Cybersecurity in the Food and Beverage Processing Industry (Part 1)

In this special episode of The Food and Beverage Processor Forum, we tackle the critical and timely topic of cybersecurity in the food and beverage processing industry. As the digital landscape rapidly evolves, so do the threats to businesses—especially those at the core of our nation’s critical infrastructure. With the rise of automation and advanced technologies in food processing, understanding and preparing for cyber risks has never been more important.

Today, we are joined by three leading experts who help us navigate this complex and ever-changing terrain:

• Terry T, from the Canadian Security Intelligence Service’s (CSIS) Toronto Region Cyber Investigations Unit, brings nearly 20 years of experience as an Intelligence Officer. Terry leads CSIS’s Strategic Partnerships and Engagement efforts throughout Southern Ontario and the GTA, working with critical infrastructure providers to strengthen cyber resiliency.

• Dave Nixon, President and co-founder of ONYX Engineering, has over 33 years of experience in plant and process automation, controls, and modernization. As a leading voice in Operational Technology Cybersecurity, Dave provides expert insights into protecting plant controls and network communication systems.

• Danny Pehar, a cybersecurity expert with more than 20 years of industry experience and a member of the Forbes Technology Council, is the architect of the Cybercrime Equation. Danny works closely with both the Toronto Police and FBI cyber task forces to help businesses fortify their defenses against cyberattacks.

In this episode, we explore why Canadian critical infrastructure, including Ontario’s food and beverage manufacturing sector, is a prime target for cyber threats. We’ll discuss the evolving nature of these threats, real-world examples of significant cybersecurity incidents, and provide practical advice on preparedness, training, and incident response.

This is Part 1 of our cybersecurity series. Stay tuned for Part 2 next week as we dive even deeper into how businesses can bolster their defenses and mitigate cyber risks.