Cybercrime on farms is increasing – It is estimated it now costs the community millions each quarter.
The good news is that there are simple steps you can take to improve your online security. We recommend you visit the governments’ CERT NZ website which details many suggestions.
The recommended steps include:
• Always apply patches and updates
• Always back up your data and store it securely
• Consider 2FA two factor authentication
• Remind staff to look for suspicious emails/texts
• Ensure your modem and devices do not have the default password
CERTNZ has some great, common-sense tips and advice. This one page guide is a useful summary and reminder.
IMS Access
For IMS, your solid set irrigation web dashboard, there are also relevant security reminders:
• Use a strong password and do not share it with other people
• Use the “sharing” feature to invite other users. This allows you to limit the functions they can control (if applicable)
• When staff leave, or you change irrigation company, remember to revoke their access. This is easily overlooked but is best practise and should be considered during the exit interview and change over process
This short video shows the simple steps needed to manage contactor and staff access to your IMS platform.
Also think about what other on farm assets previous staff had have access to:
Security system PIN/unlock codes?
Farm Wi-Fi code?
Dairy shed or building keys or codes? Do they know where the spare keys are hidden too?
Water scheme or compliance agency website logins?
Do they get sensitive data/alerts sent to their personal cell phone?
Cybercrime on farms is real but taking simple steps now will help protect you from the attacks.
Cyber Smart week runs from 30 October to 5 November 2023. This is an ideal time to review your current situation and practises.