Rockwell Survey Reveals Life Sciences Cyber Gaps Amid Digital Push
New data shows most life sciences makers see digital shifts as vital, yet many struggle with data use and face rising cyber threats.
Key points
- % of life sciences manufacturers view digital transformation as business-critical.
- % of these organizations suffered at least one cyberattack in the past year.
- Only 32% effectively utilize more than half of the data they currently collect.
Rockwell Automation released new survey data highlighting significant gaps in cybersecurity and data readiness within the life sciences manufacturing sector. The findings indicate that while most manufacturers recognize the necessity of digital transformation, many are ill-prepared to manage the associated risks and data volumes effectively.
According to Industrial Cyber, the report titled “The New Operating Model for Life Sciences Manufacturing” reveals that 90% of respondents consider digital transformation essential to their business operations. Despite this widespread acknowledgment, only 58% have deployed smart manufacturing technologies at scale or across parts of their facilities. Manufacturers are investing heavily in artificial intelligence, process automation, and cybersecurity to improve quality and reduce risk.
Technology Adoption and Data Challenges
AI and machine learning emerged as the technologies expected to deliver the largest business outcomes, cited by 46% of respondents. Process automation followed closely at 44%, while cybersecurity was identified as a key driver by 39% of participants. Among manufacturers already using AI, 64% plan to expand its use within the next year, and 49% expect to increase investment over the next five years.
However, data utilization remains a critical bottleneck. The survey found that only 32% of respondents said they effectively use more than half of the data they collect. This disparity suggests that while organizations are generating vast amounts of operational data, they lack the infrastructure or strategies to leverage it for continuous readiness and compliance.
Cybersecurity Exposure and Attack Vectors
Cybersecurity risks are escalating as digital operations expand. The data shows that 54% of life sciences organizations experienced at least one cyberattack in the past year. Exposure was reported across multiple vectors, with IT systems and enterprise networks accounting for 41% of incidents. Remote access and connected equipment represented 33% of exposures, while IT/OT integration points accounted for 29%.
These findings are based on responses from 104 managers and executives across life sciences manufacturers, original equipment manufacturers, system integrators, and engineering procurement companies in 16 countries. The breadth of the survey underscores the global nature of these challenges within the industry.
Strategic Shifts in Manufacturing
Matt Weaver, vice president of global industry for life sciences at Rockwell Automation, stated that regulatory readiness can no longer be treated as a periodic project. He emphasized that it must become a daily discipline integrated into facility operations. Companies that connect their data, secure systems, and validate AI deployments today will be better prepared for future regulatory and market demands.
Digital transformation is shifting from isolated projects to enterprise-wide strategies. This change is driven by the need to improve quality, reduce risk, and create more resilient operations in an increasingly complex environment. The focus is moving from simple compliance to continuous readiness, requiring a fundamental change in how manufacturers approach technology and security.
What should you do?
Organizations in the life sciences sector should review their current data utilization strategies to ensure they are leveraging collected information effectively. Assessing cybersecurity posture across IT, OT, and remote access points is crucial given the high incidence of attacks. Leaders should consider integrating security and data management into daily operational disciplines rather than treating them as separate initiatives.
What to do and how to stay safe: Rockwell Automation
- Audit your data collection processes to identify unused or underutilized data that could support operational decisions.
- Review security controls for remote access points and connected equipment, which are common attack vectors.
- Evaluate IT/OT integration points to ensure they are properly secured and monitored for potential breaches.
- Develop a plan to expand AI and automation investments while addressing underlying data readiness gaps.
General security guidance from the Threat Times newsroom. It is not confirmed advice from the organisations named in this story.
Frequently asked questions
What percentage of life sciences manufacturers consider digital transformation necessary?
According to the Rockwell Automation survey, 90% of life sciences manufacturers consider digital transformation necessary to their business.
How many organizations experienced cyberattacks in the past year?
The data reveals that 54% of life sciences organizations experienced at least one cyberattack in the past year.
What are the most common exposure points for these cyberattacks?
Exposure was most frequently reported in IT systems and enterprise networks (41%), followed by remote access (33%) and IT/OT integration points (29%).
