GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Cybersecurity In The Food And Beverage Industry Statistics

Cybersecurity incidents in the food and beverage industry have increased by 273% in 2020 compared to the previous year, highlighting the growing threat to the sector's digital infrastructure.

Highlights: Cybersecurity In The Food And Beverage Industry Statistics

  • Roughly 70% of food and beverage organizations have experienced an interruption in their supply chain due to a cyber incident in the past 5 years.
  • 68% of food and beverage industry professionals claim that cyberattacks have increased in their organizations over the last twelve months.
  • More than half (53%) of food and beverage manufacturers experienced a cybersecurity breach in 2020.
  • Cyberattacks on the food industry's supply chains can impact up to $12.3 billion in costs.
  • Around 67% of companies have suffered a cyber breach from a USB or a flash drive, including food and beverage companies.
  • On average, detected cybersecurity incidents in the food industry have increased by 81% over five years.
  • A cyberattack costs a food and beverage firm an average of $1.7 million per incident.
  • Approx 64% of food and beverage companies have limited or no visibility into their supply chain–creating significant cybersecurity risks.
  • Food and beverage industry is listed in the top 5 industries most likely to suffer a cyber attack.
  • 1 in 3 food companies believe they are unprepared to react to a cyber security incident.
  • Cybersecurity breaches could result in a loss of up to 2-3% of global food and beverage revenue.
  • 85% of food and beverage manufacturers don’t undergo an annual cybersecurity drill or practice.
  • Cyber attacks in the food and beverage industry can go undetected for an average of 197 days.
  • In 2020, around 30% of cyber attacks on food and beverage companies resulted in physical damage.
  • Food and beverage companies account for about 20% of all cybersecurity incidents involving industrial control system computers.
  • In 2020, the food & beverage industry was among the top 5 targeted industries for cyberattacks, accounting for 6% of total cyberattacks.
  • 71% of consumers claim they would switch to a competitor if a food company was hit by a cyber attack and their personal information was compromised.
  • Over 80% of food and beverage industry executives are expecting an increase in cyber breaches within the next two years.
  • 77% of food and beverage companies do not have a direct or dedicated cybersecurity role.
  • The food and beverage sector encountered ransomware in 45% of the industrial cyber-security incidents in 2020.

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The Latest Cybersecurity In The Food And Beverage Industry Statistics Explained

Roughly 70% of food and beverage organizations have experienced an interruption in their supply chain due to a cyber incident in the past 5 years.

The statistic indicates that approximately 70% of food and beverage organizations have encountered disruptions in their supply chain as a result of cyber incidents within the past 5 years. This suggests a significant vulnerability within the industry, highlighting the potentially devastating impact of cyber threats on the smooth functioning of supply chains in this sector. These interruptions could lead to delays in production, delivery, and ultimately affect consumers. As such, it emphasizes the importance for organizations within the food and beverage industry to prioritize cybersecurity measures and invest in safeguarding their supply chains to mitigate potential risks and ensure business continuity.

68% of food and beverage industry professionals claim that cyberattacks have increased in their organizations over the last twelve months.

The statistic indicates that a significant majority, specifically 68%, of professionals in the food and beverage industry believe that cyberattacks have been on the rise within their organizations over the past year. This suggests a concerning trend of increasing vulnerability to cyber threats within the industry, highlighting the importance of cybersecurity measures and strategies to protect sensitive data and systems from potential breaches. The finding underscores the need for continuous monitoring, adaptation, and investment in cybersecurity practices to mitigate the risks associated with cyberattacks and safeguard the integrity of operations within food and beverage organizations.

More than half (53%) of food and beverage manufacturers experienced a cybersecurity breach in 2020.

