Why cybersecurity is needed in farming

The agriculture sector could be the most susceptible to cyberattacks.

- Jyothi Laldas

The farming industry is vital to the world’s food industry and requires the utmost protection from cyberattacks.

This is according to Carey van Vlaanderen, CEO of ESET Southern Africa, who believes that with the evolution of technology, the digital threat level for farmers has increased in recent years.

“Technology has improved productivity, efficiency and communication in every industry across the globe, and agriculture is no exception. Once considered a traditionally low-tech industry, the increased use of email, online monitoring tools, remote controls and payment systems, together with automated smart farming equipment such as Internet-connected tractors, means the digital threat level has increased for farmers,” Van Vlaanderen said.

“As is the case in many industries across the globe, a growing reliance on online, connected technologies means businesses are more vulnerable to cyberattacks. The use of smart devices, including sensors and analytics, IoT devices, robotics, drones, and precision farming, have all transformed the agricultural landscape for the better. These tools also gather extensive quantities of sensitive information that could be lucrative to criminals seeking financial gain.”

According to a report released in 2023, South Africa ranked number five globally on a list of countries worst affected by cybercrime.

Disruptions in Transnet’s IT applications following a cyberattack brought agricultural imports and exports to a standstill in July last year, she explained.