Safety protocols for technology on the farm deserve the same amount of attention as the safety protocols you have in place for operating farm machinery.
Information in this technology footprint is vast and growing. Private details, such as banking and financial information and employees’ personal details, are examples of digital farm data that are crucial to running your operation and are meant to be accessible to a select few. As the use of technology on the farm increases, the amount of information grows.
Malicious software, called malware, can infiltrate your computer or smartphone through viruses or spyware, damaging files and stealing information. Sometimes, those behind the infiltration will lock owners out of the computer, encrypt files and hold access for ransom.
Cyber defence experts say farms, like many small and medium-sized businesses that use devices such as mobile phones and laptops for both personal and business purposes, can also be targets.
Here are some steps to take to increase your safety protocols, also known as cybersecurity, of your farm operation:
1. Be preventative
Safeguarding data on all farm devices starts with installing good protection software.
When installing an anti-virus and anti-malware program, make sure it’s the latest version and installed on all devices, including mobile phones. Update the program as new versions become available. As well, be sure the program includes protection against ransomware.
2. Guard access
Experts advise against granting staff too many privileges across various accounts. When full access is granted to all accounts across various devices, if one device becomes infected, the malware can assume privileges everywhere. To help with protection, set up various levels of access for employees instead.
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