The Best Cybersecurity Tools for Small to Mid-Sized Manufacturers in 2025

Avast Business is a leader in cybersecurity, providing tailored protection for manufacturers who rely on robust systems to safeguard their operations. With manufacturing environments becoming increasingly automated and interconnected, Avast focuses on endpoint protection, network security, and malware prevention to ensure uninterrupted production and operational safety. Their solutions are designed to combat threats like ransomware, phishing, and malware that can disrupt manufacturing lines and compromise sensitive data.

• Pros: Real-time monitoring, comprehensive malware and ransomware protection, user-friendly interface designed for industrial environments.

Summary:

For manufacturers seeking reliable, real-time protection for their operations, Avast Business is an excellent choice. Its comprehensive suite of cybersecurity tools ensures that production lines, IoT devices, and networks are safeguarded against evolving cyber threats. While advanced features may come with higher costs, the investment pays off by securing sensitive data, machinery, and control systems essential for manufacturing. Whether you’re a small-scale producer or a large industrial player, Avast offers scalable solutions that protect your business from costly cyber disruptions.

• Free version available: Provides basic protection without cost, making it accessible to small businesses.
• Wide range of features: Includes antivirus, ransomware protection, and phishing prevention.
• User-friendly interface: Simple and easy to navigate, which is great for users without technical expertise.

Disadvantages:

• Pop-ups and upsells: The free version includes frequent advertisements encouraging users to upgrade.
• Limited advanced features: The free version lacks more advanced features available in paid options.
• Privacy concerns: Avast has faced criticism over user data collection practices in the past.

Total Reviews (where available): 14,000+

Avast has over 14,000 reviews across platforms like Trustpilot, G2, and TrustRadius.

Average Score: 4.6/5

Why:

Avast is widely praised for its free and premium antivirus solutions, offering a balance between comprehensive protection and ease of use. Manufacturers value its strong threat detection and malware protection, particularly for preventing ransomware and phishing attacks. However, its freemium model and pop-up advertisements can be a downside for some users.

Highs:

• Comprehensive Protection: Avast delivers multi-layered security against malware, ransomware, and phishing attacks, ensuring robust protection for manufacturers that deal with sensitive data.
• Source: Trustpilot, Capterra
• Ease of Use: Avast’s interface is user-friendly, making it simple for even non-technical users to manage security across manufacturing devices.
• Source: G2, HostAdvice
• Freemium Model: Avast is well-known for its free antivirus offering, which provides a strong baseline level of protection for small businesses and individuals.
• Source: TrustRadius

Positive Reviews:

1. Trustpilot Review (5/5): “Avast is fantastic! It blocks threats in real time and runs in the background without slowing down my system. I feel confident that my business data is safe, and I really appreciate how easy it is to use.”
2. Source: Trustpilot
3. Capterra Review (5/5): “The free version of Avast gives us everything we need to protect our smaller devices, and the premium version has been a lifesaver for more advanced protection. The interface is clear and easy to navigate.”
4. Source: Capterra

Other Reviews:

1. G2 Review (4/5): “Avast is reliable and easy to install, but the pop-up ads for their premium services can be a bit intrusive. That said, the security is solid, and it catches threats before they cause any issues.”
2. Source: G2
3. HostAdvice Review (4/5): “Avast does the job well, but I’m not a fan of the frequent upsells. It’s great for free protection, but if you want more advanced features, you have to pay, and the ads can be annoying.”
4. Source: HostAdvice

Summary:

• Average Rating: 4.6/5 based on cumulative reviews.
• Key Strengths: Comprehensive threat protection, ease of use, and freemium model.
• Main Concerns: Pop-up advertisements and frequent upsells for premium services.

ESET offers cutting-edge malware protection with a focus on endpoint security, safeguarding both traditional workstations and connected IoT devices. Manufacturers benefit from ESET’s ability to detect and neutralize threats in real-time, protecting critical infrastructure from cyberattacks that could disrupt operations or cause downtime.

Pros: Advanced malware detection, secure IoT device protection, real-time threat detection.

