifianz/Assets/Icons/Burger%20white.png) ![times icon](https://www.lazorpoint.com/hubfs/Digifianz/Assets/Icons/Times%20white.png) IT Solutions That Deliver Peace of Mind [Solutions](https://www.lazorpoint.com/solutions) - [![chevron icon](https://www.lazorpoint.com/hubfs/Digifianz/Assets/Icons/Chevron%20right%20white.png) Managed IT Services ](https://www.lazorpoint.com/solutions/it-managed-services) - [![chevron icon](https://www.lazorpoint.com/hubfs/Digifianz/Assets/Icons/Chevron%20right%20white.png) Case Studies ](https://www.lazorpoint.com/it-case-studies) AI Fails Without the Foundation: A PE Playbook The AI budget is approved. 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Cybercriminals see manufacturers as the low hanging fruit and [70% of all ransomware attacks are now targeting the manufacturing sector](https://hub.dragos.com/hubfs/312-Year-in-Review/2022/Dragos_Year-In-Review-Infographic-2022-Ransomware-Targeting-Manufacturers.pdf?hsLang=en). As digital transformation is reshaping the industry, the systems controlling the production processes—Operational Technology (OT)—are getting more and more vulnerable. The challenge, often referred to as the Patch Cycle Problem, creates a dilemma for manufacturers who rely on legacy systems and continuous uptime.  ![The IT Patch Management Cycle](https://www.lazorpoint.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog/The%20IT%20Patch%20Management%20Cycle%20(1).webp?width=1920&height=1080&name=The%20IT%20Patch%20Management%20Cycle%20(1).webp) --   In IT systems patching is a routine process that doesn’t impact operations. In OT systems patching isn’t that simple. ![The OT Patch Cycle Problem](https://www.lazorpoint.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog/The%20OT%20Patch%20Cycle%20Problem%20(1).webp?width=1920&height=1080&name=The%20OT%20Patch%20Cycle%20Problem%20(1).webp) OT environments require planning before patching because even a short period of downtime can shut down production lines and cause costly downtime. For manufacturers in Cleveland and beyond this security vs uptime balancing act can be a big headache.   #### The Problem for Manufacturers For manufacturers, especially in industrial hubs like Cleveland, the main concern is keeping production lines running. Downtime is not an option when delays can mean missed deadlines and lost contracts. However, OT systems were not designed with cybersecurity in mind so they are vulnerable to attacks if patches aren’t applied. But here’s the catch: applying security patches requires downtime and in manufacturing every minute of downtime means big financial loss. For example, imagine an automotive parts manufacturer in Cleveland where production lines run 24/7, churning out thousands of precision components every day. These parts are vital to the automotive industry, where even the slightest delay can ripple across the entire supply chain. When a critical vulnerability is discovered in their OT system, the company faces a difficult decision: halt production to apply the patch, risking costly downtime, or leave the system exposed to potential cyberattacks.   ##### How Vulnerabilities Can Bring Operations to a Standstill For manufacturers, downtime is one of the most painful and expensive outcomes of a cyber-attack. [The average time to recover from a ransomware attack is over 12 days.](https://www.comparitech.com/blog/information-security/ransomware-manufacturing-companies/) In manufacturing, especially in industries like automotive parts production, a few hours of downtime can be costly and disruptive, let alone days or weeks. Consider the impact on a Cleveland-based automotive parts manufacturer. If a ransomware attack hits an unpatched vulnerability in their OT systems, production lines could be shut down for good. The impact goes far beyond the immediate downtime. Missed production targets could mean contract breaches with major auto companies and their reputation would be at risk. In some cases, a cyber attack could even produce defective parts. For an automotive parts manufacturer where precision is key, sending faulty components to automakers could mean product recalls, not to mention strained relationships with customers and legal action. Cybercriminals are getting smarter and are targeting manufacturing companies knowing the stakes are so high. A ransomware attack or data breach disrupts production and threatens financial loss, reputation damage and potentially dangerous production errors that can affect product quality and safety.   #### The Complexity of OT Systems One of the reasons patching is so hard in manufacturing environments is the nature of OT systems themselves. Unlike IT systems where patches can be tested and deployed quickly, OT systems are tightly coupled to the physical machinery and production processes. A poorly tested patch could cause equipment failure, production errors, or even safety hazards on the shop floor. Many Cleveland manufacturers still run older legacy OT systems. Those systems run on dated software - making them even more vulnerable to cyber attacks. In some cases those vulnerabilities become "foreverday" problems where no patch is ever released and the system is left exposed forever. ![Forver Day Problem](https://www.lazorpoint.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog/In%20Blog%20Images%201100%20x%20500/Forver%20Day%20Problem.png?width=1920&height=1080&name=Forver%20Day%20Problem.png) Even when patches are available applying them isn’t straightforward. Older machines may not be compatible with the latest updates, or the patching process might require shutting down production for hours or days – something that’s just not possible for many manufacturers. Businesses are forced to choose between security and productivity – a choice no manufacturer wants to make. #### How to Fix the Patch Cycle Problem The good news is you don’t have to face this alone. Solutions now exist to mitigate the risks of the patch cycle without downtime or lost productivity. At Lazorpoint we’ve partnered with [Opscura](https://www.opscura.io/), an OT security protection platform company that builds tools to protect manufacturing environments. With virtual patching you can block vulnerabilities without taking your systems down. That means you can protect legacy OT systems from cyber attacks without the disruption and cost of traditional patching. Our solution keeps you in production while keeping your systems safe from the growing number of cyber threats in your industry. #### Cleveland Manufacturers Next Steps For NE, Ohio manufacturers and beyond the OT security patch cycle is a big problem—but it’s not a problem without a solution. In an industry where up time equals profit, balancing cybersecurity and operational efficiency is key. With new tools available Lazorpoint can help manufacturers can protect their critical systems, reduce risk, and stay in production. 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