To enhance cybersecurity in Ontario’s agri-tech and agri-food sectors, Durham College’s (DC) Centre for Cybersecurity Innovation is collaborating with the Grow Ontario Accelerator Hub (GOAH) through Bioenterprise Canada’s Food & Agri-Tech Engine.

This partnership will to provide start-ups and small to medium-sized enterprise with robust cybersecurity measures to protect their digital assets and to foster innovation.

“Our collaboration with GOAH and Bioenterprise Canada is a significant step towards securing the digital infrastructure of agri-tech innovators,” says Sushant Katare, Senior Manager of the Centre for Cybersecurity Innovation at DC. “We’re empowering agri-businesses to protect themselves against cyber threats, to earn customer trust and to maintain a competitive edge in the digital marketplace.”

The collaboration leverages the expertise of DC’s certified cybersecurity professionals at the Centre for Cybersecurity Innovation in offering tailored solutions based on the CAN/CIOSC 104 standard—Canada’s national standard for baseline cybersecurity controls for small to medium-sized enterprises. This standard provides an accessible framework with up to 55 essential controls, making it an strong starting point for organizations looking to bolster their cybersecurity posture.

Digital transformation has increased vulnerability to cyber attacks in the agri-tech and agri-food industries and this collaboration addresses a critical need. By adopting the CAN/CIOSC 104 standard, businesses can mitigate risks associated with data breaches and ransomware attacks, safeguarding not only their operations but also the broader supply chain.

“Bioenterprise Canada is thrilled to support this initiative,” says Braden Kemp, GOAH Manager. “Cybersecurity is not just an optional activity for Canadian agri-food businesses; it’s imperative. By connecting our Engine members with top-tier cybersecurity expertise, we’re fostering a more secure and resilient agri-tech ecosystem in Ontario.”

With this strategic collaboration, DC’s Centre for Cybersecurity Innovation, GOAH, and Bioenterprise Canada are set to make a lasting impact on the security and success of agri-tech businesses across Ontario. This initiative not only strengthens individual companies but also enhances the overall resilience of the agri-food and agri-tech sectors.