By Andi Anderson
In response to the increasing sophistication of cyber threats, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach has launched the Cybersecurity for Iowa Farmers and Rural Businesses project.
This initiative aims to safeguard the digital infrastructure of rural communities, helping farmers and small businesses protect sensitive data and digital assets from cyber attacks.
"By equipping Iowa’s rural communities with cybersecurity knowledge, we can help protect livelihoods and prevent costly cyber incidents," said Madeline Schultz, program leader.
The initiative is particularly important as farming operations are becoming more dependent on technology, including precision agriculture tools, automated equipment, and online financial transactions.
These advances, while beneficial, expose rural businesses to risks such as data breaches, phishing attacks, and ransomware. To address these concerns, the initiative offers workshops, webinars, and informational guides on topics like data protection, password management, and recognizing phishing attempts.
Through a partnership with the ISU Extension and Outreach Farm Management Team and Iowa State’s Center for Cybersecurity Innovation and Outreach, the project has reached 2,631 farmers through 133 programs and online resources.
Key topics covered included the importance of using complex passwords, implementing backup systems, and having a plan in place for cyber emergencies.
"Farmers are learning to make themselves harder targets by using multi-factor authentication and other cybersecurity practices," said Alexis Stevens, one of the project leaders.
One participant shared how they started testing small online wire transfers before sending larger amounts for cattle transactions, as well as using multi-factor authentication for all accounts.
"Those issues are really important for us, so we don’t have dollars going somewhere they’re not supposed to be," the participant commented.
The project’s success has been recognized nationally. It won the Outstanding Project Award for the North Central Region at the 2025 National Extension Risk Management Education Conference in Nashville. "This project is a key issue, a priority in our region, and a growing need across the country," said Brad Lubben, director of the North Central ERME Center.
In addition to its success, the project has sparked further initiatives. A new project, Crisis Management for Smart Farming Systems on Iowa Farms, will support farmers in reducing economic losses due to disruptions in internet-based systems.
This initiative aims to help farmers prepare for cyber emergencies and implement effective crisis management strategies.
"As cyber threats continue to evolve, it’s critical to ensure that Iowa’s farmers and agribusinesses stay protected in a digital world," Stevens said. With this ongoing effort, Iowa’s rural communities are better equipped to handle the digital challenges of today and tomorrow.
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Categories: Iowa, Education