IoT and Cybersecurity in the Agri-Food Sector: Allies or Risk?

The agri-food industry is undergoing an unprecedented transformation thanks to the integration of emerging technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT). From crop sensors to smart traceability systems in the supply chain, IoT is helping to optimize processes, reduce costs, and improve sustainability. However, this digital revolution also brings a silent but critical threat: cyberattacks.

As farms, agricultural operations, and processing centers become digital, they also become attractive targets for cybercriminals. This raises the inevitable question: Are IoT and cybersecurity strategic allies in the agri-food sector, or do they pose a potential risk that could compromise food safety and business profitability?

As cybersecurity specialists, in this article we explore the balance between the benefits of IoT and the challenges it represents in terms of cybersecurity in the agri-food sector. When technology is properly deployed, it becomes an invaluable ally for any business activity.

The Rise of IoT in the Agri-Food Sector

The adoption of IoT has allowed traditionally analog activities to be connected to digital platforms. Technologies such as moisture sensors, smart weather stations, agricultural drones, and automated irrigation systems are now common in many farms.

According to a MarketsandMarkets report, the agricultural IoT market exceeded $11.4 billion in 2021 and is expected to reach $20.9 billion by 2026, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.7%. This growth is driven by the need to improve productivity amid rising global food demand and limited natural resources.

Practical Applications of IoT in Agriculture and Food

• Real-time monitoring: sensors collecting soil moisture, temperature, and nutrient data.
  
  
• Precision irrigation: systems that automatically activate irrigation based on actual crop needs.
  
  
• Food traceability: RFID chips and sensors tracking product origin and conditions throughout the supply chain.
  
  
• Livestock management: wearable devices to monitor animal health, location, and feeding.

These tools enable data-driven decision-making, improving operational efficiency, reducing waste, and ensuring more sustainable production.

Cybersecurity: The Achilles’ Heel of Agri-Food IoT

A sector in the crosshairs

Although the agri-food sector is not traditionally associated with cybersecurity, it is becoming a prime target for attacks. Increasing digitalization combined with limited investment in digital protection makes it an easy target for cybercriminals.

IBM X-Force Threat Intelligence 2023 reported that 15% of attacks on critical infrastructure in Europe targeted the agri-food sector, especially processing and distribution facilities. Additionally, the FBI warned in 2022 of increasing ransomware attacks on U.S. agricultural companies during key periods such as planting or harvest, amplifying their economic impact.

Key Cyber Threats in IoT Environments

1. Ransomware: system hijacking in exchange for ransom, potentially paralyzing entire production or distribution chains.
   
   
2. DDoS attacks: overwhelming connected devices to disrupt services.
   
   
3. Data manipulation: altering sensors or control systems to sabotage crops or processes.
   
   
4. Industrial espionage: stealing sensitive data on crops, genetic patents, or food formulas.

Specific IoT Vulnerabilities in Agri-Industry

• Devices without firmware updates: many agricultural sensors do not allow regular security patches.
  
  
• Default credentials: connected devices still using standard passwords, easily exploitable.
  
  
• Insecure connections: rural Wi-Fi networks without encryption or traffic segmentation.
  
  
• Lack of incident response protocols: limited preparedness for cyberattacks in rural or industrial environments.

Real Cases of Cyberattacks

• JBS Foods (2021): The world’s largest meat supplier suffered a cyberattack that halted operations in the U.S., Australia, and Canada. The company paid an $11 million cryptocurrency ransom.
  
  
• New Cooperative (2021): An Iowa agricultural cooperative fell victim to ransomware affecting grain and animal feed distribution systems. Attackers demanded $5.9 million.

These cases show a clear trend: the food supply chain is critical and vulnerable.

Allies or Risk?: The Dual Nature of IoT in Agri-Food

The Transformative Potential of IoT

When implemented with a clear cybersecurity strategy, IoT is a powerful ally. It can help:

• Anticipate diseases in crops or livestock.
  
  
• Reduce water and fertilizer usage.
  
  
• Ensure traceability throughout the chain, improving consumer trust.
  
  
• Automate repetitive processes, reducing human workload and increasing efficiency.

The Latent Risk of Unsafe Digitalization

Without robust security policies, IoT use can expose the sector to:

• Million-dollar economic losses.
  
  
• Deliberate contamination of products.
  
  
• Irreversible reputational damage.
  
  
• Regulatory penalties for non-compliance with laws like GDPR.

Cybersecurity Recommendations to Protect the Connected Agri-Food Ecosystem

Secure by Design 

IoT devices should incorporate authentication mechanisms, data encryption, and automatic updates from their initial design.

Network Segmentation

Physically separating or using VLANs to isolate IoT networks from corporate or administrative networks helps contain attacks.

Password Management and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Remove default credentials and enable strong authentication for all connected devices.

Continuous Monitoring and Traffic Analysis

Implement anomaly detection solutions and SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) systems adapted to industrial environments.

Cybersecurity Training and Culture

Operational staff, from agricultural technicians to plant operators, should be trained in best practices for using connected devices.

Incident Response Plans

Have a clear protocol in place for attacks, including offline backups and rapid response contacts.

IoT and cybersecurity are not optional—they are an inevitable reality in the digital transformation of the agri-food sector. Strategically integrating them ensures safe and sustainable innovation.

The future of agriculture and the food industry will be intelligent, connected, and resilient. To prevent this evolution from becoming a threat, the agri-food ecosystem must adopt a proactive cybersecurity culture. Only then can the full value of IoT be realized without compromising food safety or business competitiveness.

Is your agri-food organization ready for this digital challenge? At ESED, we help implement cybersecurity solutions tailored to industrial IoT. Contact us for a no-obligation audit.