Today, as Agriculture 4.0 becomes a reality, nearly every process on the farm will likely generate data that informs not only the current growing season but also next year’s and the years to come. Farmers in previous generations made decisions based on touch and feel, or observations in the field, and did not rely on data like today’s modern farmers do.
Farm products are certainly the ultimate goal, as they are the goods that generate revenue for the farm. However, decisions based on data throughout the season drive today’s farm. Data-driven decision making leads to a shift in the farming paradigm: the contemporary farmer is farming data.
What Is the Risk to My Farm?
The likelihood that modern equipment replacing older models is smart or connected to the internet increases. This equipment and these devices essentially create a new virtual door to the farm, and must be secured. The systems likely require system access and data protection in ways that may be new to the farm operator.
Further, data and access to it become targets for online criminals targeting farms—especially via ransomware. Ransomware is when someone attacks your system and digitally locks access to it or your data. They will only restore access when you pay a ransom. Notably, this unlock process does not always work, and farmers may lose their ransom payment and data.
The loss of farm data, or access to it, and farm systems and equipment could severely impact a farm. Think about your farm’s operation and where you are using data and computer systems. Are there critical items that you would be unable to operate without? Would the loss of farm business records impact your ability to make timely tax payments? Do you rely on a digital system to monitor or control processes on the farm? Each of these may represent a cybersecurity need on your farm.
Therefore, the need for farmers to be aware of the risks and learn basic cybersecurity practices becomes increasingly important. Cybersecurity should encompass all farm systems, devices, and data, including protection from loss or corruption.
Furthermore, even if farmers have not fully adopted connected devices, they must understand they are at risk. Using a smartphone, computer, or email for day-to-day communications and business is still a digital component of the farm—even if you have not adopted more advanced technologies in your farm equipment and systems, analysis, or decision-making.
In 2022, the FBI warned agricultural cooperatives to be on high alert, as cyber threat actors were targeting their digital systems and could time the attacks to align with critical times of the farming season. In 2025, the threat continues to grow as cyber actors seek vulnerable segments of our nation’s critical infrastructure. Imagine how it would impact your farm if you could not acquire goods or services from your suppliers at a crucial point in the season.
So what can a farmer do to secure their systems and data?
First, inventory the digital systems and data on the farm to understand your risks and what needs to be protected.
- Do you have a computer or other digital device?
- Do you have a smartphone?
- Do you use email?
- Does your equipment have connections to the internet?
- Know where your data is stored, how access is maintained, and what systems may require updates.
Then, begin to learn the basics of cybersecurity. A wealth of information is available from the government and trade groups. Additionally, your local extension office, farm lender, or insurance company may be able to provide contacts or resources.
Some of the best practices include:
- Use strong passwords and don’t repeat them across multiple systems.
- Use multifactor authentication when offered.
- Update software and patch systems.
- Back up data, and store it in a safe location.
- Be aware of potential scams – email, phone calls, text messages.
- Search the internet for yourself and your business, see what information is out there, and take steps to protect yourself.
- Ask questions.
Additionally, explore the available free resources, such as:
