Protecting the Agricultural Harvest
As the agricultural industry embraces technology in its operations, the need for cybersecurity to safeguard business data and operations becomes increasingly vital. With a plethora of information available, agribusinesses must discern the most critical aspects of cybersecurity to focus their efforts effectively.
In 2014, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) introduced the Cybersecurity Framework as a guide to assist businesses in managing and mitigating cybersecurity risks. Despite its usefulness, the framework does not cater specifically to the unique challenges faced by the agricultural sector.
Collaborative Efforts for Cybersecurity
Recognizing the need for tailored cybersecurity measures, thought leaders in the industry have taken proactive steps to address this gap. Johnny McGuire, Director of IT at The Nunes Company and COO of ProduceSupply.Org (PSO), shared insights on the importance of cybersecurity standards and the initiatives undertaken by PSO to protect the sector.
PSO, consisting of 25 member companies, focuses on technological advancements in the produce supply chain. However, heightened technology adoption also increases the risk of cyber threats, with several members falling victim to ransomware attacks in recent times.
Industry-specific Cybersecurity Standards
Breaking the traditional silence surrounding cybersecurity in agriculture, PSO encourages industry leaders to collaborate and share their cybersecurity challenges. By pooling resources and expertise, the group aims to develop solutions beneficial to all stakeholders.
PSO has developed specialized cybersecurity standards tailored to the needs of the agriculture industry by aligning them with the NIST Cybersecurity Framework. These standards aim to enhance data protection and promote trust among consumers, investors, and regulatory bodies.
Building Resilience through Collaboration
The adoption of PSO’s cybersecurity standards provides a robust framework for agricultural entities to strengthen their security measures. By fostering collaboration among growers, agribusinesses, and technology providers, the industry can collectively combat cyber threats and safeguard critical data.
Enhanced cybersecurity not only mitigates risks but also fosters trust and innovation within the sector, ensuring sustainable growth and resilience in an increasingly digitized agricultural landscape.
The PSO Cybersecurity Best Practices for Produce Suppliers are now available for free to all agriculture stakeholders. IT leaders in agribusinesses are encouraged to leverage these resources to enhance their cybersecurity posture and protect their operations.
Listen to the Podcast for In-depth Insights
For a deeper dive into the cybersecurity initiatives in the agricultural sector, listen to the insightful conversation between Robert Collings of ZAG and Johnny McGuire on The Packer’s Tip of the Iceberg podcast. Gain insights into the origin of PSO, the future of supplier audits, and the collaborative efforts driving cybersecurity in agriculture.
Explore the full podcast episode on The Packer’s website for comprehensive insights on cybersecurity in agriculture and the collaborative efforts shaping the industry’s security landscape.