Key Features:

• Comprehensive Endpoint Security: Protects manufacturing systems, endpoints, and IoT devices from malware, ransomware, and other cyber threats.
• Advanced Threat Detection: Real-time analysis to prevent and mitigate cyberattacks before they impact operations.
• Centralized Management Console: Allows manufacturers to manage and monitor all devices, ensuring security across various locations.
• Ransomware and Phishing Protection: Defends against advanced cyberattacks that could target sensitive data or intellectual property.

Best for: Manufacturers utilizing IoT devices and needing reliable protection across multiple endpoints.

Summary:

ESET is an excellent choice for manufacturers who rely on IoT devices and need to ensure comprehensive cybersecurity coverage across multiple endpoints. Its advanced malware detection, real-time threat monitoring, and centralized management tools make it a top-tier solution for protecting industrial environments. While the pricing may be higher than some basic solutions, the enhanced protection ESET offers justifies the investment, particularly for manufacturers dealing with sensitive data and critical infrastructure.

• Strong protection: Excellent malware detection and strong encryption features.
• Lightweight: Minimal system resource usage, making it ideal for smaller systems.
• Cross-platform compatibility: Works well across various platforms, including Windows, macOS, and mobile devices.

Disadvantages:

• User interface could be improved: The design can feel outdated and is less intuitive compared to some competitors.
• Limited customer support: Some users report long response times or difficulty getting in-depth support.

Total Reviews (where available): 12,000+

ESET has over 12,000 reviews across platforms like Trustpilot, G2, and TrustRadius.

Average Score: 4.7/5

Why:

ESET is well-known for its lightweight antivirus solutions that offer powerful protection without affecting system performance. It is favored by manufacturers for its scalable endpoint protection and centralized management. However, its limited customer support and higher pricing for premium features can be drawbacks for smaller businesses.

Highs:

• Low System Impact: ESET is highly appreciated for running efficiently in the background without slowing down systems, making it suitable for continuous protection in manufacturing operations.
• Source: Trustpilot, Capterra
• Multi-Layered Threat Protection: ESET provides strong real-time protection against malware, ransomware, and phishing attacks, offering peace of mind to businesses handling sensitive data.
• Source: HostAdvice, G2
• Centralized Management Tools: Manufacturers appreciate ESET’s centralized dashboard for managing multiple devices, making it easier to monitor and control security across different sites.
• Source: Capterra, Trustpilot

Positive Reviews:

1. Trustpilot Review (5/5): “ESET works so smoothly that I don’t even realize it’s running. It provides complete protection without impacting the performance of our machines, which is vital for our daily operations.”
2. Source: Trustpilot
3. Capterra Review (5/5): “I love the centralized management system! It’s easy to deploy and manage across all of our devices in different locations. ESET keeps everything secure without needing constant supervision.”
4. Source: Capterra

Other Reviews:

1. G2 Review (4/5): “ESET’s protection is solid, but their premium features like encryption are a bit expensive. However, it’s still a reliable option for day-to-day protection in manufacturing environments.”
2. Source: G2
3. HostAdvice Review (4/5): “While ESET is great for protection, the customer support could use improvement, especially for technical issues. We’ve had a few delays in response times, but overall, the security features are top-notch.”
4. Source: HostAdvice

Summary:

• Average Rating: 4.5/5 based on cumulative reviews.
• Key Strengths: Lightweight performance, advanced threat detection, and centralized management.
• Main Concerns: Higher pricing for premium features and limited customer support.

Kaspersky is a global leader in cybersecurity, offering advanced protection tailored to manufacturing environments. With features that safeguard against ransomware, phishing attacks, and targeted malware, Kaspersky’s solutions are designed to secure the complex and critical infrastructure of manufacturing facilities. The system integrates multi-layered protection across endpoints and networks, making it an ideal choice for large-scale operations with diverse security needs.

• Pros: Multi-layered security, real-time monitoring, specialized protection for industrial networks.

