Cyber.LWS – Cybersecurity and Resilience for Austrian Agriculture
Cyber.LWS protects agriculture from online threats. The project is the first to systematically analyze how hackers could attack digital agricultural systems, from milking robots to farm management platforms. Together with farmers, manufacturers, and policymakers, concrete measures are being developed that are easy to implement, ranging from simple checklists and training courses to clear security standards. The aim is to prevent business interruptions, secure sensitive data, and ensure the supply of regional food even in times of crisis. In this way, Cyber.LWS builds trust in digital technologies and strengthens the competitiveness of domestic agriculture.
© CYBER.LWS
Cyber.LWS makes Austria’s agriculture cyber-resilient: we identify the most critical attack vectors on digital agricultural systems and translate them into concrete measures for farms, manufacturers, and policymakers.
Abstract
Digitalization increasingly affects agriculture: networked tractors, milking robots, IoT sensors, and cloud-based farm management systems have long been a reality. However, this also increases the risk of cyberattacks, which can threaten not only individual farms but also Austria’s security of supply. This is exactly where Cyber.LWS comes in: for the first time, the cybersecurity of Austrian agriculture is being systematically examined and strengthened in a practical manner. The project combines state-of-the-art threat analysis methods (Threat Analysis & Risk Assessment) with model-based software to visualize attack paths in real systems – from the initial vulnerability to possible production losses. Different types of farms (arable farming, livestock farming, mixed farms) and degrees of digitalization are taken into account. The results will be used to create an agriculture-specific threat database, concrete checklists and training modules for farmers, guidelines for manufacturers on secure update and hardening processes, and policy recommendations.
The goals are greater cybersecurity in everyday farm operations, clear responsibilities between farmers, manufacturers, and the state, and the translation of European guidelines such as CRA and NIS2 into the agricultural context. A measurable contribution to supply security and greater trust in digital agricultural technologies is expected.
SBA Research contributes its expertise in risk analysis, software, cloud, and IoT security. SBA models threat scenarios, develops secure update and hardening patterns, supports audits and best practices, and ensures knowledge transfer through training, publications, and the involvement of its corporate network.
Official Project Lead: AIT