6 reasons cybersecurity matters in the food industry now more than ever

Nowadays, businesses use the internet to contact suppliers, customers, shareholders and more. You need the internet to conduct business or risk being behind the competition. Depending on the internet has presented liabilities for restaurants and others in the food industry. One mistake could lead to a cybersecurity nightmare.

How do the food industry and cybersecurity intersect? Restaurants and grocery stores depend on the internet more than you think. Let’s talk about the importance of cybersecurity and why it matters now more than ever.

How Prevalent Is Cyber Theft?

Cyber theft has been on the rise since 2020. Research shows cyberattacks per organization spiked by 31% in 2021 compared to 2020. Cybercriminals have taken advantage of people’s vulnerabilities during the pandemic and extorted them for money. Most cyber theft happens against health care, educational and governmental organizations.

You may be thinking, “Why does cybersecurity matter? I run a pizzeria in a small town. Why would someone come after me?” Cyber theft happens to large and small businesses. A 2021 report shows 46% of cyber theft impacted businesses with 1,000 or fewer employees. Cybercriminals target small businesses because they think your cybersecurity infrastructure is weak.

Why Does Cybersecurity Matter for the Food Industry?

The food industry seems like an unlikely place for thieves to attack — but it happens more often than you think. These six reasons demonstrate why cybersecurity in the food industry matters more than ever.

1. Protecting Consumer Data

The most important people in your business are the customers. Therefore, you want to go to great lengths to protect them from harm.

Imagine getting a Whopper from Burger King for lunch. You pay at the counter with your card, and the transaction ends. However, your data remains inside the software. The restaurant’s computer systems know your name, credit card number and other information about you.

Now, imagine how many people just like you order Whoppers. Cybercriminals would love to get your information, so restaurants must emphasize cybersecurity.

2. Relying on Legacy Systems

Many businesses rely on legacy systems for daily transactions. Your restaurant may use Aloha POS, Squirrel Systems or one of the many devices on the market. These systems are popular because of their age but can present liabilities.

Legacy systems stick around simply due to reputation. However, outdated systems are more vulnerable to cyberattacks because they can’t keep up with modern security tools. These devices may have been helpful 10 years ago — but some have a hard time defending against the most intelligent criminals.

3. Facing Financial Losses

Cyber theft can quickly become costly for your business. Imagine logging onto your work computer and seeing money demands before accessing your information. Cybercriminals could demand thousands of dollars in ransom. These cyberattacks could result in significant financial losses for your company.

Data shows 46% of cyberattack victims lost between $50,000 and $500,000 in 2022. These totals could be devastating for small businesses with tight budgets. It’s hard enough to make profits in the restaurant industry — the last thing you want are financial losses from cyber theft.

4. Increasing Online Usage

Cyber theft has significantly risen since the pandemic. What else has spiked? Online delivery services. It’s easy nowadays to hop on DoorDash and order McDonald’s because you don’t feel like leaving the house. These meal delivery services are convenient, but they open more doors for cybercriminals.

How popular is online ordering? Data show it comprises 40% of restaurant sales and has grown 300% since 2014. Customers expect the meal delivery service app or the restaurant’s website to protect their information when ordering online. Millions of people enter their credit card information online, so strong cybersecurity practices are critical for boosting trust in these systems.

5. Safeguarding the Food

When considering cyberattacks, you likely imagine computer systems and credit card numbers. These assets are integral, but consider what happens to the food. Cybercriminals can use ransomware to attack quietly.

For example, imagine cybercriminals gain access to your food processing plants. Here, they can manipulate the food’s temperature, ingredient proportions and other critical factors. Even slight adjustments can throw everything off and contaminate the food, resulting in vast waste. Say goodbye to the tasty vegetables you want to kickstart your vegan menu.

6. Supporting the Supply Chain

It always comes back to the supply chain. The last three years have thrown the supply chain out of whack, hurting the food industry as much as anyone else. Prices have gone up across the board and impacted business owners worldwide. Data show food prices increased 11% from 2021 to 2022 due to supply chain disruptions.

The supply chain is delicate, so maintaining strong cybersecurity practices is essential to support the supply chain. Your business likely has multiple vendors you rely on for products. One delay from cyber theft could throw everyone off schedule and create backlogs. Emphasizing good practices keeps the supply chain strong.

Protecting Cybersecurity in the Food Industry

Ordering food is easier than ever. You can wake up, pick up your phone and immediately get breakfast on DoorDash. The convenience helps many people — but it presents security concerns.

Customers like you trust restaurants and meal delivery services to protect your data. One slip-up could lead to thousands of compromised credit card numbers and addresses. The rise of cyber theft since the pandemic shows the importance of cybersecurity in the food and beverage industry.