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.

Related Stories
Jarrod Hardke with the University of Arkansas break down extreme drought conditions, shifting planting decisions, and the impact of rising input costs on Arkansas agriculture this season.
Effort aims to reduce wildfire risk in Western Colorado communities
Hemp growth is driven by floral demand, with mixed returns elsewhere.
Farm programs remain small but politically easier to expand.
Export funding aims to strengthen global demand for U.S. commodities.
Transporting pollinator colonies—primarily honey bee hives—is a major logistical operation in U.S. agriculture. Costs can vary widely depending on distance, fuel prices, labor, and timing.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

ASFMRA’s Howard Halderman gives an update on Corn Belt farmland values, buyer activity, and what to expect for the rest of 2026 as geopolitical tensions and bridge payments move
Tidal Grow’s Align-N system delivers urea nitrogen directly to leaves, improving nutrient efficiency and boosting crop yields for farmers.
Farmers this year will finally be able to update their base acres with the USDA, something that experts warn must be done with complete accuracy.
During World War II, Augusta National Golf Club temporarily became a working farm, raising cattle and turkeys and harvesting pecans to support the war effort.
“Cow goggles” are helping farmers experience cattle vision in real time, offering new tools to reduce stress, improve movement, and enhance livestock management.
Fewer interruptions could translate to improved efficiency—and fewer costly delays when timing matters most.