A ransomware attack forced Fairlife, Coca-Cola's $4 billion dairy subsidiary, to suspend all U.S. production operations, highlighting the growing cybersecurity risks facing the food and agriculture industries. While product quality and safety were not affected, the incident demonstrates how vulnerable modern dairy operations have become as more production systems rely on connected technology. Industry experts warn that if a company with Coca-Cola's resources can be targeted, smaller dairy operations with limited IT infrastructure may be at even greater risk.

The article encourages dairy producers to view cybersecurity as a core business management issue rather than just an IT concern. Key recommendations include:

• Audit internet-connected equipment and software.
• Maintain secure, offline data backups.
• Train employees to recognize phishing and cyber threats.
• Consider cyber insurance coverage.
• Develop an incident response plan before an attack occurs.

As agriculture becomes increasingly digital, proactive cybersecurity planning is essential to protect operations, minimize disruptions, and maintain business continuity.

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