Cybersecurity is a crucial component of maintaining a secure and efficient dairy plant. As hackers become more advanced and technology and artificial intelligence evolve, processors must employ best practices to ensure the security of their operations, data, products, and profits.

Ransomware attacks pose a large threat to dairy processors. These threats employ malware to gain access to files, which can jeopardize a business’ security and data as well as their customers’ trust and confidence. If hackers gain access to the plant’s operational systems, ransomware can lead to spoiled or damaged inventory, stalled production and many more complications.

To combat the ongoing threat of ransomware attacks, processors must prepare. Brent Maynard, senior director of security technology and strategy for Akamai Technologies, recommends processors regularly test backups to ensure quick recovery. He also recommends processors restrict system access, keep software updated and train employees to spot phishing attempts. By educating employees on phishing practices, employers can combat the most common attack entry point for ransomware.

When considering best practices for cybersecurity, processors must prioritize the interoperation of their operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT) network security. Richard Springer, senior director of OT solutions at Fortinet, recommends a platform-based approach to OT network security.

“To address new and rapidly evolving threats, many organizations have assembled a number of disparate OT security solutions from different vendors, but this has resulted in overly complex security architectures that inhibit visibility,” Springer notes. “A platform-based approach to security can help organizations consolidate OT vendors and simplify their architecture, improving security efficacy while enabling centralized management.”

Producers often utilize internet of things (IoT)-connected devices to enhance automation and efficiency, as well as monitoring capabilities. Though IoT-connected devices can streamline and optimize dairy production, these devices, if left unsecured, offer an easy entry point for hackers. Though IoT devices offer many benefits to processors, they present new vulnerabilities.

Springer notes that although IoT devices are easy to deploy, they are often managed in the cloud and lack strong security. “As IT and OT networks continue to converge, including the cloud, organizations must be able to prevent common threats from accessing sensitive OT systems that were previously separated, or air gapped,” Springer says. 

To secure IoT-connected devices, Maynard recommends starting by securing these devices like a standard computer: utilize a strong password, regularly update the system and utilize network segmentation.

Springer states that effectively securing IoT devices within OT networks requires specialized security services. “These services are essential for identifying IoT devices, analyzing their communications, and distinguishing them from traditional OT devices, which have different security requirements,” he explains. “With proper IoT visibility, organizations can protect these devices and block malicious network traffic, mitigating risks associated with known and even unknown vulnerabilities.”

Artificial intelligence (AI) is shaking up every aspect of the food and beverage industry, and cybersecurity is no exception. As technological capabilities advance, processors can harness the power of AI to spot threats faster than humans can. “It detects patterns in cyberattacks, flags anomalies in dairy processing networks, and helps stop attacks before they spread. AI also plays a huge role in fighting fraud and blocking malicious bots,” Maynard states.

As much as AI is benefiting cybersecurity, malicious AI applications are outpacing defense capabilities. “While advances in AI may actually eradicate some common vulnerability types as the technology helps improve cybersecurity defenses, other exploits and cyber attack techniques will explode in effectiveness,” Josh Jacobson, director of professional services at HackerOne, says. “AI lowers the barrier to entry for cybercriminals who can attack systems without having to know how to code.”

Jacobson notes that hackers are always looking for the easiest route in. As AI advances, hackers gain more access.

Despite complications that are coming out of AI advancement, processors can harness the power of AI to not only defend but benefit their operations. When a processor is undergoing significant transformation, system vulnerabilities are more likely to occur. Jacobson recommends employing scanners and automated tools to identify visible cloud misfigurations.

To ensure optimal security, Maynard recommends employing a “zero trust” approach, which means never assuming something is safe, whether inside or outside the network. Best practices for the zero trust approach include multi-factor authentication, limited vendor, employee and device access, and continuous threat monitoring. “Zero trust shrinks the attack surface, making it much harder for bad actors to do damage,” Maynard says.

“By securing IoT devices, using AI-driven defenses, and adopting zero trust, processors can stay resilient,” Maynard concludes.