Understanding The Cybersecurity Risks And Rewards Of Artificial Intelligence On The Shop Floor
Written by Alyssa Ernste, Manufacturing Works, in collaboration with CyberWyoming
The Fourth Industrial Revolution, often called Industry 4.0, has made Artificial Intelligence (AI) a central force in modern manufacturing. From predictive maintenance and quality control to demand forecasting and process optimization, AI is driving productivity gains and competitive advantage across the sector.
However, every new opportunity comes with a new set of risks. As manufacturers in Wyoming adopt AI tools and smart systems, it’s critical to understand the cybersecurity implications that accompany them.
How Manufacturers Are Using AI Today
Across Wyoming’s shop floors, manufacturers are already implementing AI technologies in ways that boost efficiency and reduce downtime:
- Predictive maintenance: Algorithms anticipate equipment failure before it happens, preventing costly delays.
- Visual quality inspections: Smart cameras paired with AI can flag defects in real-time.
- Production scheduling optimization: AI enables faster, more accurate planning than traditional spreadsheet methods.
- Energy use forecasting: AI helps reduce energy consumption and improve sustainability efforts.
These applications are revolutionizing operations, but the story doesn’t end there.
The Cybersecurity Risks You Need to Know
While AI enhances operations, it also opens the door to new vulnerabilities. Understanding these threats is essential for any manufacturer using or planning to use AI.
1. AI Models Can Be Poisoned
AI systems learn by ingesting large datasets, but if an attacker tampers with this data, the model can be manipulated. This tactic, known as data poisoning, can lead to:
- Failing to predict maintenance needs despite equipment breakdown.
- Misidentifying quality control results, such as approving defective parts.
Even small distortions in data can lead to significant and costly errors in production.
2. Loss of Intellectual Property (IP)
Many AI tools operate in the cloud or depend on third-party platforms. If these systems handle sensitive data like schematics, recipes, or proprietary machine behavior, they become potential targets. Without robust data protection, your competitive edge could be at risk in the event of a breach.
3. Shadow AI and Unapproved Tools
Employees may independently use AI tools like ChatGPT or Microsoft Copilot to write emails, generate code, or analyze data. If confidential business information is entered into public or unvetted AI tools, you might inadvertently leak trade secrets or customer information. These activities—sometimes called “shadow AI”—are often invisible to IT or management.
4. Adversarial Inputs
Hackers can subtly alter the inputs that AI systems use—such as tweaking sensor data or images—to trick AI into making wrong decisions. For example, a smart camera might overlook a product defect or mislabel safe conditions as hazardous. These inputs can bypass traditional cybersecurity controls if you’re not prepared.
Five Ways to Use AI Safely in Manufacturing
Here’s how Wyoming manufacturers can protect themselves while reaping the benefits of AI:
1. Vet Your Vendors
- Ensure AI platforms and services are backed by companies with strong cybersecurity ethics and practices.
- Ask about their encryption methods, data storage practices, opt-out options, data sharing and use, proprietary rights, and incident response protocols.
“CyberWyoming has researched the privacy and safety pages for scores of AI products and were surprised to find that some said that all our inputs and outputs became the property of the AI platform. So, taking a few minutes to read how they use our data is well worth it,” said Laura Baker, Executive Director of CyberWyoming.
2. Keep Human Oversight
- Don’t rely solely on AI for critical decisions.
- Combine automation with human judgment, especially for safety or quality assurance.
- Always fact-check AI-generated data, including numbers, statistics, and claims, to minimize the risk of misinformation or AI hallucinations
3. Secure Your Data Pipeline
- Protect training datasets like you would financials or customer records.
- Implement access controls and regularly audit data use.
4. Create AI Use Policies
- Establish clear guidelines about which AI tools can be used and what data can be shared.
- Train employees on the risks of misusing AI, similar to your phishing and cyber hygiene education programs.
- Determine if your staff meetings can be recorded and whether or not to avoid tools that automatically store sensitive information in the cloud, such as Zoom AI Companion, which stores meeting notes and recordings in the Zoom cloud. Meetings involving proprietary or confidential data should never be recorded or transcribed using this tool.
5. Patch and Update Regularly
- AI models evolve, so should your protections.
- Keep software up to date and apply security patches promptly to fix vulnerabilities.
Don’t Fear AI, Just Prepare for It
AI in manufacturing isn’t inherently risky or safe. Like a CNC machine or an industrial robot, its impact depends on how well it’s managed. With thoughtful oversight and solid cybersecurity practices, AI can transform Wyoming’s manufacturing sector for the better.
“AI isn’t a silver bullet, but it can be a powerful tool, if implemented with care. For Wyoming manufacturers, success with AI starts with smart planning and strong cybersecurity. Just like you wouldn’t install a new machine without safety protocols, you shouldn’t roll out AI without knowing how to protect your data and operations,” said Rocky Case, Executive Director of Manufacturing Works
CyberWyoming and Manufacturing Works are committed to helping local manufacturers embrace innovation safely. Whether you’re piloting your first AI-powered system or scaling smart factory technologies, we’re here to help you navigate the road ahead with confidence.
If you’re unsure how to assess your current cybersecurity posture or evaluate an AI tool, reach out to CyberWyoming or your local Manufacturing Works representative today.