The statistic indicates that a significant portion, specifically over half (53%), of food and beverage manufacturers encountered a cybersecurity breach in the year 2020. This level of breach incidence highlights the vulnerability of companies in the industry to cyber threats and the potential risks they face in terms of data security and operational disruptions. It suggests that a majority of food and beverage manufacturers were affected by cyber attacks during this particular year, emphasizing the importance for companies in the sector to prioritize and invest in robust cybersecurity measures to safeguard their systems and sensitive information from potential breaches in the future.

Cyberattacks on the food industry’s supply chains can impact up to $12.3 billion in costs.

This statistic indicates that the food industry’s supply chains are vulnerable to cyberattacks, which can result in significant financial costs. The estimated impact of up to $12.3 billion suggests that such attacks can have widespread and costly consequences for businesses involved in the food industry’s supply chain. Cyberattacks in this context may disrupt operations, lead to data breaches, cause delays in deliveries, or result in financial losses. These potential damages highlight the importance of implementing robust cybersecurity measures to protect the food industry’s supply chains from cyber threats and mitigate the financial risks associated with such attacks.

Around 67% of companies have suffered a cyber breach from a USB or a flash drive, including food and beverage companies.

The statistic that around 67% of companies, including food and beverage companies, have experienced a cyber breach due to a USB or flash drive highlights a significant cybersecurity concern in the corporate world. USB devices are commonly used in organizations for data transfer and storage, but they also pose significant risks as potential entry points for malware, viruses, or unauthorized access to sensitive information. The fact that such a high percentage of companies have fallen victim to breaches through USB devices underscores the importance of implementing stringent cybersecurity measures, such as employee training, access controls, and regular security audits, to mitigate the risks associated with these commonly used tools. This statistic serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing need for vigilance and proactive measures to safeguard sensitive company data from cyber threats.

On average, detected cybersecurity incidents in the food industry have increased by 81% over five years.

This statistic means that over the course of five years, there has been an 81% increase in the number of cybersecurity incidents detected within the food industry, calculated on average. This indicates a significant rise in the frequency of cyber attacks or breaches targeting companies in the food sector. The increase highlights the growing importance of cybersecurity measures for food companies to protect their sensitive information, such as customer data or proprietary recipes. The trend suggests that organizations within the food industry need to prioritize investing in robust cybersecurity strategies to safeguard their digital assets and maintain the trust of their customers.

A cyberattack costs a food and beverage firm an average of $1.7 million per incident.

The statistic that a cyberattack costs a food and beverage firm an average of $1.7 million per incident indicates the financial impact that such attacks have on companies within this industry. This figure represents the average monetary loss incurred by a food and beverage firm as a direct result of a cyberattack. The costs associated with a cyberattack can include various expenses such as remediation efforts, lost revenue due to downtime, legal fees, and reputational damage. This statistic highlights the importance of cybersecurity measures and proactive strategies to prevent and mitigate the financial consequences of cyber threats within the food and beverage sector.

Approx 64% of food and beverage companies have limited or no visibility into their supply chain–creating significant cybersecurity risks.

The statistic stating that approximately 64% of food and beverage companies have limited or no visibility into their supply chain highlights a concerning trend in the industry. This lack of visibility poses significant cybersecurity risks, as it indicates that these companies may not have a comprehensive understanding of their supply chain operations, making them vulnerable to potential security breaches and data threats. Without clear visibility into their supply chain, such companies may struggle to identify and address potential cyber vulnerabilities, putting their sensitive data, operations, and reputation at risk. Therefore, it is imperative for food and beverage companies to prioritize enhancing their supply chain visibility and implementing robust cybersecurity measures to safeguard against potential cyber threats.

Food and beverage industry is listed in the top 5 industries most likely to suffer a cyber attack.

The statistic stating that the food and beverage industry is listed in the top 5 industries most likely to suffer a cyber attack indicates that companies within this sector face a relatively high risk of experiencing cyber security breaches. This heightened vulnerability could stem from various factors, such as the industry’s increasing reliance on digital technologies, large amounts of sensitive consumer data stored by food and beverage companies, potential gaps in cybersecurity measures, or even the attractiveness of these organizations as targets for malicious actors seeking financial gain or competitive advantage. As a result, it underscores the importance for companies in the food and beverage industry to prioritize cybersecurity measures to protect their systems, data, and reputation against potential attacks.

