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IN 30: Ransomware

IN 30: Ransomware

Welcome to YODL! In addition to daily original content, YODL helps CFIN Members find new partners , resources , and funding opportunities to grow their food business. Learn more about this growing community and become a CFIN Member (for free!) today . Sometimes, all it takes is 30 minutes to learn the ins and outs of new food technologies and trends that are transforming the food and beverage industry. In this series, we’ll dig into a food innovation topic and link you to content and resources so you can become a master on the topic in 30 minutes (or less!). This week, we’re looking at ransomware, a type of malware (malicious software) that locks a computer or network system and all of its data until a ransom is paid to unlock it. The Overview IBM – What is Ransomware? IBM documents the types of ransomware and how it infects a system or device. PCMag – The Best Ransomware Protection for 2023 Ransomware protection can stop attacks from destroying information. PCMag highlights some of the best antivirus protection available. Statista – Annual Number of Ransomware Attempts Worldwide from 2017 to 2022 According to Statista, there were 493.33 million ransomware attempts detected worldwide in 2022. The Canadian Connection Canadian Centre for Cyber Security – The centre says ransomware is the most common cyber threat facing Canadians. CBC – It's Time for Companies to Double Down on Cybersecurity Measures as Ransomware Attacks Rise Experts report an increase in ransomware attacks and other cyber incidents across Canada. Financial Post - Safety Net: Increasingly Sophisticated Ransomware Attacks Leave Companies, Lawyers Scrambling to Keep Up The legal environment of responding to ransomware is new, uncertain and evolving. Media Covering Cybersecurity Cybercrime Magazine – Cybercrime Magazine site is operated by Cybersecurity Ventures, a researcher on the global cyber economy and a source of statistics and facts on cybersecurity. The Hacker News – Th e Hacker News platform reports on the latest cybercrime events. Infosecurity Magazine – The online magazine offers information on computer and online security and other topics around cyber safety . Security Magazine – Th is site offers news and information on physical and online security, including training strategies. Overtime If you’ve got more than 30 minutes, these are for you: YouTube - Ransomware Attacks Threaten Canada's National Security Ransomware attacks now constitute the most disruptive form of cyberattack facing Canada.

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Cybersecurity in the Food Sector

Cybersecurity in the Food Sector

Welcome to YODL! In addition to daily original content, YODL helps CFIN Members find new partners , resources , and funding opportunities to grow their food business. Learn more about this growing community and become a CFIN Member (for free!) today . . CFIN and cybersecurity firm Beauceron have partnered to deliver a three-part webinar series on cybersecurity threats in the food and beverage industry . These webinars, made ex clusively for CFIN m embers, dive into how cybercriminals target food and beverage companies and foodtech businesses , and offer actionable steps to protect your business from unwanted threats. In Part 1 of the series Nestor Gomez , C hief T echnology O fficer for CFIN, sat down with Rozita Dara, principal investigator of data management and privacy governance research program at the University of Guelph, and David Shipley, CEO and co-founder of Beauceron Security , for an overview of cybersecurity in the food sector . They also highlight recent cyberattacks against food businesses , the b iggest risks companies now face, and steps companies can take to defend against cybercriminals. Following the video are the top three takeaways.

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Explained: Malware

Explained: Malware

Welcome to YODL! In addition to daily original content, YODL helps CFIN Members find new partners , resources , and funding opportunities to grow their food business. Learn more about this growing community and become a CFIN Member (for free!) today . What Is It? Malware, also known as malicious software or malicious applications, is software designed by cybercriminals to damage computer programs or systems, or to gain unauthorized access to a computer system and/or data. Malware can be in the form of viruses, worms, Trojans, spyware, keyloggers, adware and ransomware which can attack computers, smartphones, tablets and networks. As well as disrupting computer systems , malware can be used to lock up networks and/or computer systems, destroy them, wipe out information, send spam emails, or access data and intellectual property than can then be sold. Why You Should Care According to DataProt , 560,000 new pieces of malware are detected every day, for a total of more than one billion malware programs existing worldwide. Trojans, which appear to be a harmless file or program but which can damage, steal or control computers, make up