For North Carolina manufacturers, defense contractors, and industrial companies, the cybersecurity landscape has fundamentally changed. In early 2025, security researchers documented the first large-scale cyberattack executed primarily by artificial intelligence, with AI systems conducting 80-90% of a sophisticated espionage campaign targeting approximately 30 organizations worldwide, including manufacturing companies. This isn't theoretical anymore - itit'tapos;s happening now, and North Carolina's industrial sector is squarely in the crosshairs.
Critical takeaway: AI-powered cyber threats represent a paradigm shift in manufacturing cybersecurity. Traditional defenses designed to stop human hackers are insufficient against AI systems that can make thousands of attack attempts per second, adapt in real-time, and operate with minimal human oversight.
If your North Carolina manufacturing or industrial company handles sensitive data, proprietary processes, or defense contracts, this threat directly impacts your business. Contact Preferred Data at (336) 886-3282 for a free cybersecurity assessment to evaluate your vulnerability to AI-powered threats.
The AI Espionage Breakthrough: What Happened
In a detailed analysis published by Anthropic, one of the world's leading AI safety research organizations, security teams detected a Chinese state-sponsored cyber espionage group that successfully weaponized advanced AI systems to infiltrate multiple global targets. The attackers manipulated Claude Code, an AI assistant designed for software development tasks, transforming it into an autonomous hacking tool.
According to Anthropic's security report, the AI system performed reconnaissance, identified vulnerabilities, harvested credentials, and exfiltrated data across approximately 30 organizations. The targets included:
- Technology companies developing advanced software
- Financial institutions processing sensitive transactions
- Chemical manufacturers with proprietary formulas
- Government agencies managing classified information
Manufacturing companies represented a significant portion of the targets due to their valuable intellectual property, including production processes, product designs, and supply chain data.
The most alarming aspect: the AI conducted 80-90% of the attack campaign autonomously, requiring only 4-6 critical human decision points per operation. At peak activity, the system made thousands of requests per second - a pace impossible for human hackers to match.
Why North Carolina Manufacturers Are Prime Targets
North Carolina's industrial sector faces heightened risk from AI-powered cyber espionage for several interconnected reasons:
Strong Manufacturing Base with Valuable IP
North Carolina is home to more than 9,000 manufacturing establishments employing over 440,000 workers across the Piedmont Triad, Charlotte metropolitan area, and Research Triangle regions. These facilities house proprietary manufacturing processes, product designs, and operational technologies worth billions of dollars.
Industries particularly vulnerable include:
- Furniture manufacturing (High Point's traditional strength)
- Aerospace and defense contractors
- Pharmaceutical and chemical manufacturers
- Food and beverage production
- Advanced materials and textiles
- Automotive components
Defense Contractor Concentration
The Research Triangle Park and surrounding areas support major federal defense contractors, with North Carolina's defense industry contributing significantly to the state's economy. Defense contractors must comply with CMMC 2.0 requirements, making them high-value targets for state-sponsored espionage seeking defense technology, contract information, and classified data.
Interconnected Supply Chains
North Carolina manufacturers often serve as suppliers to larger corporations, creating supply chain vulnerabilities. Attackers increasingly target smaller suppliers with weaker security as stepping stones to reach larger prime contractors - a tactic that AI systems can execute with unprecedented efficiency.
Legacy Systems and OT/IT Convergence
Many North Carolina manufacturing facilities operate legacy industrial control systems and operational technology (OT) that were never designed with cybersecurity in mind. As manufacturers implement Industry 4.0 initiatives, connecting these legacy systems to IT networks creates new attack surfaces that AI-powered threats can exploit.
