FBI: Farmers need to watch out for cyber attacks

Experts say farmers suffered $10.2 billion in financial losses due to cyber-attacks in 2022.

As farm data becomes more prevalent and important for helping producers make management decisions, the concern is also beginning to rise over the cyber safety and security of these emerging technologies.

FBI Special Agent in Charge Gene Kowel spoke at the recent Agriculture Threats Symposium in Lincoln, Nebraska, about the three main threats in the agriculture industry.

Kowel recommends that producers create a plan in case a cyber attack ever occurs.

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“If you’re passionate about agriculture, digital agriculture, robotics, and AI, I would say Nebraska is the place to be.”
“From our analysis and from what we’ve been seeing, we think, largely on ransomware, the food and ag industry is a target of opportunity.”

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