Farmers’ Guide to Cybersecurity
In today’s digital age, farmers rely on technology for a variety of different aspects to improve farm efficiency and maintain farm operations. This can range from direct farm related activities such as managing livestock, irrigation, harvesting to handling finances and communication. However, with these digital advances come risks to your operations that you may not be aware of. Cybersecurity threats can impact several farming operations, from crop yields to financial stability. This topic aims to equip you with practical knowledge to safeguard your digital assets.
Ensuring your software and devices are secure is crucial to protect your farm's data and operations from cyber threats. By completing this topic, you will:
What you find and have access to in public may appear to be a convenience at first but could end up costing you dearly. From public Wi-Fi networks to USB devices and outlets to QR codes, cybercriminals possess the skills to exploit commonly accepted conveniences to malicious gain.
Convenience can often end up costing you dearly, particularly in the cyber space. While out and about you may encounter publicly available conveniences.
As farmers, the consequences of a cyber-attack originating from one of these publicly accessible mediums could wreak havoc on your finances and farming operations. You wouldn’t let a stranger walking down the road harvest your crop, why risk your digital wellbeing?
Watch the following video on the best practices when using public Wi-Fi networks, public USB outlets and USB devices, as well as scanning public QR codes.
Software updates are critical for maintaining the security and functionality of your devices. Updates often include patches for security vulnerabilities that hackers could exploit. By keeping software up to date, you ensure that your devices are protected against the latest cyber threats. You can think of software updates like regular maintenance of farm equipment to keep everything running smoothly.
Firewalls and antivirus software are essential tools for safeguarding your devices. PC and Mac users should invest in robust antivirus solutions to protect against malware, viruses and other threats.
While Macs are generally more secure, they are not immune to attacks. iOS devices, such as iPhones and iPads, benefit from Apple’s strong security measures, often making additional antivirus software unnecessary. However, keeping your device and apps updated is crucial.
Android devices, due to their open nature, are more susceptible to threats. A reliable antivirus app can provide additional protection, especially when installing apps from outside of the Google Play Store.
Regardless of your device, maintaining strong password policies and enabling 2FA or MFA will further enhance your security. Additionally, being cautious with links, suspicious emails or downloading unknown files are fundamental security practices.
While public Wi-Fi networks, such as those found at cafes, airports and clubs are convenient, they can be risky.
Although convenient, public Wi-Fi networks are often not secured, making it easy for hackers to intercept your communications and data. This can result in unauthorised access to your online accounts and sensitive information. It is a bit like leaving your farm gate open for anyone to walk in. To stay safe, avoid accessing sensitive information, such as online banking or automated farm equipment when using a public Wi-Fi network, and use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to protect and encrypt your data.
Connecting your devices, such as PC, laptop, tablet or mobile phone to an unknown USB outlet can introduce malware to the device that can steal your data or give hackers access to your system. Just like pests can spread disease through your crops and livestock, unknown USB outlets and devices can spread malicious software to your devices and network. Always use trusted USB devices and outlets and avoid connecting to any you find or receive from an unknown source.
Public Wi-Fi is not the only danger you may encounter that can cause harm. Don’t overlook the physical security of your devices. Always ensure that computers, tablets, mobile phones and smart automated devices are stored in secure locations and are not easily accessible to unauthorised people. This is like securing your farm by locking your gate and farm, shed and farm equipment.
If you need to access your farm data or automated systems when away from the farm, ensure that you access it securely. You can do this by using a Virtual Private Network (VPN), employ strong authentication methods and limit who can access what and when. A VPN establishes a secure connection that encrypts your personal data, making it impossible for cybercriminals to eavesdrop. Additionally, a VPN will hide your public IP address and allow you to bypass website blocks and firewalls. This is similar to controlling who can access different parts of your farm.
In 2022, security researcher Sick Codes exposed a vulnerability in John Deere tractor systems during the Def Con hacking conference. By gaining access to the tractor's main onboard operating system, he demonstrated how malicious actors can potentially control or disable critical farming equipment. During the presentation, Sick Codes installed the 1990’s video game, DOOM, onto the tractors display. Disturbingly, the code used was openly available on the internet and deployed on an unsecured operating system. This hack highlighted the growing cybersecurity risks in agriculture, where reliance on smart technology is increasing. The implications are significant as these vulnerabilities could disrupt food production and supply chains.
Read more: John Deere tractor hack reveals food supply vulnerable to cyber-attacks - ABC News
In addition to the information in this topic, there are several trusted resources with a wealth of information. We encourage you to bookmark these websites and visit them to enhance and further your understand of software and device security as they relate to farming.