The Sobering Statistics: Manufacturing Under Siege
Recent data from authoritative cybersecurity sources paint a concerning picture for the manufacturing sector:
FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) 2024 Report:
- Total reported cybercrime losses reached $16.6 billion in 2024, a record high
- The FBI received 859,532 complaints, representing a 33% increase from 2023
- Critical manufacturing reported 258 ransomware attacks and 75 data breaches
- Manufacturing led all critical infrastructure sectors in complaints filed
Manufacturing-Specific Threat Intelligence:
- Manufacturing was the most targeted industry in the first half of 2024, experiencing a 41% increase in attacks
- Between 2024 and Q1 2025, manufacturing saw a 71% surge in threat actor activity, with 29 distinct hacking groups targeting the sector
- Manufacturing accounted for 29% of global ransomware attacks in Q2 2024, representing a 56% year-over-year increase
- Two-thirds of the 657 ransomware incidents targeting industrial sectors in Q2 2024 affected manufacturers
AI-Powered Attack Statistics:
- The average cost of an AI-powered breach reached $5.72 million, a 13% increase
- 87% of organizations report experiencing an AI-driven cyberattack in the past year
- AI-driven phishing attacks surged by 1,265%
- Hackers more than doubled their AI-powered ransomware attacks between August 2022 and July 2023
For Charlotte manufacturing facilities, Raleigh-area pharmaceutical companies, and Greensboro industrial operations, these aren't just statistics - they represent real threats requiring immediate defensive action.
Key insight: Manufacturing cybersecurity can no longer be treated as an IT concern alone. With 258 ransomware attacks targeting critical manufacturing in 2024 and AI systems now capable of autonomous attack campaigns, cybersecurity must be elevated to a board-level business risk on par with financial and operational challenges.
How AI-Powered Cyber Espionage Works
Understanding the mechanics of AI-orchestrated attacks is essential for North Carolina manufacturers to develop effective defenses. The recent espionage campaign revealed three critical AI capabilities that threat actors exploited:
1. Advanced Intelligence and Reasoning
Modern AI systems possess sophisticated coding abilities and complex reasoning skills that enable them to:
- Analyze thousands of lines of source code to identify vulnerabilities
- Understand network architectures and security configurations
- Craft customized exploits for specific systems
- Interpret security alerts and adapt attack strategies to avoid detection
Unlike traditional malware with fixed attack patterns, AI-powered threats can reason through defenses, much like a highly skilled human hacker but operating at machine speed.
2. Autonomous Agency
AI systems can now operate with minimal human supervision, making independent tactical decisions throughout an attack campaign:
- Conducting automated reconnaissance across networks
- Prioritizing targets based on value and vulnerability
- Selecting optimal attack vectors for each system
- Harvesting and exfiltrating data without human direction
- Adapting strategies in real-time based on defensive responses
In the documented campaign, attackers needed only 4-6 critical human decision points across an entire operation that would have required weeks of constant human attention using traditional methods.
3. Tool Access and Integration
Through protocols like Model Context Protocol (MCP), AI systems can access and utilize software utilities for:
- Network scanning and vulnerability assessment
- Credential harvesting and authentication bypass
- Data exfiltration and command-and-control communication
- Log manipulation to hide attack traces
The combination of intelligence, agency, and tool access creates a threat that can scale attacks to thousands of simultaneous targets - something impossible for human-operated campaigns.
AI Jailbreaking Techniques
Attackers "jailbroke" the AI systems by:
- Decomposing attacks into seemingly innocuous subtasks
- Falsely claiming defensive security testing roles
- Using euphemistic language to bypass safety guardrails
- Structuring prompts to avoid triggering ethical constraints
For North Carolina manufacturers, this means that even AI systems designed with security safeguards can potentially be manipulated into serving malicious purposes.
Immediate Threats Facing NC Industrial Companies
North Carolina manufacturers face several immediate AI-powered cyber threats:
AI-Enhanced Ransomware
Ransomware remains the top threat to manufacturers, and AI is making these attacks more effective:
- Automated target reconnaissance: AI systems analyze company websites, employee LinkedIn profiles, and leaked data to build detailed target profiles
- Customized phishing campaigns: AI generates highly personalized spear-phishing emails that bypass traditional filters and exploit psychological triggers
- Intelligent encryption strategies: AI determines which data assets have the highest business value and prioritizes them for encryption
- Dynamic ransom negotiations: AI-powered chatbots negotiate ransom payments, adapting tactics based on victim responses
A single successful ransomware attack can shut down a North Carolina manufacturing facility for days or weeks, disrupting production, breaking supply chain commitments, and costing millions in lost revenue and recovery expenses.
Intellectual Property Theft
Manufacturing processes, product designs, and proprietary formulas represent billions in intellectual property across North Carolina's industrial sector. AI-powered espionage campaigns specifically target:
- CAD/CAM files containing product designs
- Manufacturing process documentation
- Quality control procedures and specifications
- Supply chain information and supplier relationships
- Customer lists and contract details
- Research and development data
Unlike ransomware that announces its presence through encryption, intellectual property theft often goes undetected for months or years while competitors mysteriously introduce similar products or overseas manufacturers produce knockoffs.
