Sadly, it’s come to this: the food on your table could be the next target for cybercriminals. That’s because the agriculture and food production sector has come under increasing threat from cybercriminals—as demonstrated by an alarming rise in security incidents.
Disrupted operations, leaked data, and even compromised food safety are all-too-possible consequences of cyberattacks on food and agriculture.
Recent incidents, ranging from sophisticated ransomware attacks that cast a wide net to targeted system breaches, underscore a critical need for the industry. Strong cybersecurity defenses are crucial for mitigating these risks. Fortunately, the right tools and expertise are easier to access than you might think.
The Growing Threat: Why Food & Agriculture Are Prime Targets
There’s no doubt that today’s food and agriculture sector faces unprecedented cybersecurity challenges. The integration of automation, including smart sensors and connected systems, has revolutionized farming and food production. However, it has also created new vulnerabilities that cybercriminals are eager to exploit.
Critical Role of Food & Agriculture in Global Supply Chains
The food and agriculture sector’s essential role in maintaining food security makes it an attractive target for cybercriminals. Breaches can have devastating consequences, including operational shutdowns, supply chain disruptions, and environmental damage. And when systems are compromised, the impact extends far beyond individual companies to affect entire communities and regions. All of which makes the sector vulnerable to bad actors intent on causing disruption.
Attackers’ Motivation: Why Hackers Target This Sector
Cybercriminals target food and agriculture businesses for reasons as varied as the sector itself, with financial gain through ransomware as a primary motivation. The time-sensitive nature of food production and distribution makes these businesses particularly vulnerable to extortion, as they often can’t afford extended downtime without risking substantial losses. Moreover, the sector’s increasing reliance on operational technology (OT) and IoT devices creates multiple entry points for attackers.
Recent High-Profile Attacks on Food & Agriculture
Recent incidents demonstrate the growing cyber threat to food and agriculture businesses. A June 2024 cyber attack disrupted Federated Co-op Ltd.’s operations across Western Canada, affecting both distribution systems and leading to bare store shelves. Just months earlier, in March, Belgium-based Duvel Moortgat faced a ransomware attack that forced the brewery to suspend operations at facilities in both Belgium and the United States. The previous year saw Dole Foods grappling with a ransomware incident that not only halted the produce company’s North American distribution network but also exposed the personal data of thousands of employees.
Key Vulnerabilities Facing Food & Agriculture Businesses
Understanding the sector’s unique vulnerabilities is crucial for developing effective defense strategies.
Legacy Systems and Outdated Technology
Many food and agriculture operations rely on legacy systems that are not designed with modern cybersecurity in mind. These outdated systems may lack basic security features and can be challenging to update or patch, making them particularly vulnerable to attacks.
While updating legacy systems may require not-insignificant investment, the cost of upgrades must be weighed against the potentially catastrophic cost of a breach—as demonstrated by JBS Foods, which paid $14.2 million in ransom following a cyber attack.
Lack of Cybersecurity Training for Staff
Human error remains a significant vulnerability. According to the 2024 Data Breach Investigations Report from Verizon, and as we reported, the human element is involved in 68% of breaches, with the average victim falling for a phishing attack in less than 60 seconds. For food and agriculture businesses, comprehensive staff training is essential but too often overlooked.
IoT Devices and Connected Systems
The proliferation of IoT devices in modern agriculture—from automated irrigation systems to smart sensors monitoring crop health—has expanded the attack surface. These connected devices may lack robust security features and can serve as entry points for malicious actors targeting broader network infrastructure.
Strategies to Strengthen Cybersecurity Posture in Food & Agriculture
Protecting systems and supply chains against cyber threats requires a multi-layered approach combining technology, training, and expertise. Here’s how to do it.
Conduct Regular Risk Assessments
Regular security assessments can help IT pros identify vulnerabilities before attackers can exploit them. These assessments should examine all aspects of operations, from field sensors and processing facility controls to back-office administrative systems.
Embrace Managed Security Services
Working with a qualified managed security service provider can help food and agriculture businesses implement comprehensive protection strategies. A qualified provider can offer 24/7 monitoring, threat detection, and incident response capabilities that many organizations lack the resources to maintain internally.
Implement Multi-Layered Defense Systems
A robust cybersecurity strategy includes multiple layers of protection, from basic firewalls to advanced endpoint protection and zero-trust architectures. This approach helps ensure that if one security measure fails, others can prevent or detect an attack.
Prepare for Incident Response
You need an incident response plan to minimize damage and downtime during and after a cyber attack. This plan should outline the steps needed to contain breaches, maintain critical operations, and communicate with stakeholders about an incident.
Real-World Example: How One Company Strengthened Its Cyber Defenses
A California plant grower and distributor’s experience with a ransomware attack illustrates the vulnerability of agricultural businesses and the importance of strong cybersecurity measures.
The Challenge
Company leaders discovered they were victims of a ransomware attack during a holiday weekend. That’s when the CEO couldn’t access any applications or files. Making matters worse, the IT manager discovered the company’s backup service provider had dropped the ball on backups, making a quick recovery impossible. Meanwhile, the attack spread rapidly across all company locations, threatening to halt operations completely.
The Solution
Company leaders had to admit they needed more than one in-house IT person could provide: comprehensive, 24/7 protection. So, they partnered with Xantrion to implement a complete cybersecurity overhaul. Our team arrived within hours of being contacted, bringing replacement servers and beginning the painstaking process of rebuilding the company’s IT infrastructure.
The Results
With Xantrion’s help, the company implemented robust security protocols, including two-factor authentication, identity monitoring, and 24/7 network surveillance. They also established comprehensive employee training programs and deployed advanced email protection systems.
Today, the company maintains a strong security posture and can focus on its core business without worrying about cyber threats.
Why Food & Agriculture Companies Need a Trusted Cybersecurity Partner
Proactive Protection vs. Reactive Response
The cost of reacting to a cyber attack can far exceed investments in preventive measures. For example, a recent analysis by IBM reveals an average savings of $1.88 million per incident for organizations using AI and automation in their security operations.
Partnering with a managed security service provider such as Xantrion can help your organization stay ahead of emerging threats with the latest tools.
Support for Compliance and Regulatory Requirements
Food and agriculture businesses must navigate complex regulatory requirements while protecting sensitive data. A qualified security partner can help you ensure compliance with industry standards while maintaining robust security measures that protect your organization against evolving threats.
End-to-End Security Support
Modern cybersecurity requires comprehensive expertise that most organizations are challenged to maintain in-house. Xantrion, recognized as one of North America’s top-managed security service providers, delivers end-to-end support from initial risk assessment through incident response and recovery.
Threats to food and agriculture businesses continue to grow in sophistication and frequency. But proactive protection is within reach. Explore how partnering with Xantrion and our managed IT services can help you safeguard your business, supply chain, and customers.
