Cybersecurity for Food and Beverage

Food and beverage companies across Long Island, New York City, Connecticut, and northern New Jersey juggle recipe confidentiality, complex supply chain management, and transaction processing daily, making them increasingly attractive targets for cybercriminals. Your proprietary formulations, supplier relationships, and customer data represent valuable assets that cyber threats actively target.

The growing threat of cyberattacks, including ransomware and other emerging risks, is putting unprecedented pressure on the food and beverage industry to strengthen its defenses.

Think of us as your cybersecurity ingredient to success. The importance of cybersecurity in the food and beverage industry cannot be overstated, as it is essential for protecting the food supply chain from evolving cyber threats. We’re Managed Technology, and with over 50 years of collective experience, our team understands that cybersecurity is critical to prevent disruptions in food production and distribution, ensuring food safety and security.

Introduction to Cybersecurity in the Food and Beverage Industry

The food and agriculture sector faces unique cyber risks, including attacks on operational technology (OT) systems and supply chain disruptions that can impact everything from production to distribution. Implementing effective cybersecurity practices is essential to mitigate cyber risks and protect critical infrastructure in the food and beverage industry.

Key cybersecurity priorities for food and beverage companies include:

• Recipe and formulation protection safeguarding proprietary ingredients, manufacturing processes, and trade secrets that provide competitive advantages
• Supply chain security protecting vendor relationships, sourcing information, and logistics data from disruption or theft
• Food safety compliance maintaining cybersecurity standards that support FDA regulations and industry-specific requirements
• Operational technology security protecting production equipment, temperature controls, and automated systems from cyber attacks, with a focus on automation in food production. Automated systems and digital infrastructure in food processing operations are particularly vulnerable to cyber threats, making it crucial to secure these technologies to ensure continuous and safe food supply chains.
• Transaction security safeguarding payment processing, customer data, and financial information throughout the sales process

Cyber security threats can also arise from third-party data breaches and external collaborations in the food and beverage industry, increasing the risk of unauthorized access and data compromise.

Food and beverage companies must prioritize comprehensive cybersecurity strategies that address both traditional IT systems and the specialized operational technology that controls production processes.

Understanding Cyber Threats

Cyber threats, including ransomware attacks and cyberattacks, pose significant risks to the food and beverage sector, compromising food safety and security. The agriculture sector is a growing target for cyber threats, with potential consequences for food production and the entire food supply chain. Bad actors often exploit vulnerabilities in cloud and OT environments, increasing the threat surface and security risks for food and beverage companies.

Common cyber threats targeting the food industry include:

• Ransomware attacks that encrypt critical production systems, quality control databases, and supply chain management platforms
• Supply chain attacks targeting third-party vendors and suppliers to gain access to larger food company networks and systems
• Intellectual property theft focusing on proprietary recipes, manufacturing processes, and customer databases
• Operational technology attacks compromising production equipment, refrigeration systems, and automated processing controls
• Business email compromise targeting financial transactions, vendor payments, and executive communications within food companies

It is essential for the food and beverage industry to identify and address cyber vulnerabilities through ongoing assessments and targeted protection measures.

Cybersecurity threats can have devastating effects on food companies, including financial losses, reputational damage, and compromised food safety. Cybersecurity attacks resulting from IT/OT convergence and third-party data breaches further increase the risk to operations and data security. Understanding cyber threats is crucial for developing effective cybersecurity strategies to protect the food and beverage industry from both current and emerging risks.

Why Food & Beverage Companies are Cyber Targets

The beverage industry has experienced several high-profile cyberattacks, highlighting the need for enhanced cybersecurity measures to protect against cyber threats that specifically target food production and distribution systems. Cyberattacks can disrupt food production, causing supply chain disruptions and compromising food safety standards that companies work years to establish.

Specific vulnerabilities in the food industry include:

• Complex supply chains involving multiple vendors, distributors, and retail partners that create numerous potential entry points for cyber criminals
• Legacy systems where outdated industrial control systems (ICS) and operational technology lack modern security features, making them especially vulnerable to cyberattacks but still critical to manufacturing processes
• Regulatory compliance data including FDA documentation, safety records, and quality control information that attackers can exploit
• Customer databases containing personal information, payment details, and purchasing patterns valuable to cyber criminals
• Trade secret formulations representing years of research and development investment that competitors or foreign entities actively seek

Cyberattacks can lead to increased costs for food and beverage companies, including higher operational expenses, supply chain disruptions, and potential economic losses.

Beverage companies must prioritize cybersecurity to prevent cyberattacks and protect their operations, reputation, and customers. Implementing robust cybersecurity practices, such as network segmentation and incident response planning, can help mitigate cyber risks in the beverage industry.

Cybersecurity in the Agriculture Sector

The agriculture sector is increasingly reliant on technology, creating new cybersecurity vulnerabilities and risks that extend throughout the food supply chain. Cybersecurity is essential to protect agricultural operations, including food production and processing, from cyber threats that could disrupt food availability and safety.

