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Stine Seed president says company “could not have done it better” in response to January cyberattack

Several agribusinesses have suffered cyberattacks in recent months including the nation’s largest private seed company, Stine Seed.

President Myron Stine tells Brownfield there was a sophisticated cyberattack on their data systems January 9th.

“We had never gone through something like that, so we were very very careful. We dotted our I’s and crossed our T’s. And the FBI was very helpful, just instantly. There was really no waiting around, there was no ‘we’ll get back to you tomorrow’ or anything. They were right on it right away.”

He says the company quickly reached out to sales reps and dealers.

“I would tell our customers that it’s a common thing. There wasn’t any real heavy damage at all, in fact there was little or no damage. But there could’ve been. And I think everybody should just doublecheck and think about ‘yes it could happen to me.”

Stine says when agriculture is targeted, it might be because cyber attackers view farmers and ag companies as easy prey.   

When asked by Brownfield if Stine Seed Company is “full steam ahead” as it prepares for the upcoming growing season, Stine replied “absolutely.”