Urgent Alert: Phishing Scams Targeting Agriculture Businesses

San Jose, Calif., Aug 1, 2024 – ZAG Technical Services is sounding the alarm on an uptick in sophisticated phishing schemes that threaten the cyber security of agriculture businesses. As these threats evolve, it is imperative for companies in the sector to remain vigilant and implement best practices for protection.

Understanding the Current Phishing Landscape

Cybercriminals have shifted their tactics, utilizing compromised email accounts to dispatch fraudulent communications that mimic trustworthy sources. This makes detection increasingly challenging. To enhance their credibility, hackers have begun leveraging reputable platforms such as Dropbox when utilizing compromised accounts, further blurring the lines of legitimacy. Recently, sales teams have been particularly targeted with counterfeit purchase orders from seemingly reliable customers, making these phishing attempts hard to spot.

Businesses should be keenly aware of the sender’s behavior to spot potential phishing attempts. Unusual requests—like urgent purchase orders or links that necessitate immediate action—should raise alarms. For instance, if a company CEO sends an unsolicited Dropbox link and insists on immediate attention, it’s prudent to question the legitimacy of the message.

Steps to Take If You Suspect a Phishing Email

1. Verify the Sender: Use a trusted phone number to confirm the authenticity of the email sender. Avoid replying to the email or clicking any links.
2. Contact Leadership: Immediately inform your CEO, CFO, or Controller to assess any potential fraudulent ACH transactions.
3. Involve IT: Engage your IT team to trace the email’s origin and evaluate any risks.
4. Avoid Forwarding Suspicious Emails: Do not share the email with others to test links or attachments.
5. Seek Expert Opinion: When in doubt, reach out to ZAG Technical Services for professional guidance on security matters.

Why Agriculture Businesses Are Prime Targets

Phishing attacks are strategic exploits that target vulnerabilities for monetary gain, and the agriculture sector represents a significant opportunity due to its extensive network of connections between businesses and vendors. Attackers aim to infiltrate networks to gather sensitive information, initiate fraudulent ACH transactions, and extort companies for ransomware payments.

“The unfortunate reality is that a cyber attack on a school system could lead to a labyrinth of further breaches—gaining access to student data as well as compromising parents’ workplaces,” stated Allen Santana, Cybersecurity Operations Manager at ZAG Technical Services. “The interconnected nature of agribusiness positions it as an enticing target for scammers.”

Key Lessons for the Agriculture Sector

1. No Business Is Too Small: Every organization, regardless of size, is at risk.
2. High Stakes: Attackers are determined to penetrate networks and steal valuable intelligence.
3. Boost Awareness: Continuously educate employees on recognizing phishing threats.
4. Implement Layered Controls: Establish multiple layers of verification, especially for financial transactions, to prevent the disbursement of legitimate invoices to attackers.

For further information, please reach out to ZAG Technical Services at info@zagtech.com or call (408) 383-2000.

About ZAG Technical Services

ZAG Technical Services, Inc. (ZAG) is an award-winning IT consulting firm and managed services provider specializing in cybersecurity, data and software services, and modern infrastructure. With headquarters in San Jose, Calif., and additional offices in Salinas, Calif., and Boise, Idaho, ZAG employs 120 IT specialists across 22 states, serving clients in the U.S. as a leading provider of information technology for America’s precision and performance-driven industries. ZAG is dedicated to ensuring that your company and every team member are online, all the time.