Agricultural cybersecurity challenges include:

• Connected farming equipment where GPS-guided tractors, automated irrigation systems, and precision agriculture tools create new attack surfaces
• Data-driven farming protecting crop yield data, soil analysis information, and weather monitoring systems from theft or manipulation
• Livestock monitoring systems securing automated feeding systems, health monitoring devices, and breeding databases
• Crop management platforms protecting planting schedules, pesticide application records, and harvest planning information
• Financial and insurance data safeguarding farm loan information, crop insurance policies, and commodity trading data

The Food Cybersecurity Act aims to enhance cybersecurity in the agriculture sector by identifying vulnerabilities and improving defenses against cyber threats. The Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Agriculture play key roles in supporting cybersecurity initiatives, policy-making, and coordinating efforts to protect the food supply chain.

Collaboration between public and private sectors is critical to developing effective cybersecurity strategies for the agriculture sector that support both security and productivity, ensuring all food sectors are protected from cyber threats.

How We Secure Your Operations

Proactive Threat Monitoring

We continuously detect and neutralize cyber threats before they impact your production and distribution processes. Our advanced monitoring systems watch for indicators of attacks specifically targeting food industry operations and supply chain vulnerabilities.

Customized Security for Food & Beverage

Your proprietary recipes, sensitive operational data, and complex supply chains need specialized cybersecurity—not generic solutions. We implement protection strategies designed specifically for food industry workflows, from production floor monitoring to customer transaction processing.

Rapid Incident Response & Regulatory Compliance

If a cybersecurity issue arises, our quick-response experts efficiently resolve incidents, reducing downtime and maintaining compliance with FDA and industry-specific regulations. We understand food and beverage industry regulations and help you manage cybersecurity complexities unique to your industry.

Protecting Critical Infrastructure

Critical infrastructure, including OT systems and control systems, is vital to food production and distribution processes that ensure safe, reliable food supply. Protecting critical infrastructure from cyber threats is essential to prevent supply chain disruptions and ensure food safety standards are maintained.

Essential infrastructure protection includes:

• Operational technology security identifying and protecting OT assets, including production equipment, temperature monitoring systems, and automated processing controls, from cyber attacks
• Network segmentation isolating critical production systems and securing the OT environment from general business networks and external internet access to prevent unauthorized access
• Access controls ensuring only authorized personnel can interact with critical food production and safety systems
• Remote access restrictions securing maintenance connections and vendor access to production equipment and control systems
• Physical security integration connecting cybersecurity measures with physical access controls for production facilities

Implementing robust cybersecurity measures, such as access controls and remote access restrictions, can help protect critical infrastructure in the food and beverage industry. Regular cybersecurity assessments and risk mitigation strategies are necessary to ensure the security posture of critical infrastructure.

Assessing Cyber Risk

Assessing cyber risk is crucial for identifying vulnerabilities and developing effective cybersecurity strategies in the food and beverage industry. Organizations must manage resources, including shadow assets, to reduce cybersecurity risks. Cyber risk assessments should consider the potential consequences of cyber threats, including financial losses, reputational damage, and compromised food safety.

Comprehensive risk assessment includes:

• Supply chain vulnerability analysis identifying security weaknesses in vendor relationships, logistics networks, and third-party integrations
• Operational technology risk evaluation assessing security gaps in production equipment, control systems, and automated processes
• Data sensitivity classification categorizing recipes, customer information, and operational data based on business impact and regulatory requirements
• Regulatory compliance auditing ensuring cybersecurity measures meet FDA requirements and industry-specific standards
• Business continuity impact analysis understanding how cyber incidents could affect production schedules, distribution, and customer relationships

Implementing cybersecurity best practices, such as network segmentation and incident response planning, can help mitigate cyber risks. Continuous monitoring and evaluation of cyber risks are necessary to ensure the security posture of food and beverage companies remains effective against evolving threats.

Mitigating Cybersecurity Risks

Mitigating cybersecurity risks requires a proactive approach, including implementing robust cybersecurity measures and regularly assessing cyber risks specific to food and beverage operations. Cybersecurity practices, such as multi-factor authentication and encryption, can help protect sensitive data and prevent cyber threats from compromising operations. These risks impact multiple industries, including food, agriculture, and manufacturing, highlighting the need for industry-wide vigilance and protection.

Risk mitigation strategies include:

• Multi-layered security controls implementing firewalls, endpoint protection, and intrusion detection systems designed for food industry environments
• Data encryption protocols protecting proprietary recipes, customer information, and operational data both in transit and at rest
• Employee security awareness helping food industry staff recognize phishing attempts and social engineering attacks targeting their roles
• Vendor security requirements ensuring suppliers and third-party partners maintain appropriate cybersecurity standards
• Regular security updates keeping production systems, business applications, and security tools current with the latest protections

Incident response planning and tabletop exercises are essential for preparing food and beverage companies to respond to cyberattacks. As information technology and operational technology become increasingly integrated, collaboration between public and private sectors is critical to developing effective cybersecurity strategies and mitigating cyber risks across the entire food supply chain.

