Why the Food Supply Chain is at Risk: Uncovering Critical Cybersecurity Threats

It’s alarming to think about the threats facing our food supply chain. The agri-food sector is currently navigating a challenging landscape as it increasingly relies on digital technology, which leaves it vulnerable to cyberattacks.

Many farming and food processing systems were created before cyber threats became a major concern. This makes updating or securing these systems difficult.

Cyber Threats in Agriculture

The FBI has pinpointed four significant threats to U.S. agriculture: ransomware, foreign malware, data theft, and bioterrorism. Specifically, ransomware attacks have seen a dramatic increase; reports showed 84 attacks in early 2025 alone—more than double the previous year. These assaults disrupt critical processes, such as seed production, leading to costly relocations of crops during adverse weather. Criminals know that victims often want to pay quickly to resume operations.

Cyber threats can affect farms of all sizes. For example, a dairy farmer in Switzerland suffered losses after a ransomware attack hindered his milking robot’s data, resulting in the tragic loss of a pregnant cow. Gene Kowel from the Omaha FBI Field Office notes, “All cloud-connected farm equipment is vulnerable to malware and data theft.”

The global geopolitical climate adds another layer of concern. Nation-state actors may target agriculture, aiming to disrupt food production and escalate prices.

Impact on Food Supply and Public Trust

Cyberattacks don’t just create technical issues; they lead to financial losses, operation delays, and potential legal challenges due to mishandled data. A significant incident occurred at Stop & Shop, where a cyber breach resulted in widespread product shortages—underscoring how cyberattacks can ripple through the food supply chain.

When food systems are compromised, public health can also be at risk. Malfunctions in storage systems can result in spoiled food, which is dangerous for consumers and can financially devastate companies. Tight timelines in food production mean products can’t sit around long, making timely delivery crucial.

Many small and mid-sized agribusinesses lack adequate cybersecurity measures. They often use outdated software and have not trained employees to recognize phishing attempts, creating vulnerabilities. Additionally, the increased use of foreign technology, especially drones and sensors, raises concerns about security flaws that could allow unauthorized access to sensitive systems.

Government Response to Cyber Risks

Governments worldwide are beginning to take these cybersecurity issues seriously. In Europe, food-related businesses are now deemed critical under the NIS2 Directive, which imposes specific security standards for certain organizations. While the U.S. lacks such a mandatory framework, agriculture is still recognized as critical infrastructure, prompting federal agencies like CISA and the USDA to enhance their cybersecurity initiatives.

CISA has compiled a cybersecurity factsheet for the agri-food sector, providing voluntary steps and resources to help protect against threats. In an effort to safeguard the food supply and ongoing research, the USDA has launched the National Farm Security Action Plan. Additionally, Congressman Don Bacon has reintroduced two bills aimed at modernizing and securing America’s agricultural sector.

The Path Forward

Addressing these cybersecurity challenges requires a multi-faceted approach. Implementation of multi-factor authentication, regular software updates, training employees on security measures, and fostering public-private partnerships are essential steps for building a more secure agri-food sector.

The situation is still evolving, but by taking proactive steps, we can help safeguard our food supply from emerging cyber threats.

Source link