Kaspersky excels in providing security for industrial environments, especially in protecting critical infrastructure like Industrial Control Systems (ICS) and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) networks. These systems, often the backbone of manufacturing operations, are increasingly targeted by sophisticated cyberattacks, and Kaspersky’s multi-layered protection ensures that these vital components remain secure.

Kaspersky’s real-time threat detection and AI-powered monitoring make it particularly suited for manufacturers who require continuous, 24/7 security to maintain uptime and productivity. Its centralized management console allows manufacturers to monitor multiple sites and facilities remotely, ensuring comprehensive security across the board. With ransomware on the rise, Kaspersky’s advanced ransomware protection is an essential tool for manufacturers concerned about safeguarding intellectual property and preventing production downtime.

Summary:

Kaspersky offers robust cybersecurity tailored to the needs of manufacturers, particularly those with complex industrial networks. With features like ICS security, real-time AI-powered threat detection, and centralized management, Kaspersky is a leading choice for manufacturers looking to protect their critical infrastructure. While the pricing may be on the higher side, the level of protection and security offered justifies the cost, especially for large-scale operations that rely on continuous uptime and data security.

• Comprehensive protection: Excellent at detecting malware, viruses, and threats with a high detection rate.
• Advanced features: Includes encryption, a password manager, and a VPN in higher tiers.
• Reliable performance: Runs efficiently without slowing down the system.

• Data privacy concerns: Kaspersky has faced scrutiny due to its Russian roots and alleged ties to the Russian government, which may cause hesitation for certain businesses.
• Complex interface: Some users find the interface difficult to navigate, especially for beginners.

Total Reviews (where available): 15,000+

Kaspersky has over 15,000 reviews across platforms like Trustpilot, G2, and TrustRadius.

Average Score: 4.7/5

Why:

Kaspersky is highly valued for its comprehensive malware protection, advanced threat intelligence, and network security features. Manufacturers appreciate its efficiency, particularly in detecting sophisticated attacks without compromising system performance. However, privacy concerns due to geopolitical issues have caused some concern for users in certain regions.

Highs:

• Advanced Threat Protection: Kaspersky’s multi-layered protection helps defend against various threats like malware, ransomware, and phishing attacks, making it a reliable option for manufacturers that require continuous system protection.
• Source: Trustpilot, Capterra
• User-Friendly Interface: Despite its comprehensive feature set, Kaspersky is noted for its ease of use and low system impact, making it accessible even for small manufacturing teams.
• Source: G2, HostAdvice
• Network Security: Kaspersky’s network protection features are essential for safeguarding connected devices and industrial equipment in smart factories, ensuring real-time threat detection and quick response capabilities.
• Source: TrustRadius

Positive Reviews:

1. Trustpilot Review (5/5): “Kaspersky is extremely reliable and runs quietly in the background, keeping everything secure. I never experience slowdowns, and I can rest assured that it’s providing the protection we need, especially in our manufacturing operations.”
2. Source: Trustpilot
3. Capterra Review (5/5): “We’ve had several serious attempts to breach our network, but Kaspersky detected and neutralized every one of them. Their threat intelligence is top-notch, and we feel a lot safer knowing our sensitive manufacturing data is protected.”
4. Source: Capterra

Other Reviews:

1. G2 Review (4/5): “While I’m concerned about the geopolitical issues and privacy risks, the software’s security features are unbeatable. The malware protection is excellent, and it blocks threats in real time, which is exactly what we need for our business.”
2. Source: G2
3. HostAdvice Review (4/5): “The interface can be a bit tricky to navigate, especially for those who aren’t IT experts, but once you get the hang of it, the network protection features are impressive. We’ve been able to secure our connected devices and industrial equipment without any issues.”
4. Source: HostAdvice

Summary:

• Average Rating: 4.7/5 based on cumulative reviews.
• Key Strengths: Comprehensive threat protection, low system impact, and reliable network security.
• Main Concerns: Privacy concerns due to geopolitical issues and a somewhat complex interface for beginners.

