According to the IBM “X-Force Threat Intelligence Index 2022,” ransomware was the number one attack type in 2021, accounting for 21% of all attacks. Sixty-one percent of incidents at OT-connected organizations last year were in the manufacturing industry. In addition, 36% of attacks on OT-connected organizations were ransomware, according to IBM.1
While a food company like Mondelēz may experience a ransomware IT break-in, extorting money and stealing business/personal data, that doesn’t mean cybercriminals are only going for enterprise-level targets. In fact, OT (operational technology) attacks are also in vogue as demonstrated by the attack of the Oldsmar, Fla. fresh water treatment center. These OT attacks, while seemingly aimed only at high-stakes targets like oil and gas or the electrical grid, could be just as devastating to a food or agri-food company where sensitive ICS equipment is used.