Experts warn farm digital systems need urgent protection
Canadian farms are becoming more dependent on digital tools, but this growth has also increased the risk of cyberattacks. In one real case, a farmer contacted Dr. Ali Dehghantanha, a cybersecurity expert at the University of Guelph, after noticing a strange message on a computer. The quick response helped prevent serious damage.
According to Dr. Dehghantanha, farmers may have as little as 15 minutes to stop a cyberattack before it causes major harm. Hackers can shut down power systems, interrupt feeding or ventilation controls, and even risk livestock deaths. These attacks often involve ransomware, where hackers lock computer files and demand money to restore access.
“We found if we are not responding within that time,” said Dr. Dehghantanha, “hackers could cause a power outage in the farm, which could cause livestock to die.”
Cyber threats do not only come from criminal groups seeking profit. The Canadian Centre for Cyber Security has warned that foreign attackers may target food and water systems to damage Canada’s reputation and food supply. As farming becomes more automated, these risks continue to grow.
Research shows that cybersecurity awareness on farms remains very low. A 2025 study led by Dr. Dehghantanha and other University of Guelph researchers found that many farmers believe they are too small to be targeted. However, small and medium farms often invest less in protection, making them easier targets.
“The agri-food sector is the soft underbelly of Canada’s cyber posture,” said Dr. Dehghantanha. “The level of cybersecurity in this industry is very low, or non-existent.”
Modern farms rely on internet-connected tools such as drones, precision feeders, sensors, and ventilation systems. These Internet of Things systems improve efficiency but also create multiple entry points for hackers. Without proper security, one weak device can expose the entire system.
To address this issue, the University of Guelph’s Cyber Science Lab, led by Dr. Dehghantanha, provides training and free incident response support to agriculture groups in Ontario. The lab also offers online guides and simulations to help farmers understand risks.
To help aquaculture producers mitigate these risks, it offers the following producer resources: