Expert warns cyberattacks against Canada food industry

Expert expressed concerns that Canada’s Agricultural Foods sector could be at risk of falling victim to future cyberattacks if more measures aren’t taken.

“This is not a sector where there are wide margins, and the push to become even more efficient affects everything from the farm to the production and distribution to the grocery store, and this creates opportunities,” [Beauceron Security CEO David Shipley ]

Shipley said agriculture was not included in Bill C-26 – An Act Respecting Cyber Security. The bill was introduced in June 2022 to establish a regulatory framework to strengthen cybersecurity for national services and systems, such as in finance, telecommunications, energy and transportation.

Shipley adds that not including agriculture as an essential service along with those listed in the bill puts a “big target on that sector.”