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.

Related Stories
FBN co-founder Charles Baron previews the upcoming Farmer2Farmer event and how technology and AI are shaping the industry, offering growers practical insights and farmer-led strategies for modern agriculture.
RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney discusses how AI integration in grocery retail could impact farmers and the broader food supply chain.
Alliant Chairman of Agriculture and former U.S. Ag Secretary Mike Johanns explains the R&D Tax Credit, the recent Tax Court ruling, and ways livestock producers and agribusinesses can qualify.
Merck’s Gary Tiller discusses new virtual fencing technology and how fence-free livestock management could change the way ranchers manage land and cattle.
Dr. Peter Beetham, interim CEO of Cibus, joined us to discuss the status of EU gene-editing deregulation and its potential implications for agriculture.
SharkFarmer host Rob Sharkey takes us on a tour of the John Deere showcase on the trade show floor of CattleCon 2026 in Nashville.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Brooks York with AgriSompo joined us to break down livestock protection coverage, market timing, and how producers can access risk management tools.
Jeramy Stephens with National Land Realty joined us to share guidance on preventing land fraud, identifying scams, and protecting farm and rural property owners.
Low snowpack and rapid melt are heightening irrigation concerns across the West as farmers face falling reservoir levels and strained water supplies.
Brooke Rollins meets with Pennsylvania farmers as pressure mounts on the Senate to advance the Farm Bill and additional aid for producers.
Despite tighter supplies, U.S. wheat exports continue trending higher as international buyers seek consistent quality and reliable service.
England Cattle Co. in Mercedes, Texas, is coming off a highly successful production sale.
Agriculture Shows
Hosted by Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady and RFD News Markets Specialist Tony St. James, Commodity Talk delivers expert insight into the day’s ag commodity markets just before the CME opens. Only on RFD-TV and Rural Radio SiriusXM Channel 147.
A look at the news, weather and commodities headlines that drove agriculture markets in the past week.
Everything profits from prairie. Soil, air, water — and all kinds of life! Learn how you can improve your land with prairie restoration, cover crops and prairie strips, while growing your bottom line.
From soil to harvest. Top Crop is an all-new series about four of the best farmers in the world—Dan Luepkes, of Oregan, Illinois; Cory Atley, of Cedarville, Ohio; Shelby Fite, of Jackson Center, Ohio; Russell Hedrick, of Hickory, North Carolina—reveals what it takes for them to make a profitable crop. It all starts with good soil, patience, and a strong planter setup.