Exploring secure innovation: The role of technology in agribusiness

Secure innovation in agribusiness is a continuous journey, driven by the need to adapt to ever changing environmental factors. 

While the unpredictable nature can heavily affect the results in any agribusiness, innovations in technology such as Internet of Things sensors, self-driving machinery, etc., help reduce some of these variations by making operations more efficient and cost-effective.

However, with new agricultural innovations comes new risks. As technology becomes more internet connected, the opportunity for hackers to use these connections for nefarious purposes increases. 

There are two key risks that emerge related to technology risk in the agricultural sector. The first is related to the use of common technology such as email, etc., that if not adequately secured can lead to data breaches and financial losses for agribusinesses that can be devastating. We have all heard of examples of phishing attacks that have led to data being stolen or Business Email Compromise (BEC) attacks that have led to funds being stolen from agribusinesses. Fortunately, some basic cyber security hygiene goes a long way to protecting agribusinesses from such attacks. The measures noted below will help keep hackers at bay:

• Don’t fall for email scams – If you receive an unexpected email, it’s best to ignore it. Avoid clicking on any links, as they may lead to phishing sites designed to steal your information. Instead, type in the URL directly into your browser
• Anti-malware, personal firewall / security software – ensure all personal devices have these security devices installed and updated
• Protect your devices – Password protect your devices, including your Wi-Fi network, smartphones, and other smart devices such as smartwatches or TVs. Don’t forget to use strong passwords that are at least 8 characters, combining letters, numbers and symbols. Don’t forget to enable multi-factor authentication for added security on accounts such as Apple ID
• Updates – Keep your apps and software, including your web browsers and operating software, updated regularly. Updates not only bring new features but also address security issues. Failure to update may give criminals an opportunity to hack into your computer and steal data
• Create backups –Things can go wrong, so it’s crucial to regularly back up important data. This way, if ransomware strikes, you can easily recover what you’ve lost.  Always back up your device to a completely isolated device, separate from your network and encrypt the backup. Never pay the ransom as there is no guarantee that you will get your data back

The second area of risk lies with the use of IoT sensors in farming and in machinery. If not secured, these devices can be easily hacked and tampered with. This article highlights a real world example of how smart tractors can be hacked and completely ‘bricked’.

Here are some basic cyber security controls to help you make informed decisions and protect your smart equipment.

• Inventory – know what smart devices you have in use so you can protect them
• Password security – change all default usernames and passwords. Use strong passwords and if possible, enable two factor authentication. Unless needed, disable internet and remote access to these devices or allow them only on an as needed basis
• Updates – keep the device firmware and other software updated to protect them from cyber vulnerabilities
• Backup – backup all configuration data regularly or whenever changes are made to have a ‘Plan B’ in case of a malware infection. 

As the agricultural industry embraces innovations in agriculture such as precision agriculture and real-time data to improve operational efficiency and crop yields, it also faces new risks. These include cyber threats that can compromise food security, disrupt sustainable farming operations, and impact the long-term viability of efficient and sustainable farm practices. Addressing these risks is essential to protect agribusinesses from cyber attacks and related losses. Some of the basic cyber security steps outlined above can go a long way in keeping hackers at bay—helping to safeguard the future of agriculture and minimise the environmental impact of disrupted operations.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

For more information about secure innovation in agriculture, please contact your local RSM adviser.

This article was first published by ACM Farm Weekly.