On July 17, cybersecurity experts gathered at Cecil College for the Cybersecurity in Agriculture Forum to discuss the escalating threats to digital information and privacy across all sectors, specifically agriculture. Panelists unanimously agreed that cyber threats are increasing in both frequency and sophistication, posing significant risks to individuals, small businesses, corporations, and large public entities.
The forum began with an overview of the current cybersecurity landscape, highlighting the dramatic rise in cyber threats over recent years. Panelists noted that the agriculture sector, like many others, is increasingly reliant on digital technologies, making it a target for cybercriminals.
Among the risks are an increased attack surface—stemming from the adoption of IoT devices, precision farming technologies, and digital supply chain management systems—and more sophisticated attacks leveraging advanced techniques like AI-driven malware, ransomware, and phishing schemes tailored to exploit specific vulnerabilities.
One of the panel discussions focused on how cyber threats are impacting individuals and small businesses, emphasizing that no one is immune from these risks. Individuals face increasing risks of personal data breaches, identity theft, and financial fraud due to lax security measures and a lack of awareness.
Small businesses often lack the resources and expertise to implement robust cybersecurity defenses, making them prime targets for attacks that can disrupt operations and compromise sensitive data.
Lancaster Farming covered the event, with quotes from participants.
As panelist Maureen O'Shea Fitzgerald said, "Food security is national security." Fitzgerald is an ag business consultant at Horizon Farm Credit.
Steve Connelly, Maryland Deputy Secretary of Agriculture, said farms create data that has value and needs to be protected from bad actors. "There are real threats out there that can take your assets away," he said.
"Everybody in the ag field should be thinking about cybersecurity," Fitzgerald added.
Panelists also addressed the challenges faced by larger corporations and public entities, highlighting the potentially devastating consequences of cyberattacks on these organizations. Cyberattacks can lead to significant financial losses, operational disruptions, and reputational damage for corporations.
Public entities managing critical infrastructure, including water supply, energy grids, and transportation systems, are at heightened risk. A successful attack on these systems could have widespread and severe consequences.
The integration of IoT devices and smart farming technologies introduces new vulnerabilities that cybercriminals can exploit. The agricultural supply chain is complex and interconnected, making it susceptible to disruptions from cyberattacks that can affect everything from production to distribution.
To address these rising threats, panelists provided several strategies and best practices for enhancing cybersecurity across all sectors, with a particular focus on agriculture. Key takeaways included:
- Robust Cybersecurity Frameworks: Implementing comprehensive cybersecurity frameworks that include regular risk assessments, continuous monitoring, and incident response plans
- Employee Training and Awareness: Educating employees about cybersecurity risks and best practices to reduce human error and enhance the overall security posture
- Collaboration and Information Sharing: Encouraging collaboration and information sharing between private and public sectors to stay ahead of emerging threats and share best practices
- Investment in Technology: Investing in advanced cybersecurity technologies such as AI-driven threat detection, encryption, and secure IoT solutions to protect critical systems and data
The agriculture sector, once a largely analog industry, is rapidly digitizing. With the increasing reliance on technology, from precision farming to supply chain management, cybersecurity risks have become a significant concern.
