The brewing industry of the 21st century is ever-evolving through the use of modern technology such as computer-controlled automated operations. With these advancements, the industry has begun to face a major cyber risk, becoming a target for ransomware. Dennis Antypas completed an assignment covering the issue of cyber risk in the brewing industry as part of our Certified Cyber Insurance Specialist training course.
Ransomware as a major risk in the brewing industry
Several major breweries have been the target of cyberattacks like ransomware. Advancement in technology without the proper precautions has led to cyber risks in these major breweries. Lion Australia, the beverage giant behind beer brands Little Creatures, XXXX, Tooheys, and James Squire, had been hit by a cyber attack. Hackers stole confidential copies of the company’s and its client’s files and threatened to leak the information. Hackers demanded $1.16 million to decrypt the company’s files.
Another significant example of ransomware was the Scottish Arran Brewery which was locked out of its own computer system after being duped into opening an email attachment that contained a virus and the hackers demanded two bitcoins, worth a total of 9,600 pounds, to restore its system.
Solutions for cyber risk in the brewing industry
These companies use innovative technology for industrial production and for archiving confidential data of their own and their customers. An attack on these systems poses a huge risk to the company’s production. Brewing companies need to take advanced measures to shield their systems against cyberattacks.
It is necessary for companies to hire an IT consultant to eliminate possible threats and to secure data storage. A DPO is a viable option for data preservation in case of leakage or attack. Additionally, employees must be properly trained on how to identify a phishing email or virus. The company’s firewalls need to be kept up to date and constantly checked. A Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) should be required any time these companies begin a new project that is likely to involve “a high risk” to other people’s personal information. Lastly, a data risk assessment is vital in order for an organization to review how to protect its sensitive data and mitigate any cyber risks.
In conclusion, companies in today’s environment are constantly dealing with potential cyber risks. The brewing industry has been and continues to be a target because, despite increasing production, it has not taken the necessary measures to protect its systems. With the right precautions, however, brewing companies can become a much harder target for cyberattacks and ransomware.
