The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s cyber division is warning agricultural cooperatives across the country to be wary of possible cyberattacks. The division wants cooperatives to take all possible precautions to keep their operations safe.
The FBI says ransomware attacks typically happen on ag cooperatives during the critical planting and harvest seasons. The attackers hope to disrupt operations, cause financial loss, and damage the food supply chain.
2021 saw several attacks on ag cooperatives during the harvest. So far, DTN says two ag cooperatives have been hit by cyberattacks this year, one in February, and the other in March. One company is a feed mill, and the other is a multi-state grain company providing seed, fertilizer, and logistical services.
The FBI didn’t share the name of either company or any additional information. Cyberattacks have recently hit 14 of 16 critical infrastructure sectors in the U.S., including food and agriculture, the defense industry, and others.
(From the National Association of Farm Broadcasters)