Ransomware Threatens Food and Agriculture Industry: A Growing Crisis in 2025

The food and agriculture sector is grappling with an alarming rise in ransomware attacks, with the first quarter of 2025 witnessing 84 incidents—more than double the attacks reported during the same period last year. The surge in cyberattacks has raised concerns about the sector’s vulnerability and the need for stronger cybersecurity measures. At the RSA Conference, Jonathan Braley, director of the Food and Agriculture Information Sharing and Analysis Center (Food and Ag-ISAC), highlighted the urgency for greater collaboration and transparency in addressing this growing threat. This article dives into the shocking trend and explores its implications for the industry.

Ransomware Attacks Surge in the Food and Agriculture Industry

The first quarter of 2025 saw an unprecedented number of ransomware incidents in the food and agriculture sector, with 84 attacks reported. This marks a stark increase from the 2024 figures, highlighting an escalating crisis in the industry. At the RSA Conference, Jonathan Braley addressed the situation, underscoring the importance of industry-wide cooperation to combat the rising threat. Despite the visible uptick in attacks, many organizations continue to withhold information regarding the scope of the incidents, leaving the true extent of the problem unclear.

The statistics reveal a troubling pattern of persistent attacks. In January, there were 31 incidents, followed by 35 in February, and a slight decrease to 18 in March. The surge in ransomware activity can be attributed to a variety of factors, including cybercriminal groups like Clop, RansomHub, and Akira, who are relentlessly targeting the sector. High-profile attacks, such as the breach at South Africa’s largest chicken producer and the attack on a major dairy processing facility in Siberia, have highlighted the devastating financial and operational consequences of these attacks.

The Sector’s Vulnerability: Legacy Systems and Supply Chain Risks

The food and agriculture industry faces unique challenges that amplify its exposure to ransomware. One major issue is the widespread use of legacy equipment and outdated industrial control systems that lack modern security safeguards. These systems are often difficult to patch or upgrade, making them attractive targets for cybercriminals. Additionally, the sector’s reliance on tight supply chains and just-in-time delivery models further increases its vulnerability. Even minor disruptions in operations can have significant downstream impacts, making the industry an appealing target for ransomware gangs seeking to exploit these weaknesses.

Ransomware now accounts for 53% of all cyber incidents in the food and agriculture sector, underscoring the dominance of extortion-driven attacks compared to other types of cyber threats. Experts, including Braley, stress the need for more investment in cybersecurity and improved information sharing among industry stakeholders. The Food and Ag-ISAC’s findings highlight that many organizations are still reluctant to disclose technical details of attacks or share remediation strategies, hindering the sector’s ability to respond effectively to the growing threat.

What Undercode Say:

The surge in ransomware attacks in the food and agriculture sector reveals a dangerous trend that is likely to continue unless significant changes are made. As the sector increasingly relies on outdated technologies and complex, interdependent supply chains, its vulnerability to cyberattacks only grows. The industry’s slow pace in adopting modern cybersecurity solutions and its reluctance to share attack data exacerbate the issue. Without transparency and greater collaboration across organizations, cybercriminals will continue to exploit these weaknesses.

One key takeaway is the importance of modernizing infrastructure. The reliance on legacy equipment is a significant barrier to strengthening cybersecurity defenses. By upgrading industrial control systems and incorporating more robust security measures, the sector can reduce its exposure to ransomware attacks. Additionally, embracing collaboration through information sharing platforms like the Food and Ag-ISAC can help organizations better understand attack vectors and develop more effective mitigation strategies.

Another critical aspect of the problem is the supply chain. The tight-knit nature of food and agriculture operations means that even a small disruption can cause ripple effects throughout the industry. Cybercriminals are aware of this and exploit the sector’s dependence on efficient, time-sensitive operations. Therefore, increasing the resilience of supply chains and adopting contingency plans for cyberattacks will be vital in mitigating the impacts of future incidents.

The financial and operational toll of these ransomware attacks is undeniable. High-profile incidents such as the breach at the South African chicken producer have shown that ransomware is not just a cybersecurity issue but a significant business risk. Companies must start treating cybersecurity as an integral part of their risk management strategy, just as they would any other business continuity issue.

Finally, stakeholders across the food and agriculture ecosystem must recognize that ransomware is a shared threat. No company can tackle this problem alone. Collective resilience, through industry cooperation and shared intelligence, is the key to mitigating the impact of these attacks.

Fact Checker Results:

The data presented regarding the increase in ransomware incidents in the food and agriculture sector is accurate, with statistics showing a significant rise in attacks in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the previous year. Expert statements from Jonathan Braley align with recent trends in cyberattacks targeting the industry. Additionally, the challenges posed by legacy systems and supply chain vulnerabilities are well-documented in cybersecurity reports.

Prediction:

The rise in ransomware attacks is unlikely to subside anytime soon, as the food and agriculture sector remains an attractive target for cybercriminals. As the industry becomes more digitized and interconnected, the risks of cyberattacks will increase. Companies must act quickly to modernize their infrastructure and adopt more robust cybersecurity measures to protect themselves from future incidents. Collaboration among industry stakeholders will be crucial in building collective resilience and combating this growing threat.