A large industrial production facility supplying bakeries would never have expected to uncover so many security weaknesses. From the outside, operations appeared well organized, professional, and focused on efficiency. Production lines were running, systems were in place, and daily routines had worked reliably for years.

Cybersecurity was not ignored, but it was not seen as a critical risk either. Like many manufacturing environments, the company assumed that serious cyberattacks were more likely to affect digital companies, financial institutions, or large technology firms. A production-focused organization, supplying bakeries, did not seem like an obvious target.

This perception changed once the company decided to take a closer look at its real exposure. What followed was not the discovery of a single major flaw, but a series of small, familiar weaknesses. Unattended computers, weak Wi-Fi protection, outdated IT equipment, and missing verification when unknown individuals entered the facility. None of these issues seemed dramatic on their own. Together, however, they created a realistic path into both the company's systems and its physical environment.

The case shows that cybersecurity risks do not depend on industry labels or company size. They grow out of everyday routines, habits, and assumptions. The simulated attack did not reveal a careless organization. It revealed a normal one — operating under the belief that serious incidents happen elsewhere.

The real value of this exercise was not fear, but clarity. It demonstrated where risks truly exist, how easily they can be exploited, and why prevention must begin long before a real incident forces action.

1. Unattended Computers: Open Doors Without Locks

One of the first issues the testers noticed was surprisingly simple. Several computers inside the bakery were powered on and left unattended. In offices and operational areas, workstations were accessible without any form of automatic screen lock or supervision. From an attacker's perspective, this is one of the easiest ways to gain access. No hacking skills are required. No passwords need to be cracked. An unlocked computer already provides a trusted entry point into the internal environment.

During the simulation, the testers were able to sit down at these machines and observe what was accessible. Internal systems, shared folders, and active user sessions were within reach. In a real attack, this type of access could be used to copy sensitive information, install malicious tools, or move deeper into the network without raising immediate suspicion.

This situation often develops over time. Employees focus on efficiency and daily routines. Short breaks, quick tasks, or familiar surroundings create a false sense of safety. In production environments especially, computers are often seen as tools, not as security-critical assets.

The test showed that unattended computers are not a minor issue. They are an open door. Once an attacker gains access at this level, technical security controls such as firewalls or antivirus software may no longer provide meaningful protection. The key lesson was clear: security does not fail because of one large mistake. It fails because small, everyday behaviors are overlooked — and quietly become normal.

Conclusion: Simulated cyberattack case study manufacturing

This simulated cyber attack case study from a manufacturing environment shows a reality many organizations still underestimate. Serious security risks do not appear suddenly or only through highly technical attacks. They develop quietly, through daily routines, informal practices, and gaps that are considered normal over time.

The large bakery company was not targeted because it was careless or unprofessional. It was vulnerable because its operations reflected what is common across many manufacturing companies: a strong focus on production, efficiency, and continuity, while security slowly became secondary.

The simulation proved that attackers do not need advanced tools to cause serious damage. Access was gained through unlocked systems, weak network protection, outdated equipment, and unverified physical access. Each weakness alone seemed manageable. Together, they formed a realistic and effective attack path.

Most importantly, this exercise delivered insight without harm. The company was able to see its security posture clearly and objectively, before facing real consequences. This allowed leadership to shift from assumptions to informed decisions and from reactive thinking to proactive improvement.

For manufacturing organizations, this is the key lesson: cybersecurity is not an IT problem alone. It is an operational responsibility that touches people, processes, and physical environments. Simulated attacks provide the opportunity to understand this reality early — and to strengthen defenses before production, reputation, and trust are put at risk.

https://cybersecureguard.org/simulated-cyberattack-case-study-in-manufacturing