In the past week, two NACM Heartland ag members have been the victims ransomware attacks. In both cases, the ability to conduct business has been curtailed severely. Clearly, determining the ramifications of these events is in the early stages, but the FBI and Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency earlier this month indicated they believed the ag industry could be a target for a cybersecurity attack. With these attacks happening so soon after the warning, it is clear this is an issue to monitor.
Ransomware attacks are just one cybersecurity risk. Payments are being made to fraudulent accounts. Phishing, pharming, malware put both our home and corporate computers at risk.
If you would like more information about the recent attacks, here are some links:
2nd ransomware attack on agricultural cooperative points to food safety threat, Cyberdive.com, Sept. 23
New Cooperative ransomware attack, explained: Why Russian-linked group hacked Iowa grain business, Des Moines Register, Sept. 21
Fort Dodge Ag Group Cyberhacked, KIWARadio, Sep. 23
Cybersecurity and Ag – 1: Cybercriminals Take Aim at America's Food Supply, Progressive Farmer, Sept. 21
Feds warn organizations not to take a cyber vacation after high-profile hacking on holidays, CBSNews, Sept. 2
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