IARN — Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley remains concerned about the growing ransomware attacks in the nation’s agricultural sector.
Earlier this month, Grassley and fellow Iowa Senator Joni Ernst sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) pressing the agency to address the rise in ransomware attacks, particularly damaging to the agricultural industry. Grassley was asked during his press call with farm reporters Tuesday morning if he had received a response yet from the DHS. The senator said he’s still waiting for an answer.
“I want to make sure (DHS) is as concerned about agriculture and agriculture-related industries as much as they are about other segments of the economy,” said Grassley. “Then, whatever they are doing for other segments of the economy at the 50,000-foot level, I also want them to do for agriculture. Maybe they will say they are already doing that, but I don’t have an answer yet.”
Iowa has been a target for recent ransomware attacks. NEW Cooperative, an Iowa grain cooperative, was targeted with a cyberattack in September. A Russian cybercrime cell, BlackMatter, took control of the Iowa co-op’s systems and demanded $5.9 million. NEW Cooperative controls 40% of the grain distribution in the country. The company’s rapid return to alternative operations averted a crash in grain prices, but the threat of continued attacks has dire consequences, Grassley and Ernst said in their letter.
In a separate cyberattack, BlackByte, another ransomware group, claims it attacked Farmers Cooperative Elevator in Arcadia, Iowa. BlackByte is threatening to release 100 gigabytes of sensitive data – including financial, sales and accounting information – if a ransom isn’t paid.
Grassley says these cyberattacks will further affect the supply chain that puts food on the shelves in grocery stores across the country. Full text of the letter can be found HERE.
Story courtesy of the Iowa Agribusiness Radio Network.
Image courtesy of Senator Grassley’s YouTube Channel
