AI-powered “smart” agriculture technology like self-driving tractors, remote sensors and robotics may herald a transformation in agriculture that leads to higher yields, lower costs and minimized waste.
The promise of tech in agribusiness is seemingly limitless. But, in a much different way, bad actors are seeing the same thing — a promising target for cybercrime with limitless rewards.
Farmers and ranchers are discovering what food and beverage processors have known for many years: Automation, AI and technology make farms, dairies and ranches appealing targets for cybercrime.
Not only are there financial consequences to cybercrime, but in agribusiness there’s a risk to food safety and the supply chain. Also worrisome are the broader implications of intrusions to the nation’s critical infrastructure that connects with other industries like water, power and logistics.
Changing risks in AI and technology in agribusiness
The rise of AI and smart agriculture is striking. About 85% of farmers worldwide have implemented at least one precision technique like GPS technology or remote sensors, which could increase global output 67% in the next three decades. “Smart agriculture” represented a $20 billion market in 2020.1
Internet-enabled devices improve automation and efficiency, monitor crop health and identify equipment in need of repair. Too often, though, they’re not well-secured, leaving networks open to hackers.
While ransomware (like the $11 million attack that hit meat processor JBS in 2021) represents the largest threat overall, agricultural operations must guard against identity theft, transfer fraud and other cybercrimes. In one email scam, cybercrooks impersonated a landowner and tricked an agribusiness company to redirect $500,000 into the criminals’ account. This type of cybercrime now accounts for almost one-third of all claims.2
Steps to increase cybersecurity
Job-specific training is crucial as a first line of defense against ransomware, fraud or malfeasance, but there are also crucial steps for managers and farmers. Here are five fundamental steps to keep your farm, dairy or ranch safe from cyber threats:
- Contact your vendors and suppliers directly to verify any email-based transactions like invoices or unexpected changes to bank accounts. Instead of relying upon attached documents as verification, employees should use vendor files to find legitimate telephone numbers and call vendors to confirm payments.
- Limit your liability for automation hijacking, technology breakdowns or fraud against payroll partners through contractual agreements — otherwise, third-party software vulnerabilities can become yours.
- Strengthen your network access controls with measures like multifactor authentication (MFA), and periodically review and update these controls.
- Ensure cyber monitoring systems (like intrusion detection and firewalls) are strong and can respond promptly to cyber threats. In addition, the operation should work in conjunction with comprehensive incident response plans that are tested and updated regularly.
- Transfer risk through a crime or cyber insurance policy. Insurance carriers often provide 24/7 hotlines and immediate access to breach response experts who can guide you in the wake of a data security or network incident.
Contact HUB’s agribusiness specialists to help protect your farm, dairy or ranch against the cyber risks inherent in AI and technology.
1Zipdo, “Essential Technology In Farming Statistics 2024,” August 17, 2023.
2TechTarget Network, “Cyber insurance report shows surge in ransomware claims,” September 20, 2023.