Technology has enhanced productivity, efficiency, and communication in various industries worldwide, including agriculture, which has shifted from a traditionally low-tech sector to a digitally enhanced one. The introduction of email, online tools, remote controls, payment systems, and smart farming equipment like internet-connected tractors has heightened the digital risk for farmers, explains Carey van Vlaanderen, CEO of ESET Southern Africa.
Van Vlaanderen notes that the growing dependence on connected technologies increases vulnerability to cyberattacks in many sectors, including agriculture. Smart devices, sensors, IoT, robotics, drones, and precision farming have revolutionized agriculture, improving operations but also creating opportunities for cybercriminals due to the sensitive data these tools collect.
In 2023, South Africa was ranked fifth globally for cybercrime impact. A significant cyberattack on Transnet’s IT systems halted agricultural imports and exports in July of the previous year. Van Vlaanderen emphasizes that cybersecurity is vital for the agricultural sector, as vulnerabilities can threaten individual businesses and national food security.
The University of Cambridge’s report indicates that smart farming technology like automatic crop sprayers and robotic harvesters is increasingly at risk of cyberattacks. Cybercriminals see the global dependence on agriculture as a chance to target the industry for financial gain or social disruption through ransomware and other methods.
Van Vlaanderen mentions that while basic security measures like software updates, antivirus, and multi-factor authentication are crucial for smaller farms, larger operations may need more sophisticated security due to their automated systems.
Despite the low cyber security levels in agriculture, partly due to a misconception that the sector is less attractive to cybercriminals, Van Vlaanderen advises a proactive approach to digital security, given the significant data and financial transactions involved in agriculture.
Addressing cybersecurity in agriculture can be complex, but there are steps to reduce exposure and limit damage from attacks. Identifying vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure varies by business, requiring investments in cloud security, vulnerability discovery, and protection from cyberthreats like phishing, according to van Vlaanderen.
Van Vlaanderen also stresses the importance of a strong human risk management program, with regular training and cybersecurity awareness for employees. Human errors, from data deletion failures to clicking phishing links, are preventable and should be continuously addressed.
Finally, van Vlaanderen asserts that protecting the farming industry from cyberattacks is crucial for global food security. From basic steps like using password managers and multi-factor authentication to advanced security technologies, farmers need robust cybersecurity strategies and solutions.
