By Sam McDonell, Director, Ontario Federation of Agriculture
Last week, websites and online services around the world were taken offline as governments and businesses responded to a major cyber security threat.
The problem involved vulnerabilities in PHP, a programming language used by many websites and organizations temporarily shut down online services as a precaution while security updates were put in place.
It was a timely reminder during October’s Cyber Security Awareness Month of how dependent we’ve become on technology, and what can happen when that technology is threatened.
Although we often associate cyber attacks with large corporations, banks or governments, farm businesses are not immune. In fact, as agriculture becomes more and more connected to and dependent on digital technology, cyber security must become part of how we manage risk on the farm.
Think about how much has changed in farming over the last couple of decades. Many of us now rely on computers, smartphones and online systems for everything from banking, payroll and recordkeeping to crop production and livestock management.
Precision agriculture equipment uses GPS and connected technology and livestock barns can have automated milking and feeding equipment as well as ventilation and environmental controls. We use online platforms to order supplies, communicate with customers and access business information.
These tools have made farming more efficient, but they’ve also created new risks.
A cyber attack could mean losing access to important farm records, having financial information stolen or finding that critical equipment and systems no longer work.
Unlike many other businesses, farmers can’t always shut down operations until a problem is fixed. Livestock still need to be fed, crops still need to be harvested and products still need to get to market.
And unfortunately, agriculture as a sector is particularly vulnerable because most farms are small, independent businesses without dedicated information technology staff. It’s easy to delay or even forget about software updates, reuse a familiar password or assume cyber criminals wouldn’t be interested in a farm business.
At the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA), where I serve as a board director, we’re helping farmers better understand these risks and how to protect themselves.
The Russell County Federation of Agriculture, one of the local federations I represent on the OFA board, organized a cyber security information event earlier this year with support from OFA’s Revive Fund. The session brought together expertise in information technology, insurance and farm business management to help farmers recognize threats and learn about protecting their businesses.
It’s just one example of how local federations are addressing practical issues affecting farmers in their communities.
OFA has developed a cyber security fact sheet, and we previously hosted a webinar on this topic; both are available on our website as part of our cyber security resource library.
No security system can eliminate every risk, but taking some basic precautions can make a difference. Here are some straightforward steps farmers can take to reduce their risk:
Start with passwords. Use strong, unique passwords for important accounts and turn on multi-factor authentication wherever possible. That extra security step can help prevent someone from accessing your information even if they have your password.
Keep software and devices updated, including computers, smartphones, routers and connected farm equipment. Updates often include fixes for security weaknesses.
Back up important business information regularly and keep a copy separate from your main computer network. If files are damaged, stolen or locked by ransomware, having a backup can help you get operating again.
Be cautious about unexpected emails, text messages or requests for financial information. Fraudulent messages can look legitimate. If something seems suspicious, contact the sender directly using a phone number you already know rather than clicking a link.
It’s also worth knowing what’s connected to your farm’s network, from computers to automated equipment, and who has access to those systems. Make sure former employees or service providers no longer have access they don’t need.
Finally, talk about cyber security with family members and employees and use our resource library to help. Everyone who uses your farm’s technology has a role in keeping it secure.
Source : OFA