Cybersecurity resources keep farmers safe online

AMES — October is nationally recognized as Cybersecurity Awareness Month, but according to experts, staying cyber-safe is a year-round responsibility.

Data breaches and compromised computer systems can be devastating to the agricultural industry and experts say it’s important that farmers and farm companies make a concerted effort to ensure their safety online.

“We’re all more and more dependent on computing, and that includes farmers especially, with all of the new technology for managing both animal and crop agriculture,” said Doug Jacobson, professor and director of the Center for Cybersecurity Innovation and Outreach at Iowa State University.

“There are external actors who are trying to disrupt everything we do online, and we need to safeguard our activity.”

Jacobson said some simple things people can do include using multi-factor authentication for logins, choosing good passwords and being mindful of red flags like phone calls and websites that ask for personal information.

Jacobson discusses how farmers can practice better cybersecurity in a series of educational videos found on the Ag Decision Maker website. He is one of multiple experts who speak with ISU Extension and Outreach about steps the ag industry can take.

The videos cover cyber threats and initiatives to support farmers, strategies for securing financial data, managing business email compromises, building your farm cyber toolbox and much more.

“Cybersecurity is not scary, it’s not tough, but it takes a little bit of time,” said Jim Hoflen, adviser for the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, in a recorded discussion with Jacobson.

“There’s a few simple things that you can do that can help assure you’re not the low-hanging fruit.”

Many of the recorded webinars are moderated by Ann Johanns, program specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach and editor of Ag Decision Maker. In addition to state experts, the videos also feature farmers and farm business owners, talking about real-life experiences and offering practical advice.

For more information about Ag Decision Maker and recent cybersecurity initiatives for agriculture, contact Ann Johanns at 515-337-2766 or aholste@iastate.edu.

Doug Jacobson is available at 515-294-8307 or dougj@iastate.edu.