4 ways to improve data, cybersecurity in poultry operations

Several recent data breaches and cyberattacks across agriculture have highlighted the need for tough cybersecurity protocols in the poultry industry.

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International hacker in black pullover and black mask trying to hack government on a black and red background. Cyber crime . Cyber security.
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Several recent data breaches and cyberattacks across agriculture have highlighted the need for tough cybersecurity protocols in the poultry industry.

“It’s very important for all companies to be very aware of cybersecurity and cognizant of what’s happening. Traditionally, from an information technology (IT) perspective, we think that the poultry industry is maybe a little behind in technology and it is high time for the poultry industry in general not to have that sort of mindset,” Chris Lee, Director, Information Technology, M-Tech Systems USA, LLC, explained.

“It’s time for the poultry industry to push the envelope and to make sure we are on the cutting edge of technology and not have a wait and see attitude. I think this is particularly true with all thing’s cybersecurity. When things go bad, they can go very bad.”

M-Tech Systems USA recently achieved SOC2 Type 2 certification, a reporting framework that sets benchmarks for managing customer and user data.

New technologies can streamline and optimize poultry operations, including sustainability and welfare. However, these innovations can leave companies vulnerable to data breaches and attacks. Proper data security requires investment and education to minimize risk and accelerate and emphasize safety.

Lee shared four tips for improving data- and cybersecurity in poultry operations.

1. Have someone on staff dedicated to cybersecurity

It’s important to have someone on staff who is dedicated to cybersecurity and protecting the company against data breaches. 

“Security must be a part of every technology decision and thoroughly integrated in how organizations now operate in daily life. Your IT team needs to be responsible for developing and implementing an information security program, which includes procedures and policies designed to protect enterprise communications, systems and assets from both internal and external threats,” explained Lee.

2. Think about all the places data can reside

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, most of the people working with data – across all industries, not just poultry – worked in offices or in the field on farms. Now, many workers continue to work remotely even as the pandemic recedes.

This presents unique challenges to data protection, so make sure to keep those factors in mind when thinking about cybersecurity, Lee said.

3. Seek out third party help

One of the best ways to prevent a cyber breach is by performing a third-party audit to analyze the strengths and weaknesses of your IT program.

“That way, some of the deficiencies can be teased out, which will give you a priority of what to look at first,” Lee noted.

When selecting a third party to perform data analysis, a good experience, reputation and independences are most important. For example, organizations should avoid using current vendors to provide third-party audits because it is unlikely that they would be unbiased.

4. Don’t make cybersecurity an afterthought

Plans to protect data from attacks needs to be thought about proactively, rather than retroactively. 

“You want to start the conversation with security, rather than have it be something you talk about at the end,” Lee said. “Unfortunately, it’s the world we live in now. Security needs to be one of the first things we talk about when it comes to any kind of technology we want to implement.”

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