04/06/2026
Another fantastic session held by NFU Mutual's Cyber expert, in collaboration with Exmoor Hill Farming Network and our neighbouring agencies 👏🏻
Cyber Crime Awareness in Agriculture
Protecting Your Farm Business
Last week during the extreme heatwave, the Network welcomed over 20 members to an informative session on cyber crime awareness in agriculture and practical steps to protect farm businesses. Representatives from local NFU Mutual offices in NFU Mutual Barnstaple, Bideford and Halwill NFU Mutual Exeter, Tiverton and South Molton and NFU Mutual Williton & Rooksbridge, alongside Eloise Essif, Business Development Consultant from NFU Mutual Head Office. The session highlighted the growing role of technology in agriculture and the increasing cyber risks that come with it.
Key Takeaways
• Technology can improve efficiency but also introduces new risks.
• Not all cyber incidents are the result of criminal activity, but they can still have serious consequences.
• Regularly review your systems and implement basic cyber security measures as a minimum.
• Do not rely solely on third-party IT providers or service suppliers to support you during a cyber incident.
• Preparation is essential have an offline recovery plan in place, test it regularly, and ensure key contacts and procedures are readily available.
• Review contracts with outsourced service providers to understand your position should they experience a cyber incident.
• Use cyber security measures to reduce risk and consider cyber insurance to help protect your business if security is breached.
One member shared a personal experience of identity theft. Criminals used their stolen personal information to take out three mobile phone contracts on the same day ( July 25) . This led to debt collection letters, demands for outstanding balances from two different mobile phone provider between September and Feb 26. and a significant impact on their credit rating. Fortunately, no money was taken directly from their bank account.
It is believed that their name, address and date of birth may have been obtained through a data breach. The member stressed the importance of acting quickly and not ignoring letters or correspondence relating to accounts you do not recognise. A scary and vulnerable experience.
Members were also reminded to check whether their email addresses have been involved in known data breaches using the website Have I Been Pwned: https://haveibeenpwned.com/
If you believe you have been the victim of identity theft or cyber crime, report it to the police by calling 101 and seek advice as soon as possible. A huge thanks to the local NFU offices for supporting this event.