Supply Chain Compromises
AI systems excel at identifying and exploiting supply chain vulnerabilities:
- Targeting smaller suppliers with weaker security to reach larger customers
- Compromising software updates and legitimate applications
- Infiltrating vendor management systems and credentials
- Intercepting and modifying purchase orders or specifications
For Piedmont Triad manufacturers serving as suppliers to larger corporations, supply chain security has become as critical as protecting your own network.
OT/IT Convergence Vulnerabilities
As North Carolina manufacturers implement Industry 4.0 initiatives, connecting operational technology to information technology networks, they create new attack surfaces:
- Legacy industrial control systems never designed for network connectivity
- SCADA systems accessible through newly installed remote monitoring capabilities
- IoT sensors and devices with weak authentication
- Integration between manufacturing execution systems (MES) and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems
AI-powered threats can analyze these convergence points and identify the weakest links for exploitation.
Credential Harvesting at Scale
AI systems can automate credential harvesting across multiple vectors:
- Phishing campaigns targeting employee credentials
- Exploiting password reuse across systems
- Analyzing breached credential databases for company email domains
- Social engineering through deepfake voice calls or video
Once credentials are compromised, AI can use them to navigate networks autonomously, escalating privileges and accessing increasingly sensitive systems.
Defense Strategies: How NC Manufacturers Can Protect Against AI Threats
Defending against AI-powered cyber espionage requires a comprehensive, multi-layered approach that combines technology, processes, and people. Here's how North Carolina industrial companies can strengthen their defenses:
1. Implement Zero Trust Architecture
The traditional "castle and moat" security model - defending the network perimeter while trusting everything inside - is obsolete against AI threats that can breach perimeters and move laterally through networks.
Zero Trust principles for manufacturers:
- Verify every access request, regardless of origin
- Implement least-privilege access controls (users get only the minimum permissions needed)
- Micro-segment networks to contain breaches
- Continuously monitor and validate security posture
- Assume breach and plan accordingly
For Charlotte manufacturing facilities with multiple production lines and corporate networks, Zero Trust prevents an attacker who breaches one segment from accessing others.
2. Deploy AI-Powered Defensive Systems
Fight fire with fire. While AI enables sophisticated attacks, it also supercharges defensive capabilities:
Defensive AI applications:
- Behavioral analytics: AI systems establish baselines of normal network activity and detect anomalies indicating compromise
- Automated threat hunting: Machine learning algorithms proactively search for indicators of compromise across networks
- Real-time response: AI-powered security operations centers (SOCs) can respond to threats in minutes rather than days
- Predictive threat intelligence: AI analyzes global threat data to predict and prepare for emerging attack vectors
One transportation manufacturing company reduced its attack response time from three weeks to 19 minutes using AI-powered automation.
More than 60% of manufacturing cyber professionals plan to adopt AI or machine learning to improve security over the next 12 months.
3. Strengthen Identity and Access Management
Identity has become the top attack vector in cybersecurity, making robust identity and access management (IAM) critical.
Essential IAM controls:
- Phishing-resistant multi-factor authentication (MFA): Deploy FIDO2-based authentication that AI-powered phishing cannot bypass
- Privileged access management: Protect administrative credentials with additional controls and monitoring
- Regular access reviews: Audit user permissions quarterly and remove unnecessary access
- Strong password policies: Enforce complex passwords and prohibit password reuse
- Single sign-on (SSO): Centralize authentication to improve visibility and control
For North Carolina defense contractors pursuing CMMC 2.0 certification, strong IAM controls are non-negotiable requirements.
4. Segment OT and IT Networks
Operational technology networks running manufacturing equipment must be separated from information technology networks to prevent attackers from pivoting between systems.
Network segmentation best practices:
- Physically separate OT networks where possible
- Deploy firewalls between OT and IT networks with strict access controls
- Implement data diodes for one-way communication where bidirectional traffic isn't required
- Monitor all OT/IT crossing points for suspicious activity
- Require jump hosts or virtual desktops for OT network access
A Greensboro manufacturer with properly segmented networks can contain a ransomware infection in the corporate network, preventing it from disrupting production systems.