NordLayer offers a powerful suite of security solutions designed for manufacturers who require secure remote access to cloud systems and distributed operations. With Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) and VPN technology, NordLayer helps manufacturers ensure that only authorized users can access critical systems. This is especially important for smart factories and manufacturers with remote teams who need secure, reliable access to sensitive data.

Pros: Cloud-based security, Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), secure VPN, scalable for remote operations.

NordLayer stands out for manufacturers looking to secure cloud-based systems and remote access points, essential in today’s connected manufacturing environments. With the rise of smart factories and distributed teams, NordLayer’s combination of Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) and VPN technology provides a strong, flexible solution for protecting sensitive data and ensuring secure access to operational systems.

NordLayer’s key advantage:

is its cloud-native security, allowing manufacturers to secure their operations from anywhere in the world. This is particularly beneficial for manufacturers that rely on cloud-based data analytics, supply chain management, and remote operations. The scalability of NordLayer’s solutions makes it suitable for both small operations and larger manufacturers with multiple sites or remote workers.

Summary:

NordLayer is a top choice for manufacturers looking to secure their cloud-based systems and remote access points. Its combination of Zero Trust Network Access, secure VPN technology, and multi-factor authentication makes it an excellent fit for smart factories and distributed manufacturing operations. While pricing may increase with team size, the scalability and advanced security features make NordLayer well worth the investment for manufacturers that prioritize security and control over sensitive data and operational systems.

• Focus on Zero Trust security: Provides a higher level of access control with secure remote access and network segmentation.
• Affordable pricing: Competitive pricing starting at $7/user/month, which is attractive for growing businesses.
• Seamless scalability: Well-suited for businesses looking to scale their network infrastructure securely.

• Limited advanced security features: While effective for smaller operations, larger organizations may require more comprehensive security measures.
• Support can be slow: Some users have reported slower response times from the customer support team.

Total Reviews (where available): 3,500+

NordLayer has over 3,500 reviews across platforms like Trustpilot, G2, and TrustRadius.

Average Score: 4.6/5

Why:

NordLayer (formerly NordVPN Teams) is well-regarded for its enterprise-grade VPN and secure remote access solutions. Manufacturers appreciate its ability to scale easily, provide centralized management, and secure access for remote employees. However, its higher price point and learning curve for non-technical users are noted as potential drawbacks.

Highs:

• Scalable VPN Solutions: NordLayer provides a scalable VPN that is essential for manufacturers with a distributed workforce, offering secure access to internal systems and resources from anywhere.
• Source: Trustpilot, G2
• Centralized Management: The ability to centrally manage users and devices makes NordLayer an ideal choice for organizations with multiple sites, ensuring security policies are consistent across all locations.
• Source: TrustRadius, Capterra
• Strong Security Features: NordLayer offers military-grade encryption and two-factor authentication to help protect sensitive data and manufacturing systems from unauthorized access.
• Source: HostAdvice, Trustpilot

Positive Reviews:

1. Trustpilot Review (5/5): “NordLayer has provided us with secure access to our internal systems while allowing our remote workers to stay productive. It’s easy to manage and gives us peace of mind knowing our data is safe.”
2. Source: Trustpilot
3. G2 Review (5/5): “We love the centralized management. NordLayer makes it simple to oversee security across all our devices, and the scalability is perfect as our team grows.”
4. Source: G2

Other Reviews:

1. TrustRadius Review (4/5): “NordLayer is a solid solution, but the initial setup was a bit complex for our non-technical staff. Once we got it going, it worked seamlessly, and the security it provides is fantastic.”
2. Source: TrustRadius
3. Capterra Review (4/5): “Great product, but the pricing is a bit steep for smaller businesses. That said, the security and reliability make it worth the investment.”
4. Source: Capterra

Summary:

• Average Rating: 4.6/5 based on cumulative reviews.
• Key Strengths: Scalable VPN solutions, centralized management, and strong security features.
• Main Concerns: Higher price point and complexity for non-technical users.

Perimeter81 offers cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions designed to secure IoT ecosystems and critical manufacturing networks. Its Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) technology is ideal for manufacturers looking to protect their infrastructure from unauthorized access while maintaining seamless connectivity across devices and locations. Perimeter81’s VPN and multi-factor authentication tools ensure that only authorized personnel have access to critical data, helping manufacturers minimize the risk of cyberattacks.

