people you do not know .
4 . Keep Backup Files Make sure you keep backup records , contact information , and other files separate from your main computer system . In case of an attack , you will still have access to your important information . You can backup files by using a flash drive or by printing copies of important documents .
5 . Update Software Regularly Always make sure your software is up to date . This will help ensure your digital system does not have any exposed vulnerabilities .
6 . Protect Your Devices Protect your cell phone , computer , tablet and other electronic devices from theft or unauthorized use by making sure they are password protected and cannot be easily stolen from your home , operation or vehicle .
7 . Report Online Scams If you receive suspicious emails that seem like a scam , you can report these to the Federal Trade Commission ( FTC ) and the FBI . Report all fraud attempts to the FTC by visiting reportfraud . ftc . gov and report any crimes conducted through the internet to the FBI ’ s Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3 . gov . Filing a report may help these agencies bring cyber criminals to justice .
8 . Contact Law Enforcement If the worst should happen and you do fall victim to a cyberattack , contact law enforcement immediately . Collect as much information about the attacker as possible , like how the attacker contacted you , what information they attempted to get from you , and any other details you can remember .
The Policymakers
The number of cybersecurity attacks against the agricultural sector has caught the attention of policymakers in Washington , D . C . Last November , NCBA CEO Colin Woodall attended a meeting at the White House focused on U . S . food security and resilience .
“ Our agricultural sector faces a variety of threats that could inhibit cattle producers ’ ability to bring beef from pasture to plate ,” Woodall said . “ NCBA appreciates the Biden administration ’ s focus on identifying threats and developing new ways to mitigate them . Together , we can protect our industry while ensuring all Americans have access to wholesome food like beef .”
Following the meeting , President Joe Biden signed a national security memorandum that directs top government officials to coordinate on identifying and responding to threats in the agricultural sector .
Beyond traditional partners at the U . S . Department of Agriculture , the memorandum also directs the Secretaries of State , Defense , Interior , Commerce , Labor , Health and Human Services , and Homeland Security , the Attorney General , Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency , Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy , and Director of National Intelligence to work with federal , state , local , and tribal governments on strengthening food security . This is a public acknowledgement that the U . S . government considers food security a critical part of national security .
To address cyber threats , U . S . Congressman August Pfluger ( R- TX ) introduced a bill called the Food and Agriculture Industry Cybersecurity Support Act . The bill would create a one-stop shop for the food and agriculture industry within the National Telecommunications and Information Administration ( NTIA ) that would offer cybersecurity advice to producers and operate a helpline in case of attacks . The bill also requires NTIA to coordinate with the Department of Agriculture , Department of Energy , Department of Health and Human Services , Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency , and agricultural trade associations like NCBA .
“ Ransomware and other cyberattacks by bad actors are a growing concern within the beef supply chain ,” said NCBA Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane . “ NCBA appreciates the foresight of Reps . Pfluger , Veasey , Curtis , and Matsui to introduce this legislation that will help strengthen our country ’ s cybersecurity and offer a proactive response to possible attacks in the future .”
NCBA will continue advocating for policies that protect the cattle industry from cyberattacks , but you can implement a few simple steps to strengthen your individual cybersecurity . For more resources and information from federal law enforcement partners , please visit fbi . gov or cisa . gov .
Sources
1 . Arntz , Pieter . “ FBI Warns of Ransomware Threat to Food and Agriculture ,” Malwarebytes Labs . September 3 , 2021 . Accessed via https :// www . malwarebytes . com / blog / news / 2021 / 09 / fbi-warns-ofransomware-threat-to-food-and-agriculture
2 . “ Private Industry Notification ( PIN : 20210901-001 ),” Federal Bureau of Investigation . September 1 , 2021 . Accessed via https :// image . communications . cyber . nj . gov / lib / fe3e15707564047c7c1270 / m / 2 / FBI + PIN + - + 9.1.2021 . pdf
3 . “ Cyberattacks Targeting Food and Agriculture Sector Increase : Threat Analysis Report ,” New Jersey Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell , New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness . September 30 , 2021 . Accessed via https :// www . cyber . nj . gov / threat-analysis-reports / cyberattackstargeting-food-and-agriculture-sector-increase
4 . Bunge , Jacob and Jesse Newman . “ Ransomware Attack Roiled Meat Giant JBS , Then Spilled Over to Farmers and Restaurants ,” The Wall Street Journal . June 11 , 2021 . Accessed via https :// www . wsj . com / articles / ransomware-attack-roiled-meat-giant-jbs-then-spilled-overto-farmers-and-restaurants-11623403800 ? mod = article _ inline
5 . McIntosh , Matt . “ Hog Farm Targeted by Ransomware ,” Farmtario . August 8 , 2023 . Accessed via https :// farmtario . com / news / hog-farmtargeted-by-ransomware /
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