GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Cybersecurity In The Food Processing Industry Statistics

Cyberattacks in the food processing industry are on the rise, with 89% of organizations experiencing a breach in the past year.

Highlights: Cybersecurity In The Food Processing Industry Statistics

  • 45% of companies in the food and beverage industry have dealt with a significant cybersecurity breach within the last five years.
  • About 67% of food and beverage industry respondents believed they were prepared to respond to a cyber incident.
  • In 2018, more than 70% of food & drink companies were affected by cyber incidents.
  • More than 60% of food industry professionals estimate lightning-fast recovery from cyber attacks within 24 hours.
  • 1 in 3 UK food producers reported a cyber-attack on their business in 2020.
  • 29% of food processing companies do not have any form of cybersecurity provisions.
  • By 2021, cyber threats to food processing industry led to estimated loss of around $6 trillion globally.
  • About 22% of food and beverage manufacturers are unaware of potential cyber vulnerabilities in their production process.
  • Cyber attacks can impact at least 15% of food businesses globally and cost an average of $300,000.
  • Only 37% of small food industry businesses have implemented cybersecurity procedures in their operations.
  • More than 55% of food industry businesses do not provide any cybersecurity training to their employees.
  • Around 43% of cyber attacks are aimed at small businesses which also includes small scale food processing units.
  • Around 75% of attacks start with an email – known as phishing attacks - in the food industry.
  • In 2019, close to 50% of food and beverage organizations said they had formal incident response plans.
  • About 58% of food businesses experienced reputational damage due to a cyber attack.
  • In 2019, around 68% of food industry leaders signaled data security as one of their top priorities.
  • Globally, 20% of all food manufacturing companies have been victims of ransomware attacks.
  • 47% of food industry respondents do not have an inventory of all devices linked to their network.
  • Cyber threats increased by as much as 600% during the Covid-19 pandemic affecting operations of food processors globally.
  • 54% considered cyber threat in food industry as critical.

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The Latest Cybersecurity In The Food Processing Industry Statistics Explained

45% of companies in the food and beverage industry have dealt with a significant cybersecurity breach within the last five years.

This statistic indicates that a substantial portion, specifically 45%, of companies within the food and beverage industry have experienced a notable cybersecurity breach within the past five years. This suggests a prevalent and concerning trend of cybersecurity vulnerabilities within the industry, highlighting the need for enhanced security measures and protocols to protect sensitive data and mitigate potential risks. The high frequency of breaches underscores the importance of investing in robust cybersecurity infrastructure and practices to safeguard against cyber threats and preserve the reputation, operations, and integrity of these companies.

About 67% of food and beverage industry respondents believed they were prepared to respond to a cyber incident.

The statistic “About 67% of food and beverage industry respondents believed they were prepared to respond to a cyber incident” suggests that a majority of respondents within the food and beverage industry feel confident in their ability to handle and mitigate the impact of a cyber incident. This indicates that a significant portion of organizations in this sector have implemented cybersecurity measures and protocols to address potential cyber threats. However, the actual level of preparedness and response effectiveness may vary among the remaining 33% of respondents who do not share the same level of confidence. It is crucial for organizations in the food and beverage industry to continually assess and enhance their cybersecurity posture to adequately protect their sensitive data and operations from cyber vulnerabilities and threats.

In 2018, more than 70% of food & drink companies were affected by cyber incidents.

The statistic “In 2018, more than 70% of food & drink companies were affected by cyber incidents” implies that a significant majority of companies within the food and drink industry experienced cybersecurity breaches or incidents in the year 2018. This high percentage suggests that cyber threats pose a notable risk to businesses operating in this sector, potentially leading to financial losses, data breaches, reputational damage, and other negative consequences. It underscores the importance for companies within the food and drink industry to strengthen their cybersecurity measures, invest in robust protection mechanisms, and prioritize cybersecurity awareness and training among their employees to mitigate potential risks and safeguard their operations.

More than 60% of food industry professionals estimate lightning-fast recovery from cyber attacks within 24 hours.

The statistic “More than 60% of food industry professionals estimate lightning-fast recovery from cyber attacks within 24 hours” suggests that a majority of professionals working in the food industry believe they can quickly bounce back from cyber attacks within a day. This high percentage indicates a general confidence in their organizations’ ability to respond promptly and efficiently to cybersecurity incidents, potentially minimizing any potential damages or disruptions to their operations. Rapid recovery from cyber attacks is crucial in maintaining the security and smooth functioning of businesses, highlighting the importance that these professionals place on cybersecurity resilience within the food industry.

1 in 3 UK food producers reported a cyber-attack on their business in 2020.

The statistic “1 in 3 UK food producers reported a cyber attack on their business in 2020” indicates that a significant proportion of food producers in the UK experienced cyber incidents within that year. This statistic reflects a concerning trend of increasing cyber threats faced by businesses operating in the food production industry. Cyber attacks can disrupt operations, compromise sensitive data, and lead to financial losses for companies. As such, these findings highlight the importance of strengthening cybersecurity measures and implementing robust defense mechanisms to safeguard the digital assets and operations of food producers in the UK.

