Threats to MES and ERP systems in food processing plants

Technologies such as MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems) and ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) have become essential pillars for efficiency, traceability, and regulatory compliance in the food industry. However, this level of integration also introduces a new risk front: cybersecurity.

As automation and digitalization advance within the food industry, so do the threats that can compromise data integrity, product quality, and operational continuity. And this is where things get seriou, especially for those responsible for making strategic decisions. In this article, we take a clear-eyed look, without alarmism but with full realism, at the main threats facing MES and ERP systems in food production environments and why it's crucial to stay ahead of them.

Why are these systems so critical?

MES and ERP systems don’t just manage processes: they orchestrate them. From production planning and ingredient traceability to inventory control, order management, and compliance with health regulations, everything runs through these platforms.

In a modern food processing plant, a failure in the ERP system can bring the supply chain to a halt, while a disruption in the MES can lead to defective production or regulatory non-compliance. Both systems are deeply interconnected, not only with each other but also with sensors, production lines, scales, labelers, and increasingly, with cloud-based systems.

And if there’s one thing we’ve learned in recent years, it’s that anything connected is exposed.

Most common cyberattacks on ERPs

Cyberattacks are often thought to be something that only affects banks or large tech multinationals. But cybercriminals are well aware that industries like food manufacturing are especially vulnerable. Why? Because they operate on tight margins, run critical 24/7 operations, and face intense pressure around compliance and quality. Even a brief shutdown can lead to significant financial losses and major reputational damage.

1. Ransomware in production systems

Ransomware is one of the most feared types of attacks. It involves hijacking IT systems in exchange for a ransom payment. In an MES or ERP environment, this can mean total loss of access to production data, formulas, work orders, or quality records.

In a food processing plant, this isn’t just an IT headache: it can lead to a complete production shutdown and the destruction of perishable goods.

2. Unauthorized access and theft of sensitive data

ERP systems often store critical information: commercial agreements, pricing, order history, supplier details, or proprietary recipes. If access isn’t tightly controlled, this data can be leaked or sold.

In the MES environment, the risks are even higher: changing process parameters or disabling alerts can have direct consequences on food safety. We’re talking about undercooked, contaminated, or mislabeled products potentially reaching the market undetected.

3. Lack of segmentation between IT and OT

One of the most common, and least visible, threats is the lack of separation between IT (corporate information systems) and OT (plant operational technology) environments. In many factories, these systems coexist on the same network and sometimes even share passwords, protocols, or devices. This means a breach on a basic office computer can become an open door to the production floor.

4. Unapplied updates and patches

The food industry is often hesitant to apply updates out of fear of disrupting critical operations. But that reluctance leads to accumulated vulnerabilities. If an MES or ERP system isn’t updated regularly, it becomes fertile ground for known exploits. In other words, attackers don’t even need to find a new vulnerability: they can simply take advantage of one that’s already been discovered.

Cybersecurity tips to protect ERP and MES systems from cyberattacks

The good news is that protecting these environments isn’t an impossible task, but it does require commitment from the top. It’s not enough for the IT team to “check the antivirus.” What’s needed is a comprehensive industrial cybersecurity strategy, with active involvement from plant managers, quality and production leaders, and, of course, executive leadership.

Some key best practices we recommend at ESED include:

• IT/OT network segmentation, using industrial firewalls to properly isolate environments.

• Role-based identity and access management: not everyone needs access to everything.

• Real-time monitoring of MES and ERP systems to detect abnormal behavior.

• Offline backups with regular recovery testing.

• Controlled update policies, including testing in a staging environment before rolling out to production.

• And above all, awareness at every level: from frontline operators to middle management.

Proactive cybersecurity: the key to 24/7 protection

In the food industry, consumer trust is non-negotiable. A cybersecurity incident can lead to non-compliant products, loss of certifications, or even a large-scale product recall. And none of that is easy to explain in a press release.

That’s why understanding the threats to MES and ERP systems isn’t just a technical matter, it’s a strategic responsibility.

At ESED, we’ve spent years helping food industry companies navigate secure digital transformation, protecting their critical operations without slowing down growth or innovation. If you’re in the process of digitizing your plant, or simply want to know if you're protected, we’re here whenever you’re ready to talk.