The agriculture industry’s increased reliance on data and the Internet of Things make it an easy and profitable target.

Threat of agriculture-related cybercrime is rising

Cybersecurity protocols are just as important as biosecurity

The agri-food industry has recently become a hotbed of cybercrime. Lactanet and Ontario Pork are two recent victims of ransomware attacks, joining other agri-food businesses such as JBS, Sollio Agriculture and Maple Leaf Foods. Why it matters: Cybersecurity risks are increasing in the agri-food industry. According to Canada Research Chair in Cybersecurity and Threat Intelligence […] Read more

Cyberattacks are an increasing threat and artificial intelligence is allowing for more sophisticated scams.

Cybercrime is on the rise, and agriculture isn’t immune

Risk of data breaches and ransomware increases as agriculture becomes more technologically driven

Agriculture is vulnerable to the ever-evolving threat of cyberattacks and artificial intelligence advancement, farmers are warned. “We’ve got a lot of great innovation and technology here in Canada, particularly in agriculture,” Cathy Lennon, general manager of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture, told attendees of a January cybersecurity webinar hosted by the farm organization. “People may […] Read more

How cyberattacks against the agriculture sector could change – and what to do about it.

Hog farm targeted by ransomware

The farm was told to admit it abused animals, with no financial ransom requested to free its computer system

Activists attacked an Ontario hog farm with ransomware this spring. But instead of cash, the attackers demanded the family publicly admit to what the activists claimed were instances of livestock mistreatment. For Ali Dehghantanha, a cybersecurity expert and professor at the University of Guelph, the occurrence was both unique and alarming. Why it matters: The […] Read more

An expert says the risk of espionage and intellectual property theft is a real concern for agricultural companies and institutions.

Ag-sector at high risk of cyber attacks, espionage

Digital security must keep pace with increasing vulnerability, advise experts

The risk of cyber attacks on agricultural businesses is ever-present and that risk might be increasing. According to Andrew Rose, digital security expert and executive director for CyberAg, an American cybersecurity organization, companies across the farm and food sector should take a more proactive approach to protecting vital electronic systems and all the information they […] Read more