Articles

Cybersecurity in the food sector – Top 3 Takeaways

By CFIN Newsdesk posted 11-23-2022 08:00

  

 

@Nestor Gomez, chief technology officer for CFIN, recently hosted a member-exclusive virtual event covering cybersecurity in the food and beverage industry, and featuring Rozita Dara, principal investigator of data management and privacy governance research program at the University of Guelph, and David Shipley, CEO and co-founder of Beauceron Security. 

 

The discussion covered why cybersecurity should be a priority for the industry, and how companies can protect their data. Here are the top three takeaways from the event:  

 

  1. Cyber threats are real risks

As recent events with Maple Leaf Foods and Empire Co. have shown, online attacks such as phishing and ransomware can have a significant impact on a company’s supply chain, operations, products, artificial intelligence (AI) and distribution system. The attacks can happen anywhere in the food supply chain, from farms to consumers, and can even impact the region. Unfortunately, many food and beverage companies have not invested in solutions to protect themselves from cyberattacks. 

 

  1. Have a cybersecurity plan

Analyze where your company has vulnerabilities, and then implement a plan for protecting your data. Follow critical control checks, and cybersecurity best practices such as multifactor authentication for employee sign-in to any connected system. Conduct a tabletop exercise with management so everyone understands what to do when facing a cybersecurity threat. 

 

  1. Get staff involvement

Properly training employees, including management, on cybersecurity risks and solutions is crucial. Staff need to comprehend the threats and how to report and/or handle them, and management needs to ensure all staff buys into the plan. Follow up with quizzes and continual training. 

Want to view the entire webinar? Click here!

 

Watch for part 2 of CFIN’s series on cybersecurity, appearing on YODL on December 14, 2022.  

 

 #cybersecurity
#ransomware
#training
#employeeinvolvement
#online

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Comments

11-29-2022 09:30

For me in the last 12 months the biggest takeaway in number 3. I think a lot of people feel like IT systems are the only line of defense against cyberthreats. While digital systems are important, people are the weakest link unfortunately. This means awareness and training are required for everyone at every level.