29% of food processing companies do not have any form of cybersecurity provisions.

The statistic that 29% of food processing companies do not have any form of cybersecurity provisions indicates a concerning lack of preparedness for potential cyber threats within this industry. This finding suggests that nearly one-third of food processing companies may be vulnerable to cyber attacks, putting their operations, sensitive data, and possibly consumer safety at risk. Without proper cybersecurity measures in place, these companies are leaving themselves exposed to potential breaches, data loss, and other cybersecurity incidents that could have serious consequences. This underscores the importance of implementing robust cybersecurity protocols to protect against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats in today’s digital landscape.

By 2021, cyber threats to food processing industry led to estimated loss of around $6 trillion globally.

The statistic indicates that as of 2021, the food processing industry has experienced substantial financial losses due to cyber threats on a global scale, estimated at around $6 trillion. This implies that cyber attacks targeting the food processing industry, such as data breaches, ransomware attacks, or system disruptions, have been significant and costly. These threats can result in financial damages, reputational harm, operational disruptions, and potential risks to food safety and supply chains. The substantial monetary impact underscores the growing importance of cybersecurity measures for the food processing industry to mitigate risks, protect sensitive data, and ensure business continuity in the face of evolving cyber threats.

About 22% of food and beverage manufacturers are unaware of potential cyber vulnerabilities in their production process.

The statistic ‘About 22% of food and beverage manufacturers are unaware of potential cyber vulnerabilities in their production process’ indicates that a significant portion of companies in this industry may not fully understand or appreciate the risks posed by cyber threats to their operations. This lack of awareness could leave these manufacturers vulnerable to cyberattacks that could disrupt their production processes, compromise sensitive data, or infringe on consumer safety. Given the increasing digitization of the food and beverage sector, it is crucial for companies to prioritize cybersecurity measures to safeguard their operations and mitigate potential risks associated with cyber vulnerabilities.

Cyber attacks can impact at least 15% of food businesses globally and cost an average of $300,000.

This statistic highlights the significant threat that cyber attacks pose to food businesses worldwide. With at least 15% of food businesses being affected by cyber attacks, it demonstrates the pervasiveness of this issue within the industry. The average cost of $300,000 per cyber attack underscores the substantial financial burden that these attacks can impose on businesses, potentially resulting in significant financial losses, operational disruptions, and reputational damage. As such, it is imperative for food businesses to prioritize cybersecurity measures and invest in robust defenses to protect their sensitive data, financial assets, and overall operations from potential cyber threats.

Only 37% of small food industry businesses have implemented cybersecurity procedures in their operations.

This statistic indicates that a significant majority of small businesses within the food industry, specifically 63%, have not implemented cybersecurity procedures in their operations. This is concerning as businesses in the food industry store sensitive information such as customer data and payment details, making them potential targets for cyber attacks. Without proper cybersecurity measures in place, these businesses are at a higher risk of experiencing data breaches, financial losses, and reputational damage. It is essential for small food industry businesses to prioritize cybersecurity to protect their operations and mitigate potential risks associated with cyber threats.

More than 55% of food industry businesses do not provide any cybersecurity training to their employees.

The statistic ‘More than 55% of food industry businesses do not provide any cybersecurity training to their employees’ suggests a concerning lack of investment in cybersecurity measures within the food industry. This implies that a majority of food industry businesses are not taking proactive steps to educate their employees on cybersecurity best practices and protocols, leaving them vulnerable to cyber threats and attacks. Without proper training, employees may unknowingly engage in risky behaviors that could compromise the security of the business, its data, and its customers. This statistic highlights the need for increased awareness and investment in cybersecurity training within the food industry to better protect against potential cyber risks.

Around 43% of cyber attacks are aimed at small businesses which also includes small scale food processing units.

This statistic indicates that a significant proportion of cyber attacks, around 43%, are specifically targeting small businesses, including small scale food processing units. The emphasis on small businesses suggests that these entities are particularly vulnerable to cyber threats and are at risk of potentially devastating attacks. The inclusion of small scale food processing units highlights that even niche industries are not immune to cyber attacks. This statistic underscores the importance of small businesses prioritizing cybersecurity measures to protect their sensitive information, intellectual property, and financial resources from malicious cyber actors.

Around 75% of attacks start with an email – known as phishing attacks – in the food industry.

The statistic that around 75% of attacks in the food industry start with an email, known as phishing attacks, highlights a significant cybersecurity threat faced by companies operating within this sector. Phishing attacks typically involve fraudulent emails disguised as legitimate communications to deceive recipients into revealing sensitive information such as login credentials or financial details. This statistic underscores the vulnerability of the food industry to cyber threats and emphasizes the importance of implementing robust cybersecurity measures, employee training, and proactive phishing detection systems to safeguard against potential breaches that could compromise data security and business operations.

