NTMA members are at a pivotal moment in the digital age, with manufacturers’ IT responsibilities growing beyond maintaining basic operations to managing advanced cloud-based technologies.
Modern CNC machine shops house complex IT systems where machines, tools, and cloud-based software communicate seamlessly and continuously, increasing not only efficiency but also vulnerability. Now, robust cyber defenses are as critical as any physical machinery you could buy.
Even the Smallest Shops Face Significant Risks
It’s a dangerous misconception that cyber threats are reserved for the giants of the industry. Experts will tell you that small businesses are often the preferred targets of today’s cybercriminals.
Without the robust defenses that larger corporations can afford, small and medium-sized companies have become low-hanging fruit for digital thieves. By the time machine shop management realizes the shop’s system has been infiltrated, hackers have likely been lurking undetected in the network for months, learning patterns and waiting for the moment to strike. Such breaches can have devastating effects—on your shop and your customers.
You Need Expert Cybersecurity Solutions
Cybercrimes like malware, phishing, spoofing, and identity-based attacks occur every day, making expert IT services essential to American manufacturers. Third-party cybersecurity experts serve as an extension of the modern CNC machine shop—one that specializes in safeguarding your digital assets.
At NTMA, we practice what we preach. Our third-party cybersecurity partners protect not only our internal operations but also each member of our community. External IT security provides a protective layer that safeguards us and you.
For NTMA, investing in cyber insurance and specialized IT services was a strategic move to shield our association and our member base from cascading cyber threats. By sharing the responsibility with experts, we ensure that we’re reacting to threats and proactively securing our operations against them.
Get Ahead of CMMC
Hopefully, your machine shop management team is already familiar with Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC), a compliance program focused on protection from digital threats. Though CMMC isn’t yet a requirement, it’s not a far-off concern, either. Manufacturers serving defense and aerospace customers should know that CMMC is set to become the US government’s benchmark for cybersecurity.
This certification is more than a compliance hoop to jump through—it’s a commitment to safeguarding our CNC machine businesses and our nation’s security. It’s also a signal of what’s to come across all sectors, and NTMA is committed to keeping you informed and prepared for CMMC implementation.
The question isn’t “if” but “when,” as compliance with CMMC standards will soon be non-negotiable. For NTMA members, the time to prepare is now. CMMC is merely the first ripple in a wave of industry-wide change.
Make Outsourced Cybersecurity a Priority
A simple cost-benefit analysis will quickly prove the necessity of outsourcing your IT operations to third-party experts. Specialty cybersecurity firms bring a wealth of knowledge and cutting-edge practices that are effectively impossible to match in-house, especially for small to medium-sized shops.
You’ll be empowering your business with the best digital defenses in an era where cyber threats are as common as they are dangerous. Outsourcing IT becomes not just an operational decision but a competitive advantage.
The perspective of IT security as an optional expense is one we can no longer afford. The cost of a cyberattack extends beyond immediate financial loss—it can lead to a prolonged recovery of operations, customer confidence, and market reputation.
At NTMA, we’ve seen the repercussions for businesses that neglected their cybersecurity, and we are adamant that our members understand the stakes involved.
Investing in professional IT services is about more than averting potential disasters; it’s about ensuring that your CNC machine business, your employees, and your customers are protected. This investment speaks volumes about your commitment to quality, reliability, and trustworthiness in an industry increasingly defined by digital interactions.
NTMA Is Your Champion in the Cyber Arena
If you have questions about navigating the complex world of IT security or choosing a reliable IT partner, remember that NTMA is your ally. Together, we can turn cybersecurity from a challenge into an opportunity for growth and resilience.
We encourage you to join us in making the strategic choice to prioritize IT security and embrace the digital future with confidence.
