Page 6 - Cybersecurity Career Guide for UT Austin

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Think about the wealth of information your school accumulates
about you: your grades, test scores, Social Security number, health
history ... and, of course, also your parents’ names and Social Security
numbers, and if you attend a private school, possibly banking infor-
mation, too. This treasure trove of data is the reason cybercriminals
are increasingly targeting schools. During the 2022 school year, a mas-
sive cyberattack hit the Los Angeles school system, putting the private
data of more than 400,000 students at risk. Similarly, in 2023, both
the Tucson, AZ, and Minneapolis, MN, school districts experienced
cyberattacks, leading to the exposure of private student information
on the dark web. The FBI is actively investigating these incidents, but
schools must remain constantly vigilant to protect their data.
Guarding Our School Data
Protecting the Food Supply
what is cybersecurity?
The agriculture industry plays a critical role in feeding the
world’s population, but it is vulnerable to cyberattacks.
Recently, an Iowa grain cooperative experienced a malicious
ransomware attack, underscoring the vulnerabilities faced by
the farming sector. Attacks like these can disrupt operations,
resulting in production delays, higher prices, and potential
food shortages.
The food industry is an attractive target for cybercriminals,
especially smaller to mid-sized companies lacking IT expertise
and relying on older systems. Cybercriminals exploit the inter-
connectedness of supply chains, targeting weaker links to gain
access to larger, wealthier firms. Addition-
ally, the food industry’s relative lack of
focus on cybersecurity, compared
to sectors like finance and
transportation, has made
it susceptible to such
attacks. Thinking
of ways cyber-
criminals
can impact
the food
industry doesn’t take much imagination. They could infil-
trate computer systems controlling food production, altering
ingredient amounts or temperatures, thereby contaminating
food and posing health risks. Hackers might target data-
bases, stealing valuable recipes and manufacturing processes,
which can be sold to competitors or used to create counterfeit
products. Tampering with quality control systems is another
concern, as cybercriminals can change records or certifications,
leading to the sale of unsafe or subpar food.
The federal government has started addressing these
dangers, with lawmakers introducing bills and a presidential
directive leading to reports and reviews.
However, food companies clearly
need to maintain strong cyber
defenses to keep their
promise of giv-
ing safe and
good-quality
products to
customers.
Gulp!