Over the past decade, farms across the world have been upscaling their use of the internet – including IoT, big data, cloud computing and artificial intelligence in an effort to increase yields and sustainability.

But with this increase in digital technology comes an increased risk of cyber attacks, potentially detrimental to regional, national and global supply chains.

Like other sectors, those that work within food and farming communities must remain vigilant. As referenced in an NCC Group Publication Cyber Security in UK Agriculture –

• the safety of any new technology needs to be rigorously established, with open and transparent decision-making;
• risks need to be appropriately weighed against the potential costs of not using new technology;
• governance for new technologies needs to consider how it may alter the relationship between commercial interests and food producers;
• cyber security risks introduced from increasing digitisation in the food sector must be managed with appropriate governance -
• and the security of new technologies needs to be appropriately tested in line with industry best practice.

If you work in food and farming sectors and would like to understand more about cyber security surrounding your practices, contact a member of the NEBRC today to discuss free guidance and membership options.

The NEBRC is a police-led, not-for-profit organisation set up to support small and medium sized businesses across our region to build and improve cyber resilience. For further information on how we can help you, contact us at: enquiries@nebrcentre.co.uk

Another great source of advice for farming is the joint work undertaken by the NCSC and NFU, which can be found at https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/guidance/cyber-security-for-farmers