Technologies such as MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems) and ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) have become essential pillars for efficiency, traceability, and regulatory compliance in the food industry. However, this level of integration also introduces a new risk front: cybersecurity.

For many years, concerns about IT security have focused almost exclusively on digital environments: websites, e-commerce platforms, cloud databases, etc. However, the modern retail ecosystem also includes a physical component that is becoming increasingly digitized. In physical stores, devices like payment terminals (POS devices) and Wi-Fi networks play a key role in both the customer experience and operational efficiency. But just like in the online world, these systems can also become targets for cybercriminals and their attacks.

Over the past decade, scientific and technological research environments have become prime targets for advanced threat actors. Connected laboratories, with large volumes of sensitive data, critical infrastructure, and IoT devices, represent an attractive target for Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs).

One of the biggest challenges in addressing cybersecurity is estimating the true cost of an attack. It’s not just about direct losses like service interruptions or financial fraud, but also secondary costs such as regulatory fines, legal fees, reputational damage, and customer churn.

The biotech sector is one of the most innovative and fastest-growing industries in recent years. By working with genetic data, developing drugs, and researching new therapies, they are a prime target for cybercriminals.

According to an IBM report, the average cost of a data breach in the manufacturing industry (including food) exceeds $4.5 million. With a highly interconnected supply chain, automated production systems, and increasing digitalization, this sector is becoming more vulnerable to cyberattacks.

In recent years, phishing has undergone a significant transformation due to the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into cybercriminals' tactics. This evolution has led to more sophisticated and harder-to-detect attacks, increasing their prevalence and effectiveness.

Virtual private networks (VPNs) have been the go-to solution for ensuring secure connections to corporate networks for years. However, with the rise of remote work, the adoption of multi-cloud environments, and the increase in cyber threats, companies are rethinking their access security strategies. In this context, two new technologies are gaining popularity: SASE (Secure Access Service Edge) and ZTNA (Zero Trust Network Access).

In the fast-paced world of biotechnology, where innovation advances at a rapid pace, information security has become an unavoidable priority. Biotech companies handle extremely sensitive data: from pioneering research to genetic information of patients. Protecting these assets is not just a matter of regulatory compliance but a necessity to ensure business continuity and stakeholder trust.

The food industry has undergone rapid digital transformation in recent years. From automated production systems to supply chain management platforms, technology has improved efficiency. However, this digitalization has also made companies in the sector attractive targets for cyberattacks.

In the realm of corporate cybersecurity, it’s not enough to have protected systems: they must be tested. Threat detection, response capacity, and defense strength are not only measured theoretically but also practically. And this is precisely where an increasingly popular strategy among organizations focused on prevention comes into play: simulating cyberattacks through Red Team and Blue Team exercises.

Protecting genomic and research data is essential for biotechnology companies, given the value and sensitivity of the information they handle. Implementing appropriate cybersecurity strategies not only protects intellectual property but also ensures the trust of patients, investors, suppliers, and collaborators.