1 in 3 food companies believe they are unprepared to react to a cyber security incident.

This statistic suggests that there is a significant concern within the food industry about their ability to effectively respond to cyber security incidents. Specifically, it indicates that one third of food companies believe they are inadequately prepared to handle such situations. This lack of preparedness could leave these companies vulnerable to cyber attacks, potentially leading to data breaches, financial loss, and damage to their reputation. As cyber threats continue to evolve and grow in sophistication, it is crucial for food companies to prioritize cyber security measures in order to protect their systems, data, and customers from potential harm.

Cybersecurity breaches could result in a loss of up to 2-3% of global food and beverage revenue.

The statistic implies that cybersecurity breaches in the food and beverage industry could lead to a significant financial impact, potentially resulting in a loss of up to 2-3% of global revenue generated by the industry. This suggests that cyber threats pose a substantial risk to the financial stability and profitability of food and beverage companies worldwide. Such breaches could lead to various consequences, including data theft, operational disruptions, reputational damage, and financial losses. To mitigate these risks, companies in the food and beverage sector need to invest in robust cybersecurity measures and protocols, as well as employee training to enhance their resilience against cyber threats and protect their revenue streams.

85% of food and beverage manufacturers don’t undergo an annual cybersecurity drill or practice.

This statistic indicates that a substantial majority (85%) of food and beverage manufacturers do not regularly conduct annual cybersecurity drills or practice sessions to assess and enhance their readiness against potential cyber threats. This lack of preparedness could leave these companies vulnerable to cyberattacks, data breaches, and other security incidents that could have detrimental effects on their operations, reputation, and consumer trust. By not prioritizing cybersecurity drills, these manufacturers may be more susceptible to cyber risks and may struggle to effectively respond to and mitigate potential cyber threats in the increasingly digitalized world of food and beverage manufacturing.

Cyber attacks in the food and beverage industry can go undetected for an average of 197 days.

The statistic that cyber attacks in the food and beverage industry can go undetected for an average of 197 days indicates a significant vulnerability within the sector. This means that malicious actors can infiltrate the systems of companies in the industry and remain undetected for an extensive period, allowing them ample time to carry out their objectives such as stealing sensitive data, disrupting operations, or causing financial harm. The prolonged undetected period underscores the importance of implementing robust cybersecurity measures, continuous monitoring, and prompt incident response protocols to effectively detect and mitigate cyber threats in the food and beverage industry, ultimately safeguarding the industry’s operations and protecting valuable data.

In 2020, around 30% of cyber attacks on food and beverage companies resulted in physical damage.

The statistic “In 2020, around 30% of cyber attacks on food and beverage companies resulted in physical damage” indicates that a significant portion of cyber attacks targeting businesses in the food and beverage industry led to tangible harm to physical infrastructure or assets. This statistic highlights the increasing risk that cyber threats pose to these companies, potentially disrupting their operations and impacting their ability to provide products and services. The figure of 30% underscores the importance of strengthening cybersecurity measures within the industry to protect against such attacks and mitigate the potential consequences of physical damage resulting from cyber incidents.

Food and beverage companies account for about 20% of all cybersecurity incidents involving industrial control system computers.

This statistic indicates that food and beverage companies are particularly susceptible to cybersecurity incidents involving industrial control system computers, with approximately 20% of such incidents occurring within this industry sector. Industrial control systems are crucial for managing and controlling operations within food and beverage companies, making them attractive targets for cyber attacks. Factors such as the increasing interconnectivity of these systems, reliance on internet-enabled technologies, and potentially inadequate cybersecurity measures may contribute to the high incidence of cyber incidents in these companies. It is imperative for food and beverage companies to prioritize cybersecurity measures to protect their industrial control systems from malicious actors and ensure the continuity and safety of their operations.

