The food and beverage (F&B) industry faces a growing threat from cybercriminals: ransomware attacks. A recent study by Claroty reveals that a staggering 40% of F&B respondents reported experiencing such attacks in the past year, with 50% of those victims suffering significant disruptions. This translates to potential empty shelves, delayed deliveries, and even production shutdowns, highlighting the critical need for cybersecurity measures in this essential sector. In May 2021, a major global meat processing company suffered a ransomware attack that crippled their operations for days and in 2022 a dairy processor in the United States faced a ransomware attack that impacted their ability to receive and process milk from farmers.
Beyond inconvenience, these attacks pose serious risks:
- Price hikes: Disruptions can strain supply chains, leading to increased costs for consumers.
- Availability issues: Essential food items may become scarce, impacting vulnerable populations.
- Public safety concerns: Compromised systems could tamper with food quality or processing, posing health risks.
