GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Cybersecurity In The Food Service Industry Statistics

The food service industry experienced a significant increase in cyberattacks from 2019 to 2020, with data breaches impacting customer information and payment systems, highlighting the need for enhanced cybersecurity measures in the sector.

Highlights: Cybersecurity In The Food Service Industry Statistics

  • In Q1-Q3 of 2019, 64% of cybersecurity attacks on the food industry were caused by Trojans.
  • Data breaches in the food and beverage industry cost $177 per compromised record in 2019.
  • The Food & Agriculture ranks 10th over all sectors for cybersecurity risk in 2020.
  • 70% of food companies believe their cybersecurity could be improved.
  • The food service industry is the third most common targeted industry for cyber attacks.
  • 63% of restaurant operators recognize that having a cybersecurity plan is necessary.
  • Data breaches carried out within the food industry have seen an 80% increase from 2016 to 2019.
  • About 95% of cybersecurity breaches in the food and beverage industry are due to human error.
  • 21.5% of food and beverage companies had a staff aware of a successful unauthorized intrusion in their company in 2019.
  • Only about 10% of food and beverage organizations have a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy.
  • Cybersecurity infractions cost food and beverage companies an average of $8.19 million in 2020.
  • Cyber attacks affect about 34% of all food and beverage industries.

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The Latest Cybersecurity In The Food Service Industry Statistics Explained

In Q1-Q3 of 2019, 64% of cybersecurity attacks on the food industry were caused by Trojans.

The statistic indicates that during the first three quarters of 2019, 64% of cybersecurity attacks targeting the food industry were attributed to Trojans. This suggests that Trojans, a type of malicious software that often disguises itself as legitimate software, were the most prevalent type of cyber threat faced by the food industry during this time period. This finding highlights the importance of implementing strong cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive information and assets within the food industry, as Trojans can lead to data breaches, financial losses, and other serious consequences if not properly addressed.

Data breaches in the food and beverage industry cost $177 per compromised record in 2019.

This statistic indicates that in 2019, the average cost per compromised record from data breaches in the food and beverage industry was $177. This cost likely includes expenses related to resolving the breach, such as investigating the incident, taking remedial actions, implementing security measures, and potentially paying fines or compensation to affected individuals. The higher the cost per record, the more damaging and costly a data breach can be for an organization in this industry, emphasizing the importance of robust cybersecurity measures to protect against such incidents.

The Food & Agriculture ranks 10th over all sectors for cybersecurity risk in 2020.

This statistic indicates that the Food & Agriculture sector ranked 10th out of all sectors in terms of cybersecurity risk in the year 2020. This means that within the various industries assessed for cybersecurity vulnerabilities, the Food & Agriculture sector faced a higher level of risk compared to nine other sectors. The ranking suggests that organizations within the Food & Agriculture industry may have been more susceptible to data breaches, cyber attacks, or other cybersecurity threats relative to sectors ranked higher on the list. This information highlights the importance of implementing strong cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive data and critical infrastructure within the Food & Agriculture sector.

70% of food companies believe their cybersecurity could be improved.

The statistic that 70% of food companies believe their cybersecurity could be improved indicates a prevalent concern among a majority of companies in the food industry regarding the effectiveness of their current cybersecurity measures. This suggests that many food companies view their cybersecurity practices as lacking or insufficient to adequately protect against potential cyber threats or attacks, highlighting the importance of addressing vulnerabilities and implementing stronger security measures to safeguard sensitive data and information. The statistic underscores the need for proactive measures and investments in cybersecurity to enhance resilience and protect against potential risks in the increasingly digitized landscape of the food industry.

The food service industry is the third most common targeted industry for cyber attacks.

The statistic stating that the food service industry is the third most common targeted industry for cyber attacks indicates that organizations within this sector are frequently subject to cyber threats and security breaches. This suggests that food service businesses, including restaurants, cafes, and catering companies, face a significant risk of cyber attacks compared to other industries. Such attacks could involve theft of sensitive customer data, financial information, or disruption of operations, potentially leading to financial losses, reputational damage, and legal liabilities. It underscores the importance for organizations in the food service industry to prioritize cybersecurity measures to safeguard their systems, networks, and data from malicious actors seeking to exploit vulnerabilities for malicious purposes.

63% of restaurant operators recognize that having a cybersecurity plan is necessary.