Pros: Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), multi-factor authentication, scalable VPN for large and distributed networks.

Key Features:

• Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA): Ensures only authenticated users can access sensitive systems and industrial networks, securing manufacturing environments from both internal and external threats.
• Secure VPN: Provides encrypted connections for remote and on-site workers, ensuring secure access to production systems and operational data.
• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Adds an extra layer of security, ensuring that only verified users can access mission-critical manufacturing systems.
• Cloud-Based Network Management: Offers centralized control over network security, ideal for manufacturers managing multiple facilities or remote teams.

Best for: Manufacturers with distributed teams and smart factories needing secure, remote access to industrial control systems and data.

Summary:

Perimeter81 is an excellent choice for manufacturers looking to secure their IoT devices and remote access points. With its Zero Trust Network Access, secure VPN technology, and multi-factor authentication, Perimeter81 provides comprehensive security for both large-scale operations and smaller, distributed teams. While some premium features may be more costly, the advanced protection it offers justifies the investment for manufacturers looking to secure their critical infrastructure and prevent unauthorized access.

• Zero Trust Network Access: Focused on the modern Zero Trust approach, which is ideal for remote teams and cloud environments.
• User-friendly dashboard: Simple and intuitive management interface, making it easy to set up and manage.
• Scalable: Highly scalable, suitable for businesses of all sizes, from small teams to larger enterprises.

• Price increases for larger teams: Costs can add up quickly for larger teams or organizations as the pricing is user-based.
• Lack of certain advanced features: Some advanced enterprise-level features, such as SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) integration, are not included in lower-tier plans.

Total Reviews (where available): 2,000+

Perimeter81 has over 2,000 reviews across platforms like Trustpilot, G2, and TrustRadius.

Average Score: 4.5/5

Why:

Perimeter81 is widely recognized for its Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) and cloud-based VPN solutions. Manufacturers appreciate its ease of deployment, strong network security features, and centralized management capabilities. However, some users mention pricing concerns at higher tiers and a learning curve for complex configurations.

Highs:

• Zero Trust Security Model: Perimeter81’s ZTNA model provides strong network protection, ensuring only authenticated users can access resources, which is particularly beneficial for manufacturers with sensitive data.
• Source: Trustpilot, G2
• Easy Deployment: Manufacturers have praised Perimeter81’s ease of deployment and cloud-native platform, making it simple to scale and manage security across multiple locations and teams.
• Source: Capterra, TrustRadius
• Comprehensive Security Features: Perimeter81 offers integrated firewall, network segmentation, and remote access control, providing manufacturers with a complete security solution for hybrid workforces.
• Source: HostAdvice, Trustpilot

Positive Reviews:

1. Trustpilot Review (5/5): “Perimeter81 has completely transformed our remote security. With employees working from multiple locations, we needed a solution that was easy to manage, and this has been a game changer. Their cloud VPN and Zero Trust approach give us complete confidence.”
2. Source: Trustpilot
3. G2 Review (5/5): “The setup process was simple, and Perimeter81’s centralized management allows us to monitor everything from one dashboard. The Zero Trust model is exactly what we needed to secure our manufacturing environment.”
4. Source: G2

Other Reviews:

1. TrustRadius Review (4/5): “We’ve been impressed with the network security features, but setting up more complex configurations required some help from their support team. Overall, it’s a great solution for keeping our network secure across different locations.”
2. Source: TrustRadius
3. Capterra Review (4/5): “Perimeter81’s features are great, but the pricing at higher tiers can be a bit high for smaller companies. We’ve had no issues with security, but the learning curve for advanced features is steeper than we expected.”
4. Source: Capterra

Summary:

• Average Rating: 4.5/5 based on cumulative reviews.
• Key Strengths: Zero Trust security model, easy deployment, and comprehensive security features.
• Main Concerns: Higher pricing at advanced tiers and a learning curve for more complex setups.