Why are farms especially vulnerable to cyber attacks?

Agriculture was the seventh most targeted industry for ransomware attacks in 2023. It is a topic researchers at Purdue University have been watching closely.

They warn risks are becoming greater, potentially impacting supply chains and financial security. Economists say farms are especially vulnerable because there is not a lot of IT investment. There is also a lack of training, with many agribusiness employees unaware attacks are happening.

They suggest having employee trainings and performing equipment upgrades as needed, including firewalls and encryption tools.

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“It’s a falsehood to call beef from another country ‘Product of the USA.’”
“When you’re a small family farm, security is often an afterthought, if a thought at all.”
“I don’t think we’re going to see cattle coming across the border at all because of that increase in their cases in Mexico.”

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