US agriculture primed to be next frontier in cybersecurity in new year, experts, lawmakers say
Cybersecurity has been a hot topic in recent years, with concerns about Chinese spy balloons, ransomware attacks on critical infrastructure like the Appalachian oil pipeline, and mysterious drones hovering over New Jersey skies. However, one area that often goes unnoticed is the vulnerability of the agriculture sector to cyber threats.
According to Dakota State University President Jose-Marie Griffiths, the heartland of America is becoming increasingly important geopolitically, especially as leaders from agricultural states like South Dakota take on key roles in cybersecurity. Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., for example, now chairs the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Cybersecurity.
Griffiths emphasized the importance of protecting the critical infrastructure of agriculture and food production, which has been slow to adapt to cybersecurity measures. As agricultural vehicles become more autonomous and connected to the internet, they are increasingly vulnerable to cyber attacks from malicious actors.
Rounds echoed these concerns, pointing out that not only vehicles but also essential infrastructure like water and electrical systems are at risk of cyber intrusion. He highlighted the potential threat posed by Chinese companies like Huawei, which have been known to sell vulnerable hardware to rural telecom entities.
The use of drones in agriculture, as well as advanced technologies in vehicles like harvesters and tractors, also presents new challenges in terms of cybersecurity. Grain elevators, essential for marketing and transportation in the agricultural supply chain, are also susceptible to interference.
As the agriculture sector moves towards greater automation and autonomy, the need for robust cybersecurity measures becomes even more critical. With fewer people operating machinery and an increasing reliance on technology, the potential for cyber attacks on the agricultural supply chain is a serious concern.
Amit Yoran, CEO of exposure management firm Tenable, emphasized the importance of cybersecurity preparedness in all sectors of critical infrastructure. While some industries may have strong security programs in place, others are lagging behind and remain vulnerable to cyber threats.
In conclusion, safeguarding the agriculture sector against cyber attacks is essential to ensuring the stability and security of the nation’s food supply. As technology continues to advance in agriculture, policymakers and industry leaders must prioritize cybersecurity measures to protect against potential threats from foreign adversaries and malicious actors.
