Moving Cybersecurity From the Nerds to the Herds
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Collapse ▲Kenneth Sherin and Laura Rodgers will be presenting at the NC Cybersecurity Symposium in a session titled “Moving Cybersecurity from the Nerds to the Herds – Building Cyber Resilience on the Farm and at Home.” This session is designed for anyone who cares about practical cybersecurity, especially in rural communities and in agriculture.
Why agriculture is in the crosshairs
Food and agriculture are part of the nation’s critical infrastructure. Cyberattacks on this sector can disrupt farm operations, strain supply chains, and create broader security risks. At the same time, many producers and rural residents do not have a technical background in cybersecurity. That gap is where attackers often succeed.
The challenge: turning expert knowledge into everyday action
Cybersecurity advice is frequently written for specialists. Farmers and families need guidance that is clear, relevant, and easy to apply. This session will focus on how we translate complex concepts into practical prevention steps that protect data, equipment, and livelihoods.
What we will cover
We will discuss real-world cyber risks that are already showing up in agriculture, including:
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Ransomware incidents that interrupt agribusiness operations.
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Vulnerabilities in IoT-enabled equipment and connected farm systems.
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Common ways attackers gain access, including weak passwords, phishing, and unsecured devices.
The goal is not to overwhelm. The goal is to build habits that reduce risk.
Extension’s role in the next technology shift
Cooperative Extension has a long history of helping rural communities adapt to change. Extension supported communities through major shifts such as electrification and the adoption of farm machinery. Today, the shift is digital. Cybersecurity is now part of what it means to operate a modern farm and live safely online.
Building the tools and partnerships to scale impact
During the session, I will share how the AgDefender Coalition and the National Digital Extension Education Team (NDEET) are developing programming and resources to expand cybersecurity outreach. The focus is twofold:
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Increase cybersecurity awareness for farmers and small agribusinesses.
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Strengthen cybersecurity education for Extension audiences more broadly.
This work depends on partnerships. It requires alignment across education, industry, government, and community organizations.
What you will leave with
This session is built around four outcomes:
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Recognize cybersecurity threats facing agriculture.
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Apply effective strategies for risk communication to non-technical producers.
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Discover Extension’s role and resources for building cyber resilience.
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Explore opportunities for cross-sector collaboration.
Join the conversation
If you work in cybersecurity, agriculture, education, community development, or public service, I hope you will connect. We need clear messaging, trusted messengers, and practical tools. Resilience starts with awareness, education, and the right partnerships.
Moving cybersecurity from the nerds to the herds is not a slogan. It is a strategy.
