New animation provides free security tips for farmers

Whether it is machines for milking livestock, automated crop irrigation systems, or the storage of commercially sensitive data around production yields, farmers are increasingly reliant on digital equipment that is connected to the internet.

In an effort to empower and assist the farming community in navigating the digital landscape, Lancaster University’s Cyber Works programme has produced the short three-minute animation to help raise awareness of potential cyber risks within the farming community.

“As a leading advocate for digital security in all sectors, we are thrilled to announce the release of a dynamic and informative cybersecurity animation specifically designed to provide farmers with essential knowledge about cyber security practices,” said Daniel Prince, professor of cyber security at Lancaster University.

“Any equipment connected to the internet is potentially vulnerable unless steps are taken to ensure they are secure. Thankfully there are some relatively simple steps, which we have outlined in the animation, that farmers can take to help boost their security and resilience.”

Ensuring cybersecurity is essential for farmers for several reasons:

Financial security: Cyber-attacks can result in financial losses for farmers.

Data protection: Farmers collect and store a significant amount of sensitive data, such as crop yields, soil conditions, financial records, and customer information.

Equipment and infrastructure protection: Many modern farming operations rely on Internet of Things (IoT) devices and automated systems for monitoring and controlling equipment, irrigation, and livestock.

Supply chain security: Cybersecurity also plays a role in securing the supply chain, preventing malicious actors from tampering with or disrupting the distribution of agricultural products.

Reputation management: A data breach or cyber incident can damage a farmer’s reputation, making it challenging to maintain trust with customers and business partners.

National security: Agriculture is a critical component of national infrastructure and cyberattacks on the agriculture sector can have far-reaching consequences for food security.

Environmental concerns: Cybersecurity is critical in protecting systems that control irrigation, pesticide application, and other processes that affect the environment.

Connectivity and efficiency: Farmers use digital tools for precision agriculture, data analytics, and remote monitoring. Ensuring cyber security enables them to harness the benefits of technology while minimising risks.

‘’In today’s increasingly interconnected world, farmers are using technology to save time and money. However, this digital integration also brings cyber security challenges,’’ said Rebecca Robinson, business support manager at Lancaster University’s Cyber Works.

‘’Cyber Works aims to address these challenges by providing support and guidance to the agricultural sector.”

The Lancaster University animation project was funded by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.

View the animation here. For more information about Cyber Works, visit the Lancaster University website here.

If you would like to get in touch with the team directly contact Gemma L Collins at cyberfoundry@lancaster.ac.uk.