Cyberattacks on agribusinesses in recent years have demonstrated hackers’ ability to shut down processing plants, halt livestock purchases, and cost corporations millions through ransomware attacks.
In the face of these threats, the University of Nebraska System (NU) is a key resource for strengthening agricultural cyber defenses. Multiple NU projects with various funding sources, including federal government grants, are at the forefront of analyzing and addressing key vulnerabilities.
“Many of the technologies used in precision agriculture, such as drones, have been designed for use and affordability before data security. They are also readily available off the shelf, making them potential targets for those with malicious intent,” said Meghan Jackson, director for food, agriculture, and environment security at the National Strategic Research Institute (NSRI) at the University of Nebraska. “Disruptions to an automated irrigation system or hacking of a dairy’s industrial control system could result in the failure of an entire season and even death of animals. Building resiliency into existing and new precision agriculture is critical to protecting America’s growing digital landscape.”
As one of only 15 university-affiliated research centers (UARCs) in the country designated by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), NSRI provides perspective and clarity regarding the evolving national security concerns of stakeholders within the federal government. It partners with the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR) at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL), which brings forward 150 years of experience in agricultural research and a deep commitment to producers and consumers, to forge research and development that matters to the DoD and beyond.