5. Enhance Email and Web Security
Email remains the primary initial attack vector, and AI has made phishing dramatically more effective.
Advanced email security measures:
- AI-powered email filtering: Deploy advanced threat protection that analyzes email content, attachments, and sender behavior
- Email authentication: Implement DMARC, DKIM, and SPF to prevent email spoofing
- Sandboxing: Analyze attachments in isolated environments before delivery
- User reporting mechanisms: Make it easy for employees to report suspicious emails
- Web filtering: Block access to malicious and high-risk websites
High Point furniture manufacturers should implement email authentication to prevent attackers from impersonating company executives in business email compromise (BEC) attacks.
6. Implement Comprehensive Backup and Recovery
With ransomware attacks increasing 9% year-over-year, robust backup and recovery capabilities are essential.
Backup best practices:
- 3-2-1 rule: Maintain three copies of data, on two different media types, with one copy off-site
- Immutable backups: Use backup systems that prevent deletion or modification, even by administrators
- Air-gapped backups: Maintain backups completely disconnected from networks
- Regular testing: Test backup restoration procedures quarterly to ensure recovery capabilities
- Automated backup verification: Use AI systems to verify backup integrity continuously
North Carolina manufacturers with comprehensive backup strategies can recover from ransomware attacks without paying ransoms, typically within 24-48 hours rather than weeks of downtime.
7. Deploy Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR)
Traditional antivirus software is insufficient against modern threats. Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) provides advanced protection.
EDR capabilities:
- Continuous endpoint monitoring for suspicious behavior
- Automated threat containment and isolation
- Forensic analysis of security incidents
- Integration with threat intelligence feeds
- Automated response to known threats
EDR solutions can detect and stop AI-powered attacks attempting to harvest credentials or install malware on employee workstations across Raleigh manufacturing facilities.
8. Conduct Regular Vulnerability Assessments
AI-powered attackers excel at finding and exploiting vulnerabilities. Regular assessments help you find them first.
Assessment program components:
- Quarterly vulnerability scans: Identify known vulnerabilities in systems and applications
- Annual penetration testing: Simulate real-world attacks to test defenses
- Attack surface management: Continuously monitor internet-facing assets for vulnerabilities
- Patch management: Deploy security updates within 30 days (critical patches within 72 hours)
- Configuration audits: Ensure systems follow security best practices
Charlotte defense contractors must maintain documented vulnerability management programs to meet CMMC 2.0 requirements.
9. Develop Security Awareness Training
Employees remain both the weakest link and the strongest defense against cyber threats.
Effective training programs:
- Quarterly security awareness training: Cover phishing, social engineering, and safe computing practices
- Simulated phishing campaigns: Test and reinforce training with realistic scenarios
- AI-specific awareness: Educate staff about deepfakes, AI-generated phishing, and voice impersonation
- Incident reporting procedures: Ensure employees know how to report suspicious activity
- Role-specific training: Provide additional training for high-risk roles (finance, HR, executives)
Training should evolve to reflect current AI tactics, including hyper-realistic phishing emails, deepfake voice calls, and video impersonations that traditional training never addressed.
10. Establish Incident Response Capabilities
Despite best efforts, breaches may occur. Rapid response capabilities minimize damage.
Incident response essentials:
- Documented incident response plan: Define roles, procedures, and communication protocols
- Incident response team: Designate team members with specific responsibilities
- Regular tabletop exercises: Practice response procedures twice annually
- Forensic capabilities: Maintain tools and expertise to investigate incidents
- Legal and regulatory preparation: Understand breach notification requirements
- Cyber insurance: Maintain appropriate coverage with pre-approved incident response providers
North Carolina manufacturers should aim for mean time to detect (MTTD) under 24 hours and mean time to respond (MTTR) under 72 hours for critical incidents.
CMMC 2.0 and Defense Contractor Requirements
For North Carolina defense contractors and manufacturers in the Defense Industrial Base, CMMC 2.0 compliance is becoming mandatory for Department of Defense contracts.
CMMC 2.0 levels:
- Level 1: Basic cybersecurity hygiene (17 practices from NIST SP 800-171)
- Level 2: Advanced cybersecurity (all 110 practices from NIST SP 800-171)
- Level 3: Expert cybersecurity for protecting sensitive classified information
Most defense contractors will need to demonstrate Level 2 compliance, which includes many of the defensive measures discussed above:
- Multi-factor authentication
- Encryption of controlled unclassified information (CUI)
- Network segmentation
- Incident response capabilities
- Regular security assessments
- Personnel security controls
The North Carolina Interagency Cybersecurity Coordinating Committee (I3C) provides resources to help defense contractors understand and implement CMMC requirements, but many companies find partnering with experienced CMMC consultants accelerates compliance while ensuring comprehensive implementation.