Incident Response and Recovery

Incident response and recovery planning are critical to minimizing the impact of cyberattacks on food and beverage companies while maintaining food safety and regulatory compliance. Implementing an incident response plan can help quickly respond to and contain cyber threats, reducing the risk of supply chain disruptions and compromised food safety. A ransomware attack, for example, can severely disrupt the production and distribution of food products, leading to shortages and potential safety concerns across the entire supply chain.

Comprehensive incident response includes:

• Immediate threat containment isolating affected systems to prevent lateral movement through production networks and business systems
• Production continuity planning maintaining critical food safety, the safety and availability of food products, and production processes during cybersecurity incidents
• Regulatory notification procedures managing required reporting to FDA and other agencies while protecting sensitive information
• Customer communication protocols maintaining transparency and confidence during incident response without compromising security
• Supply chain coordination working with vendors and distributors to minimize disruption throughout the food supply chain

Tabletop exercises and regular training can help ensure that food and beverage companies are prepared to respond to cyberattacks effectively. Continuous monitoring and evaluation of incident response plans are necessary to ensure their effectiveness and alignment with both cybersecurity best practices and food industry requirements.

Local Expertise in Long Island, NYC, Connecticut & Northern New Jersey

We understand the regional food and beverage landscape and cybersecurity requirements across our service area. Our local expertise includes specialized knowledge of:

• Long Island food companies including local producers, distributors, and specialty food manufacturers that need cost-effective cybersecurity solutions meeting industry standards
• New York City food businesses from restaurants to large-scale food service operations facing heightened security requirements in a high-threat urban environment
• Connecticut food and beverage firms handling diverse production and distribution operations requiring scalable cybersecurity solutions
• Northern New Jersey companies supporting both local and national food distribution with complex supply chain security needs

Our local presence ensures rapid response when you need emergency cybersecurity support, and we understand the specific regulatory expectations and market pressures that affect food and beverage companies in your area. As part of the nation’s critical infrastructure, the food supply chain is a focus for homeland security efforts to protect against both cyber threats and physical attacks.

Cybersecurity Solutions for Food and Agriculture

Cybersecurity solutions, including OT cybersecurity and network segmentation, can help protect food and beverage companies from cyber threats while maintaining operational efficiency. Implementing cybersecurity best practices, such as access controls and remote access restrictions, can help mitigate cyber risks specific to food production and distribution. It is important for an organization to oversee the implementation of these cybersecurity measures to ensure comprehensive protection and effective management of vulnerabilities.

Comprehensive cybersecurity solutions include:

• Operational technology protection securing production equipment, control systems, and automated processes critical to food safety
• Supply chain security management monitoring and protecting vendor relationships, logistics networks, and third-party integrations
• Data protection systems safeguarding proprietary recipes, customer databases, and operational information from theft or compromise
• Compliance management tools ensuring cybersecurity measures support FDA requirements and industry-specific regulations
• 24×7 monitoring services providing continuous oversight of both IT and OT systems critical to food production and distribution

Collaboration between public and private sectors is critical to developing effective cybersecurity strategies and solutions for the food and agriculture sector. The Food and Ag-ISAC plays a key role in providing threat intelligence, sharing cybersecurity insights, and supporting sector resilience by helping identify threat actors and facilitating collaborative efforts. Continuous monitoring and evaluation of cybersecurity solutions are necessary to ensure their effectiveness and stay ahead of emerging cyber threats targeting the food supply chain.

Start Protecting Your Food & Beverage Company Today

You'll rest easier knowing our expert team continuously monitors potential threats that could compromise your production processes, supply chain operations, or regulatory compliance. We've supported food and beverage companies across Long Island and northern New Jersey, helping them maintain both cybersecurity and operational efficiency in an increasingly connected industry.

Our team combines deep cybersecurity expertise with practical understanding of food industry operations, regulatory requirements, and the competitive pressures that shape your business decisions.

Ready to Enhance Your Cybersecurity?

Don't wait until a breach disrupts your operations and damages your reputation. Contact Managed Technology today at (631) 750-6737 or schedule your free Food & Beverage Cybersecurity Consultation. Let us demonstrate how professional cybersecurity management can secure your sensitive data, ensure compliance, and safeguard your operations—from sourcing ingredients to serving customers.

Managed Technology is a full-service managed IT and cybersecurity provider delivering 24×7 proactive monitoring, customized protection, and comprehensive cybersecurity solutions specifically tailored for food and beverage companies across Long Island, New York City, Connecticut, and northern New Jersey. Our certified cybersecurity professionals and virtual CIOs strategically align technology practices with your business objectives, providing robust security and consistent compliance.