In March, we attended a Cyber Crime and Agriculture conference in Lincolnshire which was aimed it helping farmers improve the security and resilience of their business against cyber threats.

You might think that the Agriculture and Farming sector is relatively safe from the threats of ransomware and cyber attacks. But you’d be wrong. In fact, such is the problem the sector faces, the NCSC has worked with the National Farmers Union to support the Agriculture and Farming Sector with a guide especially created for the industry.

The increased use of email, online accounting tools, online payment systems as well as automated farming equipment means that its increasingly important for farmers and rural communities to look at their growing exposure to cyber risks and how they can best protect themselves and their businesses.

The guide has been written to be clear and understandable for a range of technical abilities, to help farmers become more aware or enhance their knowledge of cyber security measures.

It offers advice in the form of tips for people to easily implement to become a more resilient and secure business.

Whilst no one can ever guarantee total protection from all forms of cyber attacks, following the NCSC's advice will significantly increase knowledge and awareness of the most common cyber crimes.

The guide is available to download as a PDF and the NCSC encourage people to print, share, and re-use this document.

Other useful links

• Guidance for small and medium sized businesses - as many of the farming industry are small medium businesses, this section on the NCSC website is a good place to look if you don't know what to do first
• Action Fraud website - if you believe that you or your business has been the victim of online fraud, scams or extortion you should report it to Action Fraud.
• Rural Payments Agency - if you’re concerned about fraud related to your Rural Payment, there is guidance available on GOV.uk.

Reporting

Report all Fraud and Cybercrime to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040 or online. Forward suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk. Report SMS scams by forwarding the original message to 7726 (spells SPAM on the keypad).