About this episode
Farms today run more digital systems than ever before — GPS-guided equipment, grain accounting software, cloud-connected records, automated livestock and irrigation controls, and online financial tools. And that shift has put agriculture squarely into the Top 10 most-targeted industries for cyberattacks . In this episode, we sit down with Chris Sherman , founder of TechSupport.Farm , who specializes in helping farmers and ag businesses protect their operations from online threats. Chris breaks down why farms are becoming major hacker targets, the attacks he sees most often, and the simple ways producers can safeguard their data, their money, and their equipment. We explore real farm-level risks such as: Phishing emails disguised as invoices, USDA notices, or dealer updates Ransomware that locks up grain software, field maps, GPS data, or entire farm servers Extortion scams demanding bitcoin Attempts to infiltrate connected systems like grain dryers, feed mills, and irrigation controls Chris explains where farm data actually lives — on equipment, in cloud systems, or in software platforms — and what farmers need to understand about data ownership, platform security, and privacy . Then we move into practical, easy-to-apply cybersecurity steps every farm can start today: Creating strong password policies (12+ characters) Using password managers Turning on two-factor authentication Upgrading email security with spam and phishing filters Separating home WiFi from business and equipment WiFi Tracking who has login access Keeping offline backups of critical files Training your family and employees to spot digital red flags Chris also shares real-world stories from farms he’s helped — the scams that worked, the ones that were caught in time, and the mistakes he sees repeated across operations of all sizes. Whether you run a large operation or a small family farm, cybersecurity is now part of running the business. This episode will help you protect what you’ve built, stay ahead of threats, and keep hackers out of your data, your money, and your equipment. Want Farm4Profit Merch? Custom order your favorite items today! https://farmfocused.com/farm-4profit/ Don’t forget to like the podcast on all platforms and leave a review where ever you listen! Website: www.Farm4Profit.com Shareable episode link: https://intro-to-farm4profit.simplecast.com Email address: Farm4profitllc@gmail.com Call/Text: 515.207.9640 Subscribe to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSR8c1BrCjNDDI_Acku5Xqw Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@farm4profitllc Connect with us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Farm4ProfitLLC/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.