A new GlobalData report says the agricultural sector’s adoption of technologies like robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT) is helping tackle various challenges, including labour shortages and climate change. However, this digitalisation also puts the sector at risk of cyberattacks.
The report, Cybersecurity in Agriculture, reveals how food suppliers and distributors are facing more ransomware attacks, which are causing production shipment delays. Large-scale cyberattacks can pose a threat to entire food supply chains.
“Cybersecurity is a growing concern in the agriculture sector,” said GlobalData analyst Holly Anness-Bradshaw. “The industry is increasingly adopting technological solutions to support shrinking workforces and improve productivity. However, these technologies come with often overlooked security risks.”
Technologies that augment the industry’s workforce will underpin the future of agriculture. Remotely accessible robots will assist existing employees, but new entry points for data breaches and cyberattacks will come with this.
“Traditional agricultural companies like John Deere and Lely are all hiring and innovating in cybersecurity,” adds Anness-Bradshaw. “There is an interesting development in the industry, with companies not only making machines like tractors and combiners, but also making technology. John Deere tractors now incorporate tablets and AI.”
“Companies should invest in cybersecurity measures across all stages of the agricultural supply chain. Such critical infrastructure cannot afford to go down due to cyberattacks, as this could lead to food shortages, increased prices, and spoilage. Trading and distribution involve extensive supply chain networks with vast amounts of data at risk. Agriculture companies should view cybersecurity as a key vulnerability to protect against.”