The statistic that 63% of restaurant operators recognize the necessity of having a cybersecurity plan implies that a majority of individuals in the restaurant industry acknowledge the importance of implementing measures to protect their businesses from cyber threats. This finding suggests a growing awareness within the industry about the risks associated with cyber attacks and the potential consequences of not having a robust cybersecurity strategy in place. By acknowledging the need for a cybersecurity plan, restaurant operators are taking steps towards safeguarding their sensitive information, customer data, and overall business operations from malicious activities online.

Data breaches carried out within the food industry have seen an 80% increase from 2016 to 2019.

The statistic indicates that the number of data breaches within the food industry has risen significantly, with an 80% increase observed from 2016 to 2019. This suggests that there has been a notable surge in the frequency of security incidents involving the unauthorized access or exposure of data within food-related organizations during this time period. The sharp rise in data breaches in the food industry could be attributed to various factors such as the increasing reliance on digital technologies, the growing sophistication of cyberattacks, potential vulnerabilities in the industry’s cybersecurity measures, or a combination of these and other factors. This trend emphasizes the importance for companies operating in the food industry to prioritize and invest in robust data protection measures to safeguard sensitive information and maintain consumer trust.

About 95% of cybersecurity breaches in the food and beverage industry are due to human error.

The statistic that about 95% of cybersecurity breaches in the food and beverage industry are due to human error emphasizes the critical role that employees play in ensuring the security of systems and data within the industry. Despite the implementation of advanced technology and security measures, mistakes made by individuals within the organization often remain the primary cause of breaches. This statistic underscores the importance of robust training programs, awareness campaigns, and strict adherence to cybersecurity protocols to minimize human error and enhance overall security posture within the food and beverage sector. Organizations must prioritize educating employees on best practices, implementing strict access controls, and fostering a culture of vigilance to reduce the risk of cyber incidents stemming from human actions.

21.5% of food and beverage companies had a staff aware of a successful unauthorized intrusion in their company in 2019.

In 2019, 21.5% of food and beverage companies reported that they had staff members who were aware of a successful unauthorized intrusion into their company. This statistic indicates that a notable proportion of companies in the food and beverage industry experienced breaches in their cybersecurity defenses, leading to unauthorized access to their systems or data by external entities. Such intrusions can pose serious threats to the security and integrity of sensitive information, potentially compromising customer data, intellectual property, or operational processes. This statistic highlights the importance for food and beverage companies to prioritize cybersecurity measures to protect their assets and maintain the trust of their stakeholders in an increasingly technologically interconnected environment.

Only about 10% of food and beverage organizations have a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy.

The statistic indicates that a relatively small proportion, specifically around 10%, of food and beverage organizations have developed and implemented a thorough cybersecurity strategy. This suggests that the majority of companies in this industry may not be adequately prepared to protect their sensitive data, including customer information and intellectual property, from potential cyber threats. The finding underscores the importance of prioritizing cybersecurity measures within the food and beverage sector to mitigate risks and safeguard business operations, reputation, and consumer trust. Organizations that do not have a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy in place may be more vulnerable to cyberattacks, data breaches, and other security incidents.

Cybersecurity infractions cost food and beverage companies an average of $8.19 million in 2020.

The statistic indicates that in 2020, food and beverage companies incurred an average cost of $8.19 million due to cybersecurity infractions. This figure represents the financial impact of security breaches, data theft, and other cyber incidents on the operations and bottom line of companies in the food and beverage industry. Such costs can include expenses related to incident response, remediation, regulatory fines, legal fees, lost revenue, and damage to brand reputation. The significant financial burden of cybersecurity infractions underscores the importance of implementing robust security measures and practices to protect sensitive data and mitigate the risks of cyber threats in the industry.

Cyber attacks affect about 34% of all food and beverage industries.

The statistic that cyber attacks affect approximately 34% of all food and beverage industries suggests that a significant proportion of businesses operating in this sector are vulnerable to online security breaches. These attacks can lead to various consequences ranging from data breaches and financial losses to disruptions in supply chains and impacts on consumer trust. The prevalence of cyber attacks in the food and beverage industry highlights the importance of implementing robust cybersecurity measures and continuous monitoring to safeguard sensitive information and maintain operational integrity. Organizations in this sector should prioritize investing in cybersecurity strategies to mitigate risks and protect both their own interests and the broader food supply chain.

References

0. – https://www.www.qsrmagazine.com

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

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

8. – https://www.www.ibm.com

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

11. – https://www.www.foodnavigator-usa.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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