Four Steps to Farm Cyber Security

Four Essential Steps Farmers Must Take for Cyber Security

Canadian agriculture is rapidly becoming digital, helping farmers increase efficiency through technology like GPS, sensors, and cloud-based systems. But this connectivity comes with rising cyber threats. Many farms are unprepared for these threats, with nearly 80% lacking formal cyber security plans. 

A recent report from MNP showed 82% of Canadian farmers think they have never experienced a cyberattack, but nearly half their suppliers report the opposite. This misunderstanding leaves farms vulnerable.  

Cyber incidents usually occur silently, through phishing scams or ransomware. In 2023, Statistics Canada reported that 30% of large businesses and 14% of small businesses faced cyberattacks. 

Here are four steps farms can take to boost cyber security: 

• Awareness and Training 
  Teach employees to recognize scams, phishing emails, and secure sensitive data. Proper training reduces risks significantly. 

• Create an Incident Response Plan 
  Clearly outline who is responsible during cyberattacks. Establish communication strategies and data backup plans to recover quickly if incidents occur. 

• Secure Farm Equipment 
  Regularly update software, use multi-factor authentication (MFA), and disconnect critical devices from public networks to avoid cyber breaches. 

• Partner with Cyber Security Experts 
  Work with professionals who offer ongoing protection, especially if your farm lacks internal IT resources. 

Real-world attacks have shown the serious risks. For instance, in Ontario, a hog farm was targeted by hackers who demanded money, threatening reputational harm.  

Another case involved a large meat-processing company, JBS, which paid $11 million after a ransomware attack disrupted operations worldwide. 

Cyber criminals often use phishing attacks, ransomware, software vulnerabilities, QR code scams, and AI-driven fraud to access farm systems. Small and mid-sized farms are especially targeted since they often underestimate their risk levels. 

To ensure Canadian agriculture remains strong, it's essential for farmers to understand and prioritize cyber security now says MNP, protecting their businesses and the wider food system. 

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