S5 E5: The Intersection of Agriculture and Cybersecurity

This podcast interviews Kathy Chambers, a PhD candidate researching cybersecurity in the agricultural industry, focusing on the increasing cyberattacks targeting farms and food-related businesses. The discussion covers the reasons for these attacks (low-hanging fruit, lack of cybersecurity awareness), the impact on the food supply chain and consumer prices, and the need for improved cybersecurity training and collaboration within the agricultural sector. Chambers highlights the lack of a framework for cybersecurity in agriculture and suggests that basic security awareness training, network segmentation, and data backups are crucial first steps. The hosts and guest brainstorm solutions, including educational outreach through podcasts and conferences, emphasizing the need for collaboration and addressing the financial constraints faced by many agricultural businesses.