Agri businesses urged to avoid data harvesting by upping cyber defences

Agricultural firms need robust defences to beat the rising wave of cyberattacks bombarding businesses in the sector.
With farming-related operations becoming increasingly dependent on digitisation, including with the development of Artificial Intelligence and the Internet of Things, so too do they become more vulnerable to cybercrime.
It’s becoming critical in tendering for contracts for firms to evidence good cyber practices, says Austen Clark, managing director of Clark Integrated Technologies in Aberdeenshire.
Businesses with public sector contracts – or those that hope to win work in future procurement processes – need to show their commitment to cyber resilience by seeking a recognised accreditation.
Mr Clark said: “As part of the tightening of supply chain cyber security, contractors that fail to meet minimum requirements can be ruled out of the bidding process.
“Being out of the procurement process means lost opportunities, and a loss in revenue streams which could have far-reaching implications for SMEs of all kinds, from building trades to hotels, taxi operators to cleaning contractors.
“The ability to evidence a defined knowledge, understanding and commitment to cyber security is not only being seen in the public sector, but is increasingly embedded in in the wider business landscape.
“This is not without reason. Setting standards on digital security is an effective way to minimise the impact of the rising tide of hack attacks. It’s essential to business resilience and more commercial operators are seeking similar safeguards from their suppliers.
“In a climate of increasing cyber threats, supply chains can be seen as an easy route to attack larger organisations. At its core, these measures are being put in place to raise awareness and enhance cyber resilience. It’s critical for SMEs to evidence that they have high regard for cyber and trade securely, regardless of size or sector.”
The Scottish Government is at the forefront of efforts to raise the bar on supply chain cyber security.
Mr Clark advises agri businesses seeking to gain work through the procurement tending process to demonstrate their commitment to cyber resilience by seeking a recognised accreditation.
Mr Clark said: “As part of the tightening of supply chain cyber security, contractors that fail to meet minimum requirements may be ruled out of the bidding process.
“Being out of the procurement process means lost opportunities, and a loss in revenue streams which could have far-reaching implications for SMEs of all kinds, from transport operator to cleaning contractors.
“The ability to evidence a defined knowledge, understanding and commitment to cyber security is not only applicable in the public sector, but is increasingly embedded in in the wider business landscape.
“This is not without reason. Setting standards on digital security is an effective way to minimise the impact of the rising tide of hack attacks. It’s essential to business resilience and more commercial operators are seeking similar safeguards from their suppliers.
“In a climate of increasing cyber threats, supply chains can be an easy route to attack larger organisations. At its core, these measures are being put in place to raise awareness and enhance cyber resilience. It’s critical for SMEs to evidence that they have high regard for cyber and trade securely, regardless of size or sector.”
Cyberattacks cost the UK economy £8.8 billion, and are a growing concern for small businesses everywhere, with nearly a quarter of those recently surveyed saying they had been affected by an attack in the past year. Almost a quarter said they couldn’t survive for more than a month if unable to trade following an incident.
The Scottish Government has a scheme in place for SMEs and sole traders to access up to £1,000 to help improve their digital security by obtaining Cyber Essentials certification, which can help protect against many internet-borne attacks.
Mr Clark added: “It’s a must for any firm wishing to tender for business. This certificate is critical, even if digital services are not core to your business operation.
“Anyone can play lip service to cybersecurity, but what counts is endorsed accreditation. With the government-funded voucher scheme, it’s a chance to tap into a funding stream and gain a certificate which will help future-proof your business. 
“Applications for this scheme remain open until March, or until the funding pot dries up, so I’d strongly advise businesses to take advantage right away.”
The Scottish Enterprise Voucher Scheme is available on a first come, first served basis and applications close in March 2020. More information is available from Clark IT at www.clark-it.com
Clark Integrated Technologies is an IASME Cyber Essentials accredited certification body. Formed in 1991, Clark IT provides IT support, cybersecurity services and cloud solutions to a wide range of clients across Scotland. For more information, visit www.clark-it.com, call 01888 511441. Clark IT is active on social media – Twitter @ClarkIntegTech Facebook @ClarkIntegratedTechnlogies and Linkedin