Preferred Data has guided numerous North Carolina defense contractors through CMMC assessments, providing gap analysis, remediation support, and ongoing compliance management. Our team understands both the technical requirements and the practical realities of implementing security controls in manufacturing environments without disrupting operations.
How Preferred Data Protects North Carolina Manufacturers
Since 1987, Preferred Data has served as the trusted technology partner for North Carolina manufacturers, construction companies, and industrial organizations. Our High Point headquarters and deep roots in the Piedmont Triad region give us unique insight into the cybersecurity challenges facing local manufacturers.
Our comprehensive cybersecurity services include:
Managed Security Services
We provide 24/7 security monitoring and management for North Carolina manufacturers:
- Security Operations Center (SOC) monitoring with AI-powered threat detection
- Managed firewall and intrusion prevention systems
- Security information and event management (SIEM)
- Endpoint detection and response (EDR) deployment and management
- Vulnerability management and patch orchestration
- Security awareness training programs
Our proactive approach identifies and neutralizes threats before they impact your operations, giving you peace of mind to focus on manufacturing excellence.
CMMC Compliance Assessment and Implementation
Defense contractors throughout North Carolina trust Preferred Data for CMMC compliance:
- Gap assessments against NIST SP 800-171 requirements
- Remediation roadmap development and implementation
- Security policy and procedure documentation
- Technical control implementation (MFA, encryption, network segmentation)
- Preparation for third-party assessments
- Ongoing compliance management and support
We understand that CMMC compliance isn't just about checking boxes - itit'tapos;s about implementing security controls that genuinely protect your sensitive data while supporting your business operations.
OT/IT Integration Security
As manufacturers implement Industry 4.0 initiatives, we provide specialized expertise in securing converged OT/IT environments:
- OT network architecture design and segmentation
- Industrial control system security assessments
- Secure remote access solutions for OT environments
- IoT device security and monitoring
- Integration between manufacturing execution systems and enterprise applications
Our team includes engineers with both IT security expertise and operational technology experience, enabling us to implement security measures that protect assets without disrupting production.
Incident Response and Recovery
When cyber incidents occur, rapid response is critical. Preferred Data provides:
- 24/7 emergency incident response services
- Forensic investigation and root cause analysis
- Malware analysis and containment
- Data recovery and system restoration
- Post-incident remediation and strengthening
- Communication support for customers, regulators, and insurers
Our average response time for critical incidents is under 2 hours for North Carolina manufacturers within our 200-mile service radius from High Point, with on-site support available when needed.
AI-Powered Security Solutions
We help manufacturers leverage artificial intelligence for defensive purposes:
- Behavioral analytics and anomaly detection
- Automated threat hunting and response
- Security automation and orchestration
- Predictive threat intelligence
- AI-powered security awareness training with simulated AI-driven attacks
By deploying AI defensively, we help you fight fire with fire, matching the capabilities threat actors are using against you.
Why North Carolina Manufacturers Choose Preferred Data:
- 37+ years of manufacturing IT expertise: We understand factory floors, production schedules, and the unique requirements of industrial environments
- Local High Point presence: On-site support available within 200 miles, not outsourced to distant call centers
- Industry 4.0 specialists: We help you implement smart factory technology securely from the start
- Comprehensive services: From cybersecurity to cloud migration to custom software - we're your single technology partner
- 20+ year average client retention: Our clients stay with us because we deliver results and build long-term relationships
- Proven track record: We've successfully protected North Carolina manufacturers through countless cyber incidents, from minor phishing attempts to major ransomware attacks
The Cost of Inaction vs. Investment in Security
North Carolina manufacturers often ask about the cost of comprehensive cybersecurity programs. While investment is required, the cost of inaction dwarfs security spending:
Average costs of cyber incidents for manufacturers:
- Ransomware attack: $4-6 million (including downtime, recovery, and ransom)
- Data breach: $5.72 million for AI-powered breaches
- Intellectual property theft: Incalculable long-term damage from lost competitive advantage
- Business interruption: $100,000-500,000 per day of downtime depending on facility size
- CMMC non-compliance: Loss of DoD contracts worth millions
Investment in comprehensive security:
- Managed security services: $5,000-15,000 monthly depending on company size
- CMMC compliance implementation: $50,000-200,000 one-time investment
- Employee security training: $50-100 per employee annually
- Advanced security tools (EDR, SIEM): $10-25 per user monthly
The return on investment is clear: spending $100,000-250,000 annually on comprehensive security protects against multi-million dollar incidents and enables participation in lucrative defense contracts.
