The Connectivity Revolution and the Rise in Cyber Attacks: Zayo's Report and Its Impact on Factories

[Erkan Teskancan]

According to Zayo's March 2026 Cybersecurity Report, increasing cyberattacks since 2024 have risen significantly, particularly in the manufacturing sector. The report observes a substantial increase in the scale and target audience of distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks. While these attacks target firms' operations, artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and rented botnet networks play a significant role in escalating the threat.

### What is a DDoS Attack?
DDoS is a malicious type of cyberattack aimed at overwhelming a website or network with excessive traffic. This traffic comes from numerous compromised (zombie devices) and often automated sources. According to Zayo, these attacks do not involve a single computer but rather the coordinated effort of thousands of devices to make servers inaccessible to legitimate users.

### 2025 and 2026 Cybersecurity Trends

• Although the total number of attacks remains slightly below the record levels of 2024, record levels in attack frequency continue.
• Attacks have begun to specifically target critical businesses and institutions outside of telecommunications.
• Despite the manufacturing sector having a smaller share of the total attack volume, the average attack size reached its highest level at 11.6 Gbps.

### Assessments by Max Clauson, Zayo Senior Vice President of Network Connectivity
Max Clauson emphasizes that the proliferation of AI, IoT devices, and rented botnets has made DDoS attacks persistent and destructive. According to Clauson, cybersecurity now requires not just a reactive but a proactive and integrated approach. This approach includes:

• Real-time and automated threat detection and response
• Security solutions embedded within the network
• DDoS protection, SD-WAN, and managed firewall services.

### Cybersecurity and Connectivity in the Manufacturing Sector

• With the widespread adoption of AI and automation, the manufacturing sector's attack surface is expanding due to the integration of IT and OT systems.
• Attackers specifically target manufacturing because they know the high costs associated with production downtime.
• Even short-term disruptions in production can lead to significant operational losses.

### Definition of Attack Volume
Clauson states that attack volume refers not only to the frequency of attacks but also to the total amount of traffic associated with the attacks. Furthermore:

• The average attack size reached critical dimensions with a 70% annual increase.
• The intensity of attacks, as much as their number, is significant in terms of financial risk and operational impact.

Zayo's report reveals that cybersecurity practices have become a critical priority in the manufacturing sector, and proactive protection with continuously updated strategies in this area is essential.