How Victorian Manufacturers Can Use Energy Grants as a Catalyst for Digital Resilience

Energy Efficiency Meets Digital Security

The Victorian Government is handing out up to $150,000 per project to help local manufacturers cut energy use and emissions. But smart manufacturers know the real value is bigger—this is a chance to get cyber secure, too.

The Made in Victoria – Energy Technologies Manufacturing Program is a timely incentive for businesses building clean, energy-saving technologies like insulation, heat pumps, and smart metering systems.

But with every smart tech upgrade comes a potential security gap.

Modern manufacturing thrives on connectivity, IoT devices, cloud-based monitoring, and remote operations—all of which are attractive targets for cybercriminals.

When you digitise your operations to reduce energy costs, you also expose new entry points. That’s why cyber security needs to be part of your modernisation conversation.

What C-Level Manufacturing Leaders Should Be Asking

If you’re on the board or in the C-suite of a manufacturing business, now’s the time to ask:

• Have we assessed the cyber security implications of our energy upgrade projects?
• Are our operational technologies (OT) segmented and protected from internet-based threats?
• Could we detect and respond to a breach fast enough to avoid downtime?

The risk of not asking these questions? Costly downtime, stolen IP, or worse—being locked out of your own systems due to ransomware.

Secure Modernisation: What to Do Now

Here’s how industry leaders are turning this grant opportunity into long-term digital resilience:

• Include cyber assessments in your energy efficiency planning
• Train staff on secure use of smart systems and connected tech
• Work with a cyber security partner who understands manufacturing risk
• Monitor new systems from Day 1 with threat detection tools

Cyber Security Is Now an ESG & Compliance Priority

Investing in cyber security isn’t just about protection—it’s about preserving productivity, compliance, and your brand. With the Australian manufacturing sector under increasing cyber threat, aligning energy savings with cyber security is simply smart business.

Take the First Step to Cyber Resilience

Cyber threats are rising, but taking action doesn’t have to be hard or expensive.

Book your 15-minute Cyber Posture Call with us today—no pressure, no commitment, just expert insights.

Contact our cyber security team directly at sales@zynet.com.au to discuss your needs. Operate smarter. Protect your systems. Secure your future.

Related Insight: Where Cyber Security in Manufacturing Is Heading

If you're exploring how energy upgrades intersect with cyber security, it's essential to also understand the broader trends shaping the industry.

Check out Cyber Security Trends in Manufacturing 2025. In this article, we unpack the key cyber risks manufacturers face over the next 12 months, from ransomware targeting OT systems to increasing pressure from insurers and supply chain partners.