NEW Cooperative in Fort Dodge, Iowa, was recently hit with a ransomware attack that forced the farm and feed supply operation to take systems offline. Blackmatter, the group allegedly behind the attack, is demanding $5.9 million to provide a decryptor. NEW Cooperative claims its software powers grain production and feed schedules for 11 million animals.
Source: ars TECHNICA, September 21, 2021. Link. . . . We are critical infrastructure . . . intertwined with the food supply chain in the US. If we are not able to recover very shortly, there is going to be very very public disruption to the grain, pork and chicken supply chain,” a NEW Cooperative representative appears to be telling Blackmatter during a private negotiation chat.
INSIGHTS: Animal health pros in NEW Cooperative’s territory are no doubt aware of this. Helping affected customers find short-term alternative feed supplies can add value to relationships. We’ve shared the importance of system security multiple times. This situation is another reminder to triple-check security protocols.