The integration of technology in agriculture has the potential to revolutionize the industry and make agriculture more sustainable, efficient and profitable.
However, increased reliance on technology creates new cybersecurity risks and threats that can jeopardize the entire food supply chain.
See also: Cybersecurity guide published because scammers target farmers
About the author
Charles Eagan is BlackBerry’s Chief Technology Officer. He argues that the entire food supply chain needs to work together to minimize the risk of cyberattacks on technology-dependent industries.
Risks from automated equipment
As the industry adds internet-connected features such as automatic feeding and watering equipment, autonomous soil treatment systems, smart heating, ventilation and air conditioning units, it creates vulnerabilities that can be exploited by malicious attackers. exposed.
For example, external hostile influences may disrupt a tractor’s GPS system, either maliciously with the intention of disrupting a critical food supply chain, or for more strategic reasons such as profit gain, field mapping and soil analysis. recording may be disturbed. competitive advantage.
To proactively address these risks, it is critical that software manufacturers in this space prioritize the security of their products and components.
Security must be built into every step of this supply chain, from the farm to the supermarket.
With threats constantly evolving, it’s important for manufacturers in the agricultural industry to stay on top of the latest security threats and vulnerabilities and adapt their products accordingly.
One of the major challenges facing the farm-to-table industry is the complex and diverse nature of the technologies used throughout.
Every aspect of the chain, from connected agricultural equipment to large-scale refrigeration units to manufacturing plants to giant transportation vehicles, poses new potential security threats.
It’s important that all endpoints are protected with the latest built-in security protocols and all devices are regularly updated with the latest security patches.
cyber protection
Moreover, it is undeniable that humans are the weakest link in the cybersecurity chain. Therefore, ensuring that your organization adopts best practices, such as making all passwords “long and strong,” helps defend against malicious attackers.
Ensuring the reliability and resilience of food supply chains requires stakeholders to work together to share information and best practices on appropriate cybersecurity standards.
Through collaboration, we can identify potential security threats and vulnerabilities and develop effective strategies to mitigate them.
Education is the best tool for defense and ensuring the free flow of information across all manufacturers, suppliers, vendors and users can effectively protect the food supply chain from start to finish. .
As the world’s population continues to grow, the demand for food will only grow, making the industry a prime target for cyber criminals and potentially causing widespread disruption.
Given that a successful cyberattack can have a devastating impact on the food supply, the industry’s focus on building in protection rather than simply reacting to a threat It is important to take a proactive approach to
Ultimately, the successful integration of technologies in agriculture will depend on how well the industry balances the benefits of these technologies with the potential risks.
By prioritizing security and working together to develop effective strategies, the industry can continue to meet the growing demand for food while ensuring the safety and security of the global food supply chain.
Remember, an ounce of prevention equals a pound of cure, and a single cyber breach costs far more than taking a proactive approach.