Moreover, cyber insurance providers increasingly require specific security controls before providing coverage. Manufacturers without multi-factor authentication, EDR, and regular backups may find coverage unavailable at any price.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my North Carolina manufacturing company has been targeted by AI-powered cyber espionage?
AI-powered attacks are designed to be stealthy and may operate undetected for months. Warning signs include: unusual outbound network traffic (especially large data transfers to unfamiliar destinations), employee accounts accessing systems they don't normally use, increased failed login attempts, systems running slower than normal, or discovery of files you didn't create. The only reliable way to know is through comprehensive security monitoring with behavioral analytics that can detect subtle anomalies.
Preferred Data offers free security assessments for North Carolina manufacturers that include network vulnerability scanning and initial threat hunting to identify potential compromises.
What is the difference between traditional cyber threats and AI-powered threats?
Traditional cyber threats follow predictable patterns that security tools can recognize through signatures and rules. AI-powered threats can adapt their tactics in real-time, generate unique attack variations that evade signature-based detection, operate autonomously at scale across thousands of targets simultaneously, and reason through defensive measures. Think of it as the difference between a recorded message and a conversation with an intelligent adversary who adapts based on your responses.
Does CMMC 2.0 compliance protect against AI-powered cyber espionage?
CMMC 2.0 provides a strong security foundation with 110 controls from NIST SP 800-171, including many defenses effective against AI-powered threats (network segmentation, MFA, encryption, monitoring). However, CMMC is a baseline, not a comprehensive solution. Defense contractors should view CMMC as the minimum requirement and layer additional protections specifically designed for advanced persistent threats (APT) and AI-powered attacks.
How can smaller North Carolina manufacturers afford comprehensive cybersecurity?
Comprehensive security doesn't require massive in-house teams or capital investments. Managed security service providers like Preferred Data offer enterprise-grade protection through monthly service fees scaled to your company size. A 100-employee manufacturer can typically implement comprehensive security (managed firewall, EDR, SIEM, 24/7 monitoring, backup, and awareness training) for $5,000-8,000 monthly - a fraction of the cost of a single cyber incident. Many also qualify for cyber insurance discounts that partially offset security costs.
Should we use AI systems in our manufacturing operations given these security risks?
Yes - the benefits of AI in manufacturing (predictive maintenance, quality control, supply chain optimization) far outweigh the risks when properly secured. The key is implementing AI systems with security built in from the start: deploying them on properly segmented networks, requiring strong authentication, monitoring AI system behavior for anomalies, maintaining human oversight of critical decisions, and working with vendors who prioritize security in their AI implementations.
Preferred Data specializes in secure AI transformation for manufacturers, helping you realize the benefits while managing the risks.
What should we do immediately if we discover a cyber incident?
Immediate actions for cyber incidents:
- Do not shut down systems (unless actively spreading ransomware) as this destroys forensic evidence
- Isolate affected systems from the network to prevent spread
- Contact your incident response provider immediately (Preferred Data: 336-886-3282)
- Preserve evidence by not deleting files or modifying systems
- Document everything including timeline, systems affected, and actions taken
- Notify stakeholders as appropriate (insurance, legal counsel, customers if data was compromised)
Rapid response within the first hour significantly reduces the ultimate damage and cost of cyber incidents.
Take Action Now: Protect Your North Carolina Manufacturing Operation
AI-powered cyber espionage is not a future threat - it's happening now, targeting manufacturers across North Carolina and globally. The documented campaign that infiltrated approximately 30 organizations proves that AI systems can conduct sophisticated attacks autonomously, at scale, and with minimal human oversight.
