4 Farm Security Threats to Watch For

As a farmer or rancher, you’re aware that risk is an inherent part of your operation. Weather, uncertain prices and many other factors can present risks that you have to manage carefully. But sometimes we forget another risk factor: security threats to your agriculture business. For example, internet-connected and precision farming equipment may put you at an increased risk of cybercrime. 

By watching for risks like these, you can minimize your odds of theft or loss, maximizing your farm security and protecting your business. You can improve the security on your farm and protect your business from loss by learning about these four sneaky threats and taking steps to reduce them.

Trespassers

Trespassers don’t have to be malicious to pose an issue to your security. From joggers and dogwalkers to hunters and hikers it can be risky to have people on your farm who don’t belong there. They could unintentionally cause damage by trampling crops or breaking fences. 

What You Can Do 

Posting highly visible “No Trespassing” signs makes it clear to people that this is your property and warn them to stay away. Furthermore, it’s a good idea to make sure your fences and gates are not damaged or broken, and that your gates are closed and secured. Barriers like this act as a warning and send a signal to potential trespassers that they shouldn’t enter your property. Check your property borders regularly to make sure there aren’t obvious places where trespassers could enter, inadvertently or otherwise. 

If you discover that you’re having an issue with a trespasser, consider calling law enforcement. Taking matters into your own hands is its own risk. Don’t set traps or chase trespassers, as you could be responsible for any injuries.

Theft

Farm supplies and equipment can be tempting targets for thieves. The relative isolation of many farms may make people think they can get away with stealing without being observed or caught. Most thefts on a farm are thefts of fuel and high-dollar items such as tools, computers, safes, fertilizers and machines. 

What You Can Do

Here are some things you can do to dissuade thieves and protect your farm.

• Install security cameras in many locations around your farm or ranch. Be sure you cover the perimeter.
• Add floodlights or motion-sensor lights around your property. The sudden burst of light can help to deter would-be thieves.
• Lock or secure any valuable item that might tempt an intruder.
• Use keyless ignition systems, especially if you’re tempted to leave keys in your equipment.
• Add GPS tracking to your gear. This will help you — and police — track any items that are stolen and return them to your farm. 
• Learn how to mark tools to prevent theft. Add visible serial numbers to tools so thieves know they can be tracked.
• Make your investments visually distinctive, marking them as yours. Consider adding your operation’s logo or brand so they are easy to spot and identify.
• Keep a farm inventory list of all the items you have and their value. Periodically check on all your equipment and valuables to make sure nothing is missing. If a thief gets away with it once, they may come back for more.
• If you have equipment you only use seasonally, remove the battery or add wheel locks to help deter theft.

Cybercrime

Agribusinesses are as susceptible to cybersecurity threats as any other business. If you notice any threats around data exposure and unauthorized access, take them seriously. 

What You Can Do

Here are some ways to protect your farm against cybersecurity threats. 

• Be on the lookout for attempts to break into your systems, like phishing emails with links that can download malicious content onto your devices. Delete them immediately without opening them and familiarize yourself with the ways that you can identify them.
• Make sure that all of your devices — computers, phones, tablets and anything else you use that’s connected to the internet — has the most up-to-date security software. 
• Back up your data regularly, both to the cloud and to physical hard drives.
• If you have social media business pages, check all your settings to ensure your pages are secure. Lock down your admin accounts and securely manage your apps, comments, posts and abuse. Consider using a password management application such as 1Password, LastPass or Dashlane to keep your passwords secure.

Precision Farm Technology Vulnerabilities

Technologies in precision agriculture rely on remote communication systems. That means that when cybercriminals attack these systems, they’re trying to accomplish the same thing that all cybercriminals want: to access to secure and private data. If these systems are breached, thieves could sell your data or disrupt the operation of your farm or ranch. 

What You Can Do 

Keep your business operating system separate from your personal browsing. Limit access to your technology with strong passwords and a password management application. And when you’re accessing your technology remotely, use a virtual private network (VPN).

We Know Agriculture

When it comes to protecting your farm or ranch, no one understands your needs like we do. Whether you need coverage for your farm or ranch, your employees, your crops or your livestock, we are your one-stop shop. Our team is ready to ensure that your farm or ranch is properly secured and that you have the coverage you need.