Agroterrorism & Cyber Threats: How Farms Are Under Attack
Podcast: Bites & Bytes PodcastEpisode: Agroterrorism & Cyber Threats: How Farms Are Under AttackPub date: 2025-03-04Get Podcast Transcript →powered by Listen411 - fast audio-to-text and summarization📢 Listener Advisory: This episode discusses unsettling topics, including terrorism, animal harm, cult-like groups, radical activism, and threats to food security. Listener discretion is advised.
What happens when terrorism targets the food we eat? In this eye-opening episode of Bites and Bytes Podcast, we explore agroterrorism—the deliberate targeting of farms, livestock, and food supply chains to incite fear, economic damage, or ideological change.
Joining host Kristin Demoranville are three leading experts in agriculture, risk management, and security:
👩🌾 Hannah Thompson-Weeman – President & CEO of the Animal Agriculture Alliance, Hannah is a leading voice in protecting animal agriculture from activist threats and misinformation. She has dedicated her career to connecting the food supply chain and defending farms against radical actors.
📜 Michael Urbanik – Insurance and risk management expert at R.K. Tongue Co., Inc., Michael works closely with businesses to understand their vulnerabilities and create protection strategies against emerging threats, including agroterrorism and cybercrime.
🌎 Andrew Rose - A Bites and Bytes Podcast repeat guest, Andrew is a visionary AgFuturist and cybersecurity strategist. He is focused on mitigating threats to agriculture that are generations ahead of their time. As an advisor to BIO-ISAC and an expert in food and climate security, he brings a crucial perspective on the evolving risks to our food systems.
🛑 Who should listen?
Farmers & Ranchers – Protect your livelihood from security threats.
Food Industry Professionals – Learn about supply chain risks and disruptions.
Cybersecurity & Risk Experts – Understand the intersection of cybercrime and agriculture.
Policy Makers & Regulators – Gain insights into the evolving threats to food security.
Concerned Consumers – Get a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to keep our food supply safe.
🔍 In this episode, we discuss:
What agroterrorism is (and what it isn’t)
How extremist groups are infiltrating farms and food supply chains
The role of cyberattacks in disrupting agriculture
The impact of activism, misinformation, and social engineering on food production
Best practices for protecting farms and food systems
Real-world examples of agroterrorist incidents and their consequences
Food security is national security. Join us for a gripping discussion on why agriculture is under attack—and what we can do to defend it.
_______________________________________________
Episode Key Highlights
(0:08:09) - What is Agroterrorism?
(0:11:56) - Economic and Social Impact
(0:16:42) - Detection Challenges
(0:19:16) - Cybersecurity’s Role
(0:23:36) - Radical Activism
(0:25:03) - Protective Measures for Farmers
(0:29:20) - Do We Have the Right Skills?
(0:33:38) - Real Agroterrorism Cases
(0:38:59) - Cyberbullying & Threats
(0:42:22) - Mental Health Toll
(0:50:20) - How Cyber Experts Can Help
(1:00:15) - Final Thoughts
_______________________________________________
Show Notes:
FBI Definition of Agroterrorism:
https://leb.fbi.gov/articles/featured-articles/agroterrorism-threats-to-americas-economy-and-food-supply#:~:text=A%20subset%20of%20bioterrorism%2C%20agroterrorism,from%20four%20categories%20of%20perpetrators.
Terrorism Risk Insurance Act (TRIA)
https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/financial-markets-financial-institutions-and-fiscal-service/federal-insurance-office/terrorism-risk-insurance-program
Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act:
https://www.congress.gov/109/plaws/publ374/PLAW-109publ374.pdf
_______________________________________________
Wicked6 is about women coming together to play cyber games and learn about careers in cybersecurity.
🔥 March 28-30, 2025 – a three-day, global, virtual Hack & Chat event where women worldwide come together to play cyber games, compete, learn, and connect.
💡 We’ve got international speakers, technical talks, hands-on workshops, and, of course…the GAMES! Think Capture the Flag, Attack & Defend, and a high-stakes team tournament—all virtually streamed LIVE!
✨ Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned pro, there’s a game for you. Plus, there’s networking, prizes, merch, and so much more!
💻 Sign up now at Wicked6.com, and let’s LEVEL UP together! 🔥💪
🎤 Want to share your story? Call for speakers & technical workshops is OPEN!
📹 Ever wonder what cybersecurity careers look like? Submit a “Day in the Life” video!
🙌 Passionate about supporting women in cyber? Join us as a volunteer or referee!
🤝 And, companies—be a sponsor! Help empower the next generation of women in cybersecurity.
🚀 Attack & Defense Call for Volunteers – Help design the next big challenge! If you’re a seasoned challenge developer, step up and create a mind-bending cyber challenge for the competition. Just remember—developers can’t compete! 🤯🔐 Sign up here: 🔗 Volunteer Form
🌍 Meet the Wicked6 2025 Advisory Board! This powerhouse team of women is driving the mission forward—building an event that’s about competition, connection, and career growth. Get to know them here: 🔗 Advisory Board - you will see your Bites and Bytes Podcast host there!
_______________________________________________
Bites and Bytes Podcast Info:
Website: Explore all our episodes, articles, and more on our official website. Visit Now
Merch Shop: Show your support with some awesome Bites and Bytes gear! 🧢👕 Shop Now
Blog: Stay updated with the latest insights and stories from the world of cybersecurity in the food industry. Read Our Blog
Audience Survey: We value your feedback! Help us make the podcast even better. Take the Survey
Schedule a Call with Kristin: Want to share your thoughts? Schedule a meeting with Kristin! Schedule Now
Socials: TikTok; Instagram; LinkedInThe podcast and artwork embedded on this page are from AnzenSage, which is the property of its owner and not affiliated with or endorsed by Listen Notes, Inc.
France