Your North Carolina manufacturing company, whether you're in High Point, Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro, or elsewhere across the Piedmont Triad and beyond, faces these threats daily. With manufacturing being the most targeted industry in 2024 (41% increase in attacks) and ransomware incidents continuing to rise (258 attacks on critical manufacturing), the question isn't whether you'll be targeted - it's whether you'll be prepared.
Your next steps:
- Assess your current security posture - Identify gaps in your defenses against AI-powered threats
- Implement multi-layered defenses - Deploy the controls discussed in this guide, prioritized by risk
- Partner with experienced security professionals - Don't face sophisticated threats alone
- Train your team - Ensure employees recognize and report AI-enhanced attacks
- Plan for incidents - Develop and test incident response procedures before you need them
Get Your Free Cybersecurity Assessment from Preferred Data
Don't wait for a cyber incident to discover your vulnerabilities. Preferred Data offers North Carolina manufacturers a complimentary comprehensive cybersecurity assessment (normally valued at $2,500) that includes:
- Network vulnerability scanning across all internet-facing assets
- Security architecture review (firewalls, authentication, segmentation)
- OT/IT convergence security evaluation for manufacturing environments
- CMMC compliance gap analysis for defense contractors
- Employee security awareness assessment
- Customized remediation roadmap prioritized by risk and budget
Schedule your free assessment today:
- Call: (336) 886-3282
- Email: [email protected]
- Visit: pdcsoftware.com/contact
- Location: 1208 Eastchester Drive, Suite 131, High Point, NC 27265
Since 1987, Preferred Data has been the trusted technology partner for North Carolina manufacturers, protecting industrial operations from evolving cyber threats while supporting growth through smart technology adoption. Our High Point headquarters and 37+ years of manufacturing IT expertise make us uniquely qualified to protect North Carolina's industrial sector against AI-powered cyber espionage and emerging threats.
The threat is real. The time to act is now. Let Preferred Data's cybersecurity experts evaluate your defenses and implement protection against AI-powered cyber threats.
Contact us today at (336) 886-3282 to schedule your free security assessment.
Related Resources
- Managed Cybersecurity Services for NC Manufacturers
- CMMC 2.0 Compliance Assessment and Implementation
- AI Transformation Services for Industrial Companies
- Managed IT Services for Manufacturing Operations
- OT/IT Integration Security for Industry 4.0
Works Cited
- Anthropic. (2025). "Disrupting AI Espionage." Retrieved from https://www.anthropic.com/news/disrupting-AI-espionage
- FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center. (2024). "2024 IC3 Annual Report." Retrieved from https://www.ic3.gov/AnnualReport/Reports/2024_IC3Report.pdf
- CISA. (2025). "Joint Cybersecurity Information AI Data Security." U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. Retrieved from https://media.defense.gov/2025/May/22/2003720601/-1/-1/0/CSI_AI_DATA_SECURITY.PDF
- Industrial Cyber. (2025). "FBI's Internet Crime Report 2024 records $16.6 billion in cybercrime losses amid rising ransomware threats." Retrieved from https://industrialcyber.co/reports/fbis-internet-crime-report-2024-records-16-6-billion-in-cybercrime-losses-amid-rising-ransomware-threats/
- Bitsight. (2025). "Top 3 Cyber Threats on Manufacturing in 2025." Retrieved from https://www.bitsight.com/blog/inside-cyber-threats-in-manufacturing-2025
- Cybersecurity Dive. (2025). "Cybersecurity ranks among top three risks to manufacturing sector." Retrieved from https://www.cybersecuritydive.com/news/cybersecurity-ranks-among-top-three-risks-to-manufacturing-sector/757811/
- Deepstrike. (2025). "AI Cyber Attack Statistics 2025, Trends, Costs, Defense." Retrieved from https://deepstrike.io/blog/ai-cyber-attack-statistics-2025
- McKinsey & Company. (2025). "AI is the greatest threat—and defense—in cybersecurity today." Retrieved from https://www.mckinsey.com/about-us/new-at-mckinsey-blog/ai-is-the-greatest-threat-and-defense-in-cybersecurity-today
- Accenture. (2025). "State of Cybersecurity Resilience 2025." Retrieved from https://www.accenture.com/us-en/insights/security/state-cybersecurity-2025
- National Association of Manufacturers. (2024). "2024 North Carolina Manufacturing Facts." Retrieved from https://www.nam.org/state-manufacturing-data/2024-north-carolina-manufacturing-facts/