The FBI sent out a bulletin warning that ransomware attacks on agricultural cooperatives are more likely during critical planting and harvest seasons, disrupting operations, causing financial loss, and negatively impacting the food supply chain. It was noted that there were already two attacks in early 2022 and six in the fall of 2021 targeting grain cooperatives. Cyber actors may perceive cooperatives as lucrative targets with a willingness to pay due to the time-sensitive role in agricultural production. The goal could be to disrupt the seed and fertilizer supplies.
U.S., Britain, Australia, Canada and New Zealand cybersecurity agencies issued a warning of increased cybercrime risk due to Russia’s Ukraine invasion. They added cybercrime groups pledged to support the Russian government in carrying out digital extortion attacks against Western targets. Last week, the U.S. reported advanced hackers have shown they can take control of an array of devices that help run power stations and manufacturing plants. In March, the U.S. government stated “evolving intelligence” that Russia was exploring options for potential cyberattacks.