Cyberattackers aren’t waiting for big headlines, they’re targeting everyday businesses right here in Pittsburgh. The reality is, with cyberattacks surging by 75% globally, according to CloudSecureTech, you’re likely more vulnerable than you think.
An incident can grind operations to a halt and erode hard-earned trust in an instant. Michael Ryan Lamberger, Relationship Manager at Enkompas Technology Solutions, notes: “When it comes to cyber threats, local businesses must recognize that attackers see opportunity in every industry, not just the obvious targets.”
In this blog, explore some of the great cybersecurity risks facing the top industries in Pittsburgh, and how you can mitigate vulnerabilities in your IT and operations.
Understanding the Pressures Facing Pittsburgh Industries
When you look at the cyber landscape in Pittsburgh, a few urgent risks stand out.
- Ransomware on the Rise: Attackers are zeroing in on local organizations, betting on weak backup and recovery strategies to pressure a payout.
- Phishing Attacks Proliferate: With more than 75% of targeted cyberattacks starting from phishing emails, every employee becomes a potential line of defense-or vulnerability.
- Supply Chain Vulnerabilities: Even trusted vendors can become indirect entry points for cybercriminals, putting your data and operations at risk.
- Email as a Primary Vector: With a 131% increase in email-based attacks in 2025, robust email security has become table stakes.
- Industry-Specific Threats: Healthcare and manufacturing, in particular, face targeted attacks that leverage their operational nuances.
Addressing these pressures isn’t just about tools, it’s about having a dedicated and highly skilled technical team ready to respond. Building a resilient cyber environment requires a holistic, partnership-driven approach, ensuring you’re not facing these challenges alone.
Where Pittsburgh’s Biggest Industries Are Most Exposed – and How to Fix It
| Threat Category | How to Know You’re at Risk | Common Mistakes Businesses Make | High-Value Actions That Reduce the Risk |
| Ransomware | Backups aren’t tested monthly; recovery time is unknown. | Assuming cloud storage equals backup; no documented recovery plan. | Implement immutable backups; run quarterly recovery drills. |
| Phishing | Employees fail quarterly simulated phishing tests. | One-and-done training; no reporting mechanism for suspicious emails. | Deploy ongoing awareness training + phishing simulations. |
| Supply Chain Exposure | Vendors have network access or handle sensitive data without security verification. | Trusting vendor assurances without assessments. | Conduct third-party risk reviews; restrict vendor access by role. |
| Email-Based Attacks | No advanced threat protection beyond basic spam filtering. | Relying solely on Microsoft 365 defaults. | Add ATP, DMARC enforcement, and continuous monitoring. |
| Industry-Specific Threats | Regulators expect controls you don’t have (HIPAA, PCI, etc.). | Treating specialized industries like generic SMB environments. | Deploy tailored controls aligned to your sector’s compliance needs. |
Why the Top Industries in Pittsburgh Are Prime Targets for Cyberattackers
The top industries in Pittsburgh are in the spotlight for cyberattackers because they sit at the crossroads of valuable data and operational urgency.
When you think about sectors like manufacturing, which faced over 26% of attacks in 2025 alone, it’s clear why criminals are interested. Healthcare, too, has long held sensitive information that fetches a high price on the black market.
Consider this: if you’re running a manufacturing plant, a sudden ransomware lockout isn’t just an IT headache; it halts production, strains customer relationships, and puts every open contract at risk. Attackers understand that every minute of downtime carries a cost, so they leverage that urgency for maximum pressure.
What these realities highlight is the need for proactive planning, not just reactive response, in these sectors. When your industry is both valuable and complex, waiting until after an incident is simply too risky.
Why Pittsburgh’s Top Industries Attract Increased Attention from Cyberattackers
Attackers focus where the payoff is highest. Pittsburgh’s economic backbone, especially manufacturing, houses exactly what cybercriminals want.
When your company is responsible for proprietary designs or sensitive customer records, you’re not just running a business; you’re holding assets that attract unwanted attention.
The complexity of your supply chain and interconnected systems can unintentionally widen the attack surface. However, dedicated relationship management can improve visibility to threats across your company’s entire ecosystem–making it easier to spot unusual activity before damage is done.
The Biggest Industries in Pittsburgh: Understanding Cyber Risk Across Key Sectors
You’re not alone if you’re wondering whether your industry is being specifically targeted by cyberattackers. Pittsburgh’s largest sectors—healthcare, manufacturing, finance, education, and professional services—are squarely in the crosshairs, each for unique reasons:
- Healthcare: With over 100 million records compromised, patient data remains one of the most lucrative targets for attackers.
- Manufacturing: The sector saw phishing attacks jump nearly 83%, often exploiting operational downtime or complex supply chains.
- Finance: More than 20,000 cyberattacks have resulted in staggering losses, as financial data is always in demand.
- Education: A 75% increase in cyberattacks has left schools and universities scrambling to secure sensitive information.
- Professional Services: Firms in this sector have seen a 15% uptick in cyberattacks, with client trust and confidentiality on the line.
Pittsburgh industries benefit from partners who have deep experience across multiple sectors and understand the regulatory and operational nuances unique to each. If you operate in one of these key areas, know that the risks are real-and growing.
If You Can’t Answer This, You Need to Talk to Us
How many vendors can see and manipulate your sensitive data?
Immediate Steps for At-Risk Industries in Pittsburgh
If you lead a business in one of Pittsburgh’s most targeted sectors, taking decisive action now will save you headaches-and possibly your reputation-down the road. Here’s where you can start:
- Prioritize employee cybersecurity training: Since 91% of cyberattacks start with email, your team is your first line of defense.
- Strengthen backup and recovery protocols: A robust plan limits downtime and data loss if ransomware strikes.
- Develop an incident response plan: Tailor your plan to your workflow and test it regularly so you are not improvising in a crisis.
- Implement network security tools like IDS and IPS: These can cut successful cyberattacks and help you spot threats before they disrupt business.
- Evaluate vendor and supply chain security: Attackers often exploit weak links outside your organization.
For many SMBs, working with an MSP that offers a streamlined onboarding process and dedicated teams for helpdesk, projects, and relationship management can bring much-needed expertise and peace of mind.
| More articles you might like: |
How enkompas Technology Solutions Supports Pittsburgh’s Top Industries
You run a business in Pittsburgh, and cyber threats are always knocking at your door. That’s where enkompas Technology Solutions steps in.
We specialize in working with local organizations, offering responsive, caring support that’s both proactive and practical.
Our dedicated project and relationship management teams ensure you’re never left wondering who to call when an issue arises.
If you want to see how a partnership-driven MSP approach can strengthen your resilience, take advantage of a complimentary environment consultation, including an on-site walkthrough and tailored recommendations.
Ask us about 10% off your first month of service, and discover why businesses trust enkompas for 24/7 coverage and industry-leading resolution times. Contact us today and let’s secure your future, together.
