Food and beverage companies face a unique cybersecurity challenge. They must manage increasing digital connectivity and rising cyber threats–along with their peers in other industries–while at the same time protecting food safety.
Now, with cyberattacks growing more sophisticated and frequent, robust security measures have become critical for safeguarding both operations and consumers. But best practices can help.
The State of Cybersecurity in the Food & Beverage Industry
According to a recent survey by cybersecurity firms Dragos and Fortinet, cybersecurity tops the list of planned technological improvements in the food and beverage sector.
Nine in 10 (93%) of companies plan to invest in enhanced security measures within the next five years. And no wonder. Nearly half (47%) of organizations also reported increased exposure to cyberattacks over the previous 12 months.
Yet, despite recognizing that they need stronger security, many companies struggle to balance security investments with operational demands.
Limited Satisfaction with Current Cyber Defenses
The Dragos and Fortinet study also found that only half of food and beverage companies believe their current cybersecurity measures meet their organizational needs very well. While satisfaction with regulatory compliance systems rates slightly higher, many businesses recognize significant gaps in their security infrastructure.
The increasing awareness of cybersecurity shortfalls has led to an increased focus on comprehensive risk management strategies across the industry. The challenge is particularly acute for smaller companies, which often lack dedicated security resources.
Cybersecurity and Food Safety: An Indirect Connection
Though current regulations don’t mandate explicit cybersecurity protocols, industry professionals know that cybersecurity breaches can significantly impact food safety–which, in turn, can increase regulatory risks. And nearly three-quarters (71%) of industry professionals worry about cyberattacks potentially harming consumers.
Despite this concern, many organizations still lack structured approaches to addressing these interconnected risks. The survey reveals that only 53% of respondents consider threats to public health a “very important” cybersecurity concern, suggesting a potential disconnect in risk assessment.
Why Cybersecurity Should Be a Priority for Food & Beverage Companies
As the food and beverage industry embraces digital transformation, the need for robust cybersecurity measures becomes increasingly critical.
The sector’s unique characteristics, including complex supply chains and increasing reliance on automated systems, create distinctive vulnerabilities that require specialized protection. With 90% of companies now allowing some form of remote access to their systems, the attack surface has expanded significantly.
Threats Specific to the Food & Beverage Industry
The survey identifies malware and ransomware as the top security concerns for food and beverage companies.
The interconnected nature of modern food processing operations means that a single breach can impact entire production lines, potentially compromising food safety and leading to significant operational disruptions. Phishing attacks account for 42% of reported incidents, while targeted attacks make up 22%.
The Rising Costs of Cyber Attacks
The financial implications of cybersecurity incidents extend far beyond immediate operational disruptions. Survey respondents identified loss of productivity (74%), revenue loss (71%), and service interruptions (69%) as their top concerns related to cybersecurity incidents.
These impacts can be particularly severe for smaller companies, which may lack the resources to recover from a significant breach quickly.
Best Practices for Strengthening Cybersecurity
To get ahead of threats, food and beverage companies must adopt a proactive approach to cybersecurity. That means conducting security assessments to inform comprehensive security measures that address specific vulnerabilities. It also includes regular evaluation of both IT and OT systems to ensure complete coverage over time.
Implement Comprehensive Risk Assessments
A thorough evaluation of potential vulnerabilities for food and beverage companies should take in both IT and operational technology systems.
The good news is that a recent survey shows that 74% of organizations have implemented identity and access management protocols. That’s a big step in the right direction, but the finding reveals more work to be done. Fewer respondents focus on increasing network visibility (69%) and enhancing supply chain security measures (66%).
Regular assessments should include vulnerability scanning, penetration testing, and the evaluation of third-party risks, such as risks introduced by suppliers.
Build an Incident Response Plan
Even with ongoing assessments and vulnerabilities continually addressed, food and beverage companies need comprehensive incident response plans.
Organizations should develop and regularly test response plans that include clear procedures for threat detection, containment, and recovery. Employee training plays a crucial role here, yet 24% of food and beverage companies provide no structured cybersecurity training to their staff, according to the survey.
Leverage Advanced Threat Detection Tools
Leading companies invest in endpoint security, network monitoring, and managed security services to protect their operations. A third (33%) of organizations surveyed said they plan to improve network and connected asset visibility.
Modern threat detection tools let organizations identify and neutralize threats before they cause harm through real-time monitoring, behavioral analysis, and automated response capabilities.
The survey shows that most food and beverage companies (57%) have adopted network behavioral and traffic analysis tools, revealing a growing recognition of the importance of proactive security measures.
Building a Cyber-Resilient Future
The food and beverage industry must continue evolving its cybersecurity capabilities to address emerging threats. That includes investing in advanced technologies and developing more sophisticated defense strategies.
The survey indicates that 89% of companies plan to invest in machine and plant connectivity software within five years–just one factor making advanced cybersecurity ever more critical.
Investing in Long-Term Solutions
Sustainable cybersecurity requires ongoing investment in technology and people. Companies should focus on building internal capabilities and consider bringing in external expertise to fill any gaps.
Preparing for Emerging Threats
The industry must also work to stay ahead of emerging risks, including AI-driven attacks and evolving ransomware tactics. Organizations should evaluate innovative defense technologies and adapt their security strategies to new threat vectors.
The survey shows that 93% of companies plan to invest in cybersecurity measures within the next five years, demonstrating a strong commitment to future preparedness.
The Role of Cybersecurity Regulation
Opinions are divided on whether cybersecurity measures should be mandated for the food and beverage industry.
Not quite half of survey respondents (45%) support including cybersecurity readiness in hazard analysis and critical control points (HACCP) plans or as part of Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) certifications.
Just over half (55%) say companies should be given autonomy in developing their cybersecurity strategies. The crux of the debate: finding the right balance between regulatory oversight and operational flexibility.
Securing the Food Supply Chain for the Future
Protecting the food and beverage industry from cyber threats requires a commitment to ongoing security assessment and improvement. By implementing robust cybersecurity measures today, companies can better safeguard their operations, protect consumers, and ensure the resilience of our food supply chain for tomorrow.
Ready to take the next step in managing your cybersecurity risks? Start with our five-minute online cyber assessment.
