ONTARIO – When most people consider what could pose a risk to Ontario farm businesses, they likely think of extreme weather or commodity market fluctuations.
But in today’s connected world, one of the fastest-growing risks is one we can’t see until it’s too late: cyber attacks.
Cyber criminals are becoming more sophisticated, and the reality is that it’s no longer a question of if you will face a cyber security problem, but when. Although I’m writing specifically from the perspective of the agriculture sector as a dairy farmer and vice president of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture, all of us are at risk, regardless of where we are or what we do.
From real-looking emails and spoofed phone numbers to text messages that seem legitimate, scams are harder than ever to spot. And when something goes wrong, the costs can be staggering – not just financially, but also in terms of lost time, stress and damaged relationships with customers or suppliers.
Farms and agri-businesses are particularly vulnerable to cyber security attacks.
First, most farms are small, independent businesses with limited IT resources. In the last few years, we have come to rely heavily on digital systems, but few of us have the luxury of a full-time IT professional managing updates, patches, and network security. Research shows that 90 per cent of farming systems haven’t had a software update in years, leaving the door wide open for hackers.
Second, farms are increasingly connected. From automated feeding systems and environmental controls in greenhouses to mobile apps and sensors in the field, our businesses depend on a web of interconnected devices. That means a weak point anywhere in the system – an outdated password, a shared login, or an unprotected sensor – can compromise the entire farm.
Finally, there’s the human factor. Many cyber incidents don’t start with a sophisticated hack but with a simple mistake: clicking a malicious link, downloading an infected file, or responding to a fraudulent email or text message.
Gone are the days when phishing emails were easy to spot thanks to poor spelling or odd sender addresses. Today’s messages can look convincingly real, even mimicking colleagues, suppliers or employees.
The consequences of a cyber security problem go far beyond inconvenience. Farms have experienced:
– ransomware attacks that lock data or systems until payment is made;
– data breaches that expose sensitive customer, employee or financial information;
– business disruption if critical systems like feeding or cooling equipment are disabled; and
– loss of trust from customers, suppliers, and employees if private data is compromised.
Recovering from an attack is costly and time-consuming, and rebuilding trust can take years.
The good news is that much like the steps we take to keep our livestock and healthy and free of disease, there are also things we can all do to reduce our risk.
Cyber security isn’t foolproof, but every precaution helps protect your business. Here are some basics:
– keep systems updated. Make a checklist of all your technology and ensure software, apps and equipment are up to date;
– strengthen access control. Don’t share passwords, use strong and unique ones, and remove access for employees who leave;
– back it up. Regularly copy your important data and store it safely, whether that’s in the cloud or on a secure physical device;
– be cautious with messages. Don’t click unverified links or respond to unusual requests. If in doubt, confirm by phone using a number you know is correct;
– protect your connections. Avoid using public wi-fi to check farm systems. Use cellular data or a Virtual Private Network (VPN);
– train your team. Make sure everyone in your family or workplace knows what to watch for. Free online resources can help; and
– track your devices. Know what’s connected to your farm network and ensure everything is secure.
As farmers, we’re already experts at managing risk in so many ways. Adding cyber security to that list may feel daunting, but it’s quickly becoming just as important as insurance, maintenance, or record-keeping. Yes, it takes time and sometimes money to maintain, but the cost of ignoring it is far greater.
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Ethan Wallace is the Ontario Federation of Agriculture vice president.