In 2020, the food & beverage industry was among the top 5 targeted industries for cyberattacks, accounting for 6% of total cyberattacks.

In 2020, the food & beverage industry was identified as one of the top 5 industries that were heavily targeted by cyberattacks, constituting 6% of the total cyberattacks that occurred throughout the year. This statistic highlights the vulnerability of the food & beverage sector to cyber threats, potentially due to the large amount of sensitive customer data that these companies possess, such as payment information and personal details. The prevalence of cyberattacks in this industry underscores the importance of implementing robust cybersecurity measures to safeguard against data breaches and protect both the organizations and their customers from potential harm.

71% of consumers claim they would switch to a competitor if a food company was hit by a cyber attack and their personal information was compromised.

This statistic indicates that a significant majority (71%) of consumers are highly concerned about the security of their personal information when it comes to food companies and the potential risk of cyber attacks. The finding suggests that consumers value the protection of their data and privacy, and are willing to take strong actions, such as switching to a competitor, in response to such breaches. This underscores the importance for food companies to prioritize cybersecurity measures to uphold consumer trust and mitigate the potential negative impacts that a cyber attack and data breach could have on their business.

Over 80% of food and beverage industry executives are expecting an increase in cyber breaches within the next two years.

The statistic states that a substantial majority, specifically over 80%, of executives within the food and beverage industry anticipate a rise in cyber breaches over the next two years. This finding highlights a growing concern among industry leaders regarding the potential vulnerability of their organizations to cyber threats. The high percentage of executives expressing this expectation suggests that they recognize the increasing sophistication and frequency of cyber attacks targeting the food and beverage sector. As a result, it indicates that there is a critical need for companies in this industry to enhance their cybersecurity measures and preparedness to effectively mitigate and respond to potential breaches in the near future.

77% of food and beverage companies do not have a direct or dedicated cybersecurity role.

The statistic “77% of food and beverage companies do not have a direct or dedicated cybersecurity role” suggests that a significant portion of companies in this industry do not have a specific individual or team responsible for managing cybersecurity within their organization. This statistic highlights a potential oversight or gap in cybersecurity measures within the food and beverage sector, indicating a lack of focus on safeguarding sensitive data and systems from cyber threats. Without a dedicated cybersecurity role, these companies may be more vulnerable to cyber attacks and data breaches, posing risks to their operations, reputation, and customer trust. Addressing this gap by establishing dedicated cybersecurity roles or enhancing existing cybersecurity measures could help improve the overall security posture of food and beverage companies.

The food and beverage sector encountered ransomware in 45% of the industrial cyber-security incidents in 2020.

The statistic indicates that the food and beverage sector experienced ransomware attacks in a significant proportion of the industrial cyber-security incidents in 2020, with 45% of such incidents attributed to this particular sector. Ransomware is a type of malicious software designed to block access to a computer system or data until a sum of money is paid. The high occurrence of ransomware attacks in the food and beverage sector highlights the vulnerability of this industry to cyber threats, potentially leading to disruptions in operations, data breaches, and financial losses. This statistic underscores the importance of implementing robust cybersecurity measures to protect organizations within the food and beverage sector from such malicious attacks.

References

0. – https://www.www.foodsafetymagazine.com

1. – https://www.www.itproportal.com

2. – https://www.www.fooddive.com

3. – https://www.www.processingmagazine.com

4. – https://www.www.foodengineeringmag.com

5. – https://www.www.ifst.org

6. – https://www.www.tripwire.com

7. – https://www.www.foodprocessing.com

8. – https://www.www.plantengineering.com

9. – https://www.www.foodqualityandsafety.com

10. – https://www.securityboulevard.com

11. – https://www.www.manufacturing.net

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

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