In 2019, close to 50% of food and beverage organizations said they had formal incident response plans.

The statistic that close to 50% of food and beverage organizations reported having formal incident response plans in place in 2019 indicates that a significant proportion of companies in this industry were prepared to effectively manage and respond to potential incidents or crises. Having a formal incident response plan is essential for organizations to minimize the impact of unforeseen events such as food recalls, safety incidents, or supply chain disruptions. This statistic suggests that a substantial number of food and beverage companies recognized the importance of proactive planning and risk management to safeguard their operations, reputation, and stakeholders.

About 58% of food businesses experienced reputational damage due to a cyber attack.

The statistic indicates that a significant majority, specifically about 58%, of food businesses have suffered reputational damage as a result of being targeted by cyber attacks. This suggests that the industry is highly vulnerable to such attacks, potentially leading to negative consequences for the affected businesses, including loss of customer trust and loyalty, financial ramifications, and damage to their brand reputation. Given the increasing reliance on digital systems and online services in the food sector, this statistic highlights the critical need for businesses to prioritize cybersecurity measures to protect themselves and their customers from potential cyber threats.

In 2019, around 68% of food industry leaders signaled data security as one of their top priorities.

This statistic indicates that in 2019, a significant majority of leaders in the food industry, approximately 68%, considered data security to be one of their key concerns or focuses. This suggests that there is a growing recognition within the food industry of the importance of protecting data from potential breaches or unauthorized access. The emphasis on data security likely stems from the increasing reliance on technology and digital systems in the industry, as well as an awareness of the potential risks and implications of data breaches. By prioritizing data security, these leaders are demonstrating a proactive approach to safeguarding their organization and its stakeholders against potential threats.

Globally, 20% of all food manufacturing companies have been victims of ransomware attacks.

The statistic that 20% of all food manufacturing companies globally have been victims of ransomware attacks highlights a significant cybersecurity threat faced by the industry. Ransomware attacks involve malicious software that locks down a company’s systems and demands payment for their release, posing serious disruptions and financial losses. This statistic suggests that food manufacturing companies are vulnerable to cyber attacks, potentially leading to critical production interruptions, compromised data security, and increased operational costs. As such, it underscores the importance of implementing proactive cybersecurity measures and staying vigilant against emerging cyber threats to safeguard the operations and stability of food manufacturing companies worldwide.

47% of food industry respondents do not have an inventory of all devices linked to their network.

This statistic suggests that a substantial portion of food industry respondents lack visibility into all the devices connected to their network, indicating potential gaps in their cybersecurity defenses. Without a comprehensive inventory of connected devices, these organizations may face increased risks of cyber attacks, data breaches, and operational disruptions. This lack of awareness could be attributed to ineffective monitoring practices, inadequate cybersecurity protocols, or insufficient resources dedicated to network security. Addressing this issue is crucial for enhancing overall cybersecurity posture and safeguarding sensitive information within the food industry.

Cyber threats increased by as much as 600% during the Covid-19 pandemic affecting operations of food processors globally.

The statistic indicates that cyber threats targeting food processors surged dramatically by up to 600% during the Covid-19 pandemic, disrupting their operations on a global scale. This significant increase in cyber threats highlights the vulnerability of the food processing industry to malicious activities during times of crisis. The pandemic likely created new opportunities for cyber criminals to exploit vulnerabilities in the food processing sector as companies rapidly adapted to remote working environments and increased their reliance on digital technologies. This statistic underscores the critical importance for food processors to enhance their cybersecurity measures to protect their operations and sensitive data from cyber threats.

54% considered cyber threat in food industry as critical.

The statistic “54% considered cyber threat in food industry as critical” indicates that slightly more than half of the respondents surveyed viewed cybersecurity threats within the food industry as a significant and pressing concern. This suggests that a majority of individuals within the industry recognize the potential dangers and vulnerabilities posed by cyber threats, such as data breaches, ransomware attacks, and sabotage attempts. The high percentage of individuals considering these threats as critical highlights the importance of implementing robust cybersecurity measures and staying vigilant to protect sensitive information, operations, and consumer safety within the food industry.

References

0. – https://www.www.who.int

1. – https://www.www.claimsjournal.com

2. – https://www.www.foodprocessing-technology.com

3. – https://www.www.scmagazine.com

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

5. – https://www.www.forbes.com

6. – https://www.www.lloydsbank.com

7. – https://www.www.advisenltd.com

8. – https://www.www.cybersecurity-insiders.com

9. – https://www.www.controleng.com

10. – https://www.www.bdo.co.uk

11. – https://www.www.bbc.com

12. – https://www.www.honeywell.com

13. – https://www.www.foodnavigator.com

14. – https://www.cybersecurityventures.com

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

16. – https://www.www.mbtmag.com

17. – https://www.www.tripwire.com

18. – https://www.smallbiztrends.com

19. – https://www.digitalguardian.com

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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