Securing the Supply Chain: Cyber Challenges in Food & Beverage

October 28, 2024

Cyber, Food & Agribusiness, Property & Casualty, Risk

The food and beverage industry, like many others, is undergoing a rapid digital transformation, increasingly embracing automation, smart technologies, and data-driven systems. This shift brings complex systems that must work seamlessly to process, package, and deliver food. Disruptions to these automated systems can lead to significant operational downtime and financial losses. Cybersecurity has emerged as a top priority, as companies strive to protect sensitive information and ensure smooth operations. Looking to the future, businesses in this sector must stay ahead of emerging cybersecurity trends and prepare for evolving challenges to maintain a secure, well-managed operational technology (OT) network.

Upgrading Legacy Systems

A legacy system refers to outdated machinery or software that was implemented years ago, often before modern cybersecurity practices were established. These systems, which may still be used for production, packaging, or distribution, often come with vulnerabilities that can jeopardize security. They might not integrate well with newer technologies or automation systems, leading to inefficiencies and operational disruptions.

Additionally, maintaining these outdated systems can be costly and finding necessary parts or expertise can be difficult. Upgrading or replacing these systems is crucial to ensure a secure and efficient operation. While the initial investment may seem high, it ultimately strengthens your cybersecurity posture and saves time and money by preventing future issues. Keeping all systems updated is also vital; regular software updates are essential to protect against evolving cyber threats.

Perfecting Your Incident Response Plan

Create and maintain an up-to-date incident response plan (IRP). This plan should include steps to identify affected systems, contain the attack, and facilitate recovery. Further, ensure that the IRP lists all the key stakeholders who need to be involved in making decisions in the time of a crisis. Establish a clear communication plan, solidify the steps & test it.

One of the most effective ways to ensure your Incident Response Plan (IRP) is ready for action is by testing it through tabletop exercises (TTX). Think of a TTX as a fire drill for cyber incidents—practicing responses to simulated high-stakes scenarios in a controlled setting helps your team prepare for real attacks. This proactive approach not only equips employees to handle stress more effectively but also consolidates crucial information, saving valuable time during an actual crisis. Strong preparedness is essential for minimizing the impact of ransomware and other cyber threats.

Asset Management

It seems that virtually every device now comes with internet capabilities, which undoubtedly simplifies many aspects of daily life. However, this connectivity also expands the attack surface for potential cyber threats. Each internet-enabled device introduces additional entry points for cybercriminals, increasing the risk of data breaches and security incidents. As our reliance on connected devices grows, so does the need for robust cybersecurity measures to protect against these emerging vulnerabilities.

Consider implementing an asset management tool. These tools can help you monitor, manage and track your organization’s assets to determine what those assets do and identify and automatically remediate any gaps in its cybersecurity protections.

Securing Vendor Access

In food & beverage organizations, it’s very common to use a third-party vendor’s equipment. This means, the vendors supplying equipment will offer a service level agreement, where they will request secure remote access to their equipment. While this is relatively common practice, this introduces several additional risks to your network. Consider requiring the vendors to utilize certain controls, such as using MFA (Multi Factor Authentication), when accessing their equipment remotely.

Additionally, practicing the principle of “least privilege” is crucial. This means granting users only the minimum level of access they need to do their job. By limiting administrative access to those who absolutely need it, you future protect your network from potential threats.

Key Takeaways

The food and beverage industry faces significant cybersecurity challenges due to its complex systems, legacy technology, and the increasing use of internet-connected devices. To mitigate risks, companies should upgrade outdated systems, implement regular software updates, and maintain a robust Incident Response Plan (IRP) with regular testing. Effective asset management and securing third-party vendor access are crucial for enhancing overall security and preventing disruptions.

Reach out to your M3 Client Executive or cyber team to discuss your current protection for your organization and to learn more about cybersecurity risk management.