But our reliance on the digital world means that the risk of being exposed to a cyber-attack or breach is now unfortunately part of daily life.
The stark reality is that if your farm relies on technology, a cyber‑attack could stop you in your tracks. Think about what would happen if your herd‑management system, GPS kit or grain dryer controls were locked for days. You’d lose time, money and possibly contracts.
Similarly, you are also exposed to risk if you store customer, employee or supplier data or make or receive online payments.
According to the latest Government figures, 43% of businesses said they experienced a breach or attack in the past year. The 2025 Cyber Security Breaches Survey found that 35% or micro businesses and 42% of small businesses were affected by phishing attacks, which remains the most common and disruptive type of breach or attack.
Phishing attacks typically involve fraudulent emails, text messages, phone calls and websites which appear legitimate but are designed to deceive.
The goal is to steal data, install malware or gain unauthorised access to accounts and systems by tricking individuals into revealing sensitive information such as passwords, credit card numbers and personal data.
With artificial intelligence now helping criminals craft polished, personalised lures that mimic the tone and timing of genuine messages, the old ‘spot the bad grammar’ trick is no longer reliable.
So, what can you do? Having the right cyber security software in place for your business is vital. You also need to ensure that both you and your team are alert to the risks and take practical measures such as using strong passwords and multi-factor authentication, keep your cyber security software up to date, and regularly back up important data and key contacts.
As some of the recent high-profile attacks on the likes of Marks & Spencer and Jaguar Land Rover have shown, even large companies with deep pockets and specialist teams can still be affected by cyber incidents.
That’s why many businesses are increasingly investing in cyber insurance.
The Cyber Security Breaches Survey shows that almost half of businesses (45%) now have some form of cyber insurance, with uptake among small businesses at 62% and medium-sized businesses are even higher at 65%.
In the same way you take out theft cover on a property policy even though you have high-quality locks on your doors, cyber insurance combined with good IT security measures gives you the peace of mind that you can recover quickly and avoid major costs after an attack.
In short, if your business would suffer without its tech, cyber insurance is a smart safety net.
A good cyber insurance policy provides an immediate response to a cyber incident including IT specialists, legal advisors and crisis communications experts to contain the issue and keep key partners such as milk buyers, processors and customers informed.
It also supports with data restoration and system recovery of important records such as livestock and financial data and reinstalling any control systems to keep your farm running.
Cyber insurance also provides business interruption cover so if your parlour or feeding systems go down and you need generators or rental kit to keep operating, then the cost would be covered.
And in the worst case scenario of a ransomware attack, cyber extortion response provides expert negotiators and legal guidance, although paying a ransom is never guaranteed to restore data and must follow strict legal rules.
Beyond your own losses, the right policy protects you against third-party claims. If customer card details from your farm shop or booking data from holiday lets are compromised, you could potentially face legal action or regulatory investigations. Cyber insurance typically includes privacy and network security liability, plus any legal costs required by regulators.
Insurers are keen to see businesses take a proactive approach to managing their cyber risk. By taking steps to protect your business, you can help reduce your premiums while improving your own cyber security.
One of the UK’s leading independent insurance brokers, H&H Insurance Brokers operates across the North of England and the South of Scotland, supporting businesses in a range of sectors including agriculture and rural, tourism and hospitality, construction, and manufacturing. The firm, which has its head office in Carlisle, has an office at Burnside House on Hexham Business Park.It also offers a number of specialist products including asset finance and wealth management.
This Insurance Insight was brought to you by Lisa Newman, Account Executive at our Hexham office - she can be contacted on 01434 622014.