IoT in the Food Industry: A Cybersecurity Risk?

The food industry is undergoing a profound digital transformation, driven by the need to improve operational efficiency, ensure product traceability, and comply with increasingly strict health regulations. In this context, IoT (Internet of Things) devices have become key tools for process monitoring and automation.

Smart temperature and humidity sensors help maintain proper food preservation during storage and transportation. Connected cameras enable real-time supervision of production lines, packaging areas, and critical hygiene points. RFID and NFC tags streamline the identification, tracking, and traceability of raw materials and finished products throughout the entire supply chain.

However, the rapid implementation of these technologies is often carried out without properly considering their security. This oversight represents a significant risk that can compromise both food safety and the operational continuity of organizations. IoT, when deployed without the necessary cybersecurity protections, expands the attack surface and exposes industrial systems to increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.

Cybersecurity in IoT devices: An unfinished business

The problem does not lie in the technology itself, but in how it is deployed within production environments. Most IoT devices used in the food industry have been designed with a functional focus, prioritizing connectivity, low energy consumption, and integration with other industrial platforms. Unfortunately, in many cases, security has been relegated to a secondary concern.

The widespread presence of sensors, cameras, and smart tags connected to internal networks, or even directly to the Internet, without any robust authentication is a reality across the food industry. Many of these devices operate with factory default configurations, including basic or openly accessible passwords, unencrypted communication protocols, and outdated or unsupported firmware.

These conditions turn IoT devices into potential intrusion vectors for malicious actors. Through them, an attacker can intercept confidential information, alter operating parameters, disable critical systems, or spread malware to other areas of the industrial network.

The Most common cyberattacks on IoT devices

Cyberattacks on industrial sensors

In food processing plants, IoT sensors play a critical role. They monitor environmental parameters that directly impact product safety and quality, such as temperature, humidity, pressure, pH, or CO₂ levels. They also control operating conditions in refrigeration chambers, ovens, autoclaves, and packaging lines.

The problem arises when these sensors are exposed on open or poorly segmented networks. A cybercriminal who gains access can manipulate critical readings, simulating normal conditions when in reality there is a serious deviation. This can lead to failures in the cold chain, bacterial proliferation, or loss of quality control, directly affecting public health and damaging brand reputation.

Even more concerning is the fact that many organizations lack cross-validation mechanisms or data redundancy. This means that if a sensor transmits manipulated information, the system will act based on that data, with no immediate ability to detect the anomaly.

Cyberattacks on connected cameras

IP cameras used in food processing plants serve critical functions. They are not only employed for physical security but also for procedure supervision, access control, compliance with hygiene regulations, and the prevention of cross-contamination.

Despite their importance, many industrial cameras operate with weak credentials or without encryption for image transmission. Additionally, because they are permanently connected, they can be exploited as entry points for lateral movement within the network.

Attackers have refined techniques to intercept real-time transmissions, identify activity patterns, and, in some cases, launch denial-of-service attacks that disable the video surveillance system at critical moments. Even more concerning is the possibility that these cameras could be used as springboards to access Industrial Control Systems (ICS) or SCADA  networks if proper network segmentation is not in place.

Cyberattacks on smart tags and exposed traceability

Traceability is one of the cornerstones of modern food safety. Thanks to technologies such as RFID and NFC, it is now possible to track each product batch from its origin to the end consumer. However, these tags also represent a vulnerability point if not properly secured.

Many RFID tags transmit data without encryption, making them susceptible to cloning or tampering by an attacker with physical access or proximity to the signal. In logistics operations, this could allow for the substitution of goods, insertion of unauthorized products, or falsification of health certificates.

Furthermore, the platforms that manage traceability are often interconnected with ERP, MES, or WMS systems, which amplifies the risk in the event of a breach. Manipulating traceability data can conceal failures in production processes, cover up contaminations, or prevent the effective recall of products from the market during a health alert.

Consequences of lax IoT cybersecurity in the food industry

The impact of an attack on IoT devices in a food plant is not merely digital. The consequences are tangible and can be devastating. First, there is the risk to consumer health if processes are altered in a way that compromises product safety. An intrusion into refrigeration or cooking sensors, for example, can leave food in conditions conducive to bacterial growth.

Second, economic losses can be substantial. An attack may force production lines to shut down, cause stock spoilage, or lead to a massive product recall. This is compounded by reputational damage, which in a highly regulated and competitive food sector can take years to recover from.

Finally, there is the legal dimension. In many jurisdictions, companies are responsible for ensuring the security of their systems and data. An intrusion facilitated by negligence in IoT device protection can result in regulatory fines, civil lawsuits, or even criminal liability if deliberate omissions are proven.

Cybersecurity tips for IoT devices: Proactive security, a sure bet

Given this landscape, it is imperative for food companies to adopt a comprehensive industrial cybersecurity strategy. This means not only reacting to incidents but anticipating them through preventive policies.

Every IoT device should be considered part of the security perimeter, not an isolated element. Protection should start at acquisition, choosing manufacturers that offer devices with built-in security, factory encryption, and regular firmware updates.

Once implemented, it is essential to establish access controls, change default credentials, and continuously monitor device behavior. Network segmentation, industrial firewalls, and anomaly detection systems help limit the impact of an attack and allow for rapid response to suspicious events.

Additionally, personnel should be trained in secure practices. Awareness of IoT risks and fostering a cybersecurity culture within the organization are decisive factors in strengthening digital resilience.

The use of IoT technologies in the food industry has brought undeniable benefits, but it has also introduced a set of risks that cannot be ignored. Unprotected connectivity of sensors, cameras, and smart tags represents a real threat to food safety, data integrity, and operational continuity.

Protecting these devices is not only a technical matter but a strategic responsibility. Investing in industrial cybersecurity is an investment in trust, reputation, and sustainability.