Urgent Action Needed: How Hackers Are Threatening US Farms and Food Companies

Cybercriminals are increasingly targeting the food production and agriculture sectors. A recent study by Check Point found that agriculture experienced a staggering 101% rise in cyberattacks—the highest increase of any industry worldwide. Here in the U.S., attacks rose by 38%. Omer Dembinsky, a Check Point researcher, remarked that while agriculture isn’t the primary target for cybercriminals, the growing reliance on technology in this sector makes it more vulnerable.

“Modernization is happening rapidly,” Dembinsky explained, “but these systems often don’t have robust security measures like those in banks or government.”

The agricultural sector has seen troubling incidents, like the cyberattack on Ahold Delhaize USA, which impacted inventory at Stop & Shop stores. United Natural Foods, a supplier for Whole Foods, also faced significant disruptions due to a cyberattack.

Interestingly, Doug Jacobson, director of the Center for Cybersecurity Innovation at Iowa State University, pointed out that while high-profile attacks make the news, small- and mid-sized farmers are at risk too. “When an adversary steals $5,000 from a farmer, it doesn’t attract attention,” he noted. But these smaller attacks are happening—a trend that includes phishing and other scams targeting these producers.

As agricultural technology advances with tools like drones and automated irrigation, so does the risk of cyberattacks. Jacobson warned that attackers often use tactics like convincing farmers to direct payments to fraudulent accounts.

In response to this growing threat, lawmakers are taking action. This year alone, several bills have been introduced to address cybersecurity risks in agriculture. For instance, U.S. Rep. Don Bacon’s American Agricultural Security Act aims to establish research centers at universities to tackle these issues. Jacobson believes programs like these will help elevate awareness and funding for cybersecurity research.

These initiatives show a bipartisan effort to enhance agriculture’s cybersecurity. The Cybersecurity in Agriculture Act, introduced by U.S. Reps. Zach Nunn and Don Davis, proposes funding for Regional Agricultural Cybersecurity Centers.

The urgency for these developments is clear. According to a 2022 report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 42% of farmers reported experiencing some form of cyber attack. Experts warn that understanding basic cybersecurity measures is crucial for everyone involved in agriculture. Jacobson suggests that one simple tip for farmers is to be cautious with urgent payment requests. Always verify the sender—don’t rely solely on emails.

Being aware of these threats and teaching simple protective measures can significantly reduce vulnerabilities in agriculture. It’s essential for producers to arm themselves with knowledge to safeguard their operations against cyber dangers.



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