In today’s geopolitical climate, “Made in America” is no longer enough. Consumers now expect manufacturers to be cyber-resilient as well. The label, once a proud declaration of domestic craftsmanship and reliability, now carries a heavier burden. It must also represent digital fortitude in the face of growing cyber threats that are no longer confined to the world of tech companies and financial institutions. As ransomware attacks become alarmingly routine and headlines swirl with news of foreign interference, the American public is reevaluating its trust in domestic manufacturers—not for what they produce, but for how secure their operations truly are.

Public Confidence Is Fracturing

The concern is nearly universal. The 2025 U.S. Manufacturing Technology Readiness Report: Ready to Lead?, recently published by Integris, shows that 91% of American consumers express unease about cybersecurity threats facing U.S. manufacturing. That figure should be a wake-up call to the industry. It’s not just the engineers and CIOs who are paying attention to security protocols, everyday buyers are watching, too. The implication is clear: cybersecurity is now a matter of public confidence, not just an internal risk management strategy.

Of those surveyed, nearly half (47%) pointed to foreign sabotage as a specific concern. This isn’t just about isolated incidents or rogue actors; it’s about perceived vulnerabilities across an entire industry that has long been considered the backbone of the American economy. The threat of cyberattacks launched by foreign entities has moved from the realm of speculative fiction into the daily consciousness of the American consumer. This has shifted the narrative dramatically. While patriotism once buoyed the “Buy American” movement, consumers are increasingly prioritizing protection over pride.

Cyberattacks as Reputational Hazards

That shift presents a unique reputational challenge for manufacturers. Cyberattacks are no longer seen solely as operational hazards. They have become public relations crises, capable of eroding trust in a brand almost instantly. A factory breach is not just a disruption to production—it’s a breach of consumer confidence. If a company cannot secure its own systems, how can it be trusted to protect the quality of its products, the integrity of its supply chain, or the privacy of customer data?

Indeed, the effects of a cyberattack in manufacturing are not confined to the factory floor. Breaches have the potential to jeopardize product safety, interrupt supply chains, and result in massive data leaks. Each of these outcomes has direct and damaging implications for the end user. A compromised production system could mean unsafe products on store shelves. A disrupted supply chain can delay critical goods. And data leaks expose both corporate and consumer information to malicious actors. These are not abstract risks, they are tangible threats that consumers are increasingly aware of and unwilling to ignore.

Resilience as a Competitive Advantage

What’s more, the very visibility of these incidents amplifies their impact. As headlines about manufacturing sector ransomware attacks pile up, even brands that haven’t been hit yet are suffering from a trust deficit. In the eyes of the public, it’s no longer a question of if a manufacturer will be targeted, but when. This creates a new kind of competitive landscape, one in which a brand’s digital resilience is part of its value proposition. Companies that can demonstrate strong cybersecurity practices may find themselves not just avoiding disaster, but gaining market share from those who cannot.

That brings us to a new reality: the age of blind loyalty to American-made goods is fading. In its place is a more pragmatic, discerning mindset, one that still values domestic production but insists on proof of preparedness. Consumers are no longer impressed simply by a product’s origin; they want to know what defenses are in place behind the scenes. Transparency around cybersecurity posture may soon be as important as pricing or quality when it comes to purchasing decisions.

A New Mandate for Trust

For manufacturers, this means rethinking how they communicate their value. It’s no longer sufficient to tout reliability in materials or efficiency in production. Brands must now articulate their digital resilience as part of their core identity. This could involve everything from public-facing cyber readiness reports to visible partnerships with cybersecurity firms. The goal is not only to prevent attacks, but to earn and keep the public’s trust by showing proactive, credible investment in cyber protection.

At the same time, there is a policy angle worth considering. With 91% of consumers voicing concern, there’s a strong argument to be made for industry-wide standards and government-supported initiatives that bolster cyber defenses across the manufacturing sector. Uniform protocols and public-private collaboration could help rebuild the trust that has been slowly eroding.

Ultimately, the message is clear: trust in U.S. manufacturing hinges on more than flag-waving, it now depends on firewalls. The next era of American manufacturing leadership won’t be defined solely by what we build, but by how securely we build it. For brands that want to stay competitive, and stay trusted, it’s time to invest not only in innovation and quality, but in digital defense. That’s what today’s consumer demands, and what tomorrow’s manufacturing success will require.