Overview
Researchers at Washington State University are leading an initiative calling for the establishment of a national consortium comprising land-grant universities. The primary objective of this proposed consortium is to study and combat the increasing threat of cyberattacks targeting agricultural and food systems within the United States.
Research Context
The impetus for this proposed consortium stems from a perceived growth in cyber threats directed at American agriculture and its associated food systems. The researchers involved view these threats as a significant concern, necessitating a coordinated national response.
Approach
The proposed approach centers on forming a national consortium. This consortium would be composed of land-grant universities. Its operational framework would involve a dual focus: both studying the nature and vectors of cyberattacks against agriculture and developing strategies to combat them effectively. Washington State University researchers are actively contributing to the leadership of this call.
Why This Matters
The initiative addresses a growing vulnerability in critical national infrastructure. By proposing a national consortium, the researchers aim to create a centralized and collaborative effort among academic institutions. This collective approach is intended to enhance the understanding of agricultural cyber threats and improve the capacity to defend against them, directly impacting the resilience of American food production systems.