Be alert for phishing the way you’re alert for your cows

• We all make use of digital assets and use internet connection. You may conduct financial transactions online, like purchasing supplies, paying bills, or managing your bank accounts. It makes our lives easier, however, we must be aware of cyber threats and how to respond to them. Phishing attacks could obtain financial information that could lead to unauthorized access to accounts and financial loss.
• You often handle sensitive information such as customer data and financial records. Phishing attempts aimed could compromise the security and confidentiality of your farm. You do not want your business to be disrupted.
• Phishing emails may contain malicious attachments. When opened, they install malware, for example ransomware, on your device. Ransomware can encrypt files and demand payment to get back control.
• Phishing attacks often aim to steal login credentials, including email, banking, and farm management accounts. Compromised credentials can be used for further attacks, such as identity theft or unauthorized access to sensitive systems of your farm.

Yes, there are. Be aware of the following forms of phishing:

• Spear Phishing targets you or an employee with personalized messages tailored to your interests or role. These messages often appear highly credible, increasing the likelihood of you falling for the scam.
• With Smishing, phishing via SMS or for e.g. Whatsapp, you will receive fraudulent text messages to trick you into clicking on malicious links, providing personal information, or downloading malware onto your device. These messages often claim to be from trusted sources such as banks or government agencies. However, they would never ask you to give them trusted information outside their own platforms.
• Clone Phishing is aimed at your suppliers. It involves creating a replica of a legitimate email or website and sending it to f.e. your suppliers after making small modifications, such as changing links or attachments. The goal is to trick them into believing the message is sent by you and taking the desired action.
• During vishing attacks, you get a call from someone pretending to be a bank representative, government official, or IT support technician. They often use tactics to create a sense of urgency or fear, such as claiming there is a security breach or pending legal action unless immediate action is taken. The goal is to steal confidential information like credit card numbers, social security numbers, login credentials, or to manipulate victims into transferring funds or installing malware on their devices.

The general rule is, ‘when it feels fraudulent, it mostly is’, report it via the phishing button in your e-mail platform. Be cautious of emails asking for sensitive information or immediate action. Avoid clicking on unfamiliar links and refrain from opening attachments from unknown senders. This helps prevent the disclosure of critical farm data and protects your daily operations. Most of the times, you can check the email behind the sender, by moving your mouse over it slowly. And be sure to carefully check and read links to websites, before clicking on them.

Before making any financial transactions or sharing bank details, verify the request by checking the source through alternative communication channels such as Google or your own supplier contact details. Lely will never ask for your credentials or a financial transaction per email.

Not all farmers have employees. However, when you do, please educate your employees about recognizing and reporting suspicious activity promptly. Ensure they understand the consequences of a single click on a phishing email. Like losing important (historical) cow data, of suddenly have non-functioning robots. Sharing the potential vulnerabilities is already one big step ahead.

Consider using Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for your most critical accounts and farm management systems. MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring verification from another device, making phishing attempts much harder to succeed. You will get used to MFA quite quickly.

Your farm automation means you have a lot of valuable information. Emails, invoices, contacts, and order forms. The best way to minimize data loss is it to make regular (offline) backups.

If a phishing breach disrupts your farms operations, please turn off your hardware immediately and contact your Lely Center for help.