Cybersecurity has become a keyword for most of us. Looming threats are nearly everywhere - from social media and emails to webcams and websites. It’s not hard to acknowledge how real the dangers really are.

Without a doubt, cyber related crimes consisting of ransomware, malware, and phishing are at the top of our list of attacks to watch out for. Generally speaking, when we think about industries at the greatest risk, we oftentimes associate it with financial and healthcare industries. However, it is important not to overlook the possibilities of cyberterrorism in our agricultural markets, also classified as agroterrorism.  

According to a presentation made recently by Emily Buckman, director of government affairs at the American Farm Bureau Federation and Josh Siedemann, vice president of policy and industry innovation at NTCA – the Rural Broadband Association, the United States is one of the biggest contributors to food production – leading the world in corn and coming in third and fifth respectively in wheat and potatoes. This, combined with the projected 70% increase in global demand for animal farming by 2050, places the risk on America’s food chain substantially higher.

Unfortunately, according to the duo, agriculture is a premier target for cyberattacks. The ramifications of a cyberterrorist attack on our farms and ranches have the potential to cripple the country’s food chain. Unlike other industries, the agriculture market is relatively new to the digital platform, making the implementation of security features a little more challenging.  

The following are key areas a cyber terrorist may target.

Commodities, markets, auctions
Automated systems

Irrigation systems
Animal Health
Feed Bins

Animal behavior observations

Late last year the FBI issued a warning to the Food and Agriculture sector that ransomware actors may be preparing to attack agricultural cooperatives during critical planting and harvest seasons. Successful implementation of this would have significant ramifications.

Many businesses making up the nation’s food supply chain are interdependent. Therefore, an interruption of any magnitude during harvest season would likely be felt throughout the entire industry.  From food processing plants and distribution sites to retail stores and restaurants, all need a reliable source to purchase their food products from. As we oftentimes feel during environmental catastrophes, disruptions typically mean increased prices and perhaps even worse, empty shelves.

Because of how accessible food has always been in the US, the fragility of the world’s food chain may not be considered by the general population until a crisis occurs. Assuming cyber threat actors aim to shut down production of the largest food companies who ultimately dominate the industry, imagine the impact.

Anytime an interruption occurs to food production or distribution, there is a ripple effect, which unfortunately gives cybercriminals the upper hand. It is important to implement precautions BEFORE attacks happen.

BVT’s managed services division, Networks Plus, specializes in cybersecurity best practices. From teaching classes to installing security protocols, the team is dedicated to partnering with its clients to prevent the unspeakable from happening.

While there are no guarantees in life, one thing can be counted on. Both BVT and Networks Plus are committed to their customers’ needs, technology, and the protection of data.  

If you would like to learn more about how to protect your data, contact your friends at Networks Plus today at www.networksplus.com!