Barclays has issued security tips for farmers after research shows that cybercrime has become a major threat to the industry.
New research from the National Cyber Security Centre and the NFU shows that in 2019, more than 60% of farm businesses reported one or more digital attacks.
This number is set to continue rising, as more farmers have switched to the digital world during the Covid-19 pandemic.
On the back of this news, Barclays has issued a scam warning for farmers to remain vigilant following Brexit, which may well be requiring new or additional paperwork and agreements – presenting new opportunities for hackers.
Of the tactics most commonly employed by criminals, phishing scams pose the greatest risk to farmers, the bank explained.
Phishing uses emails and text messages impersonating organisations such as banks or the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) as a way to trick people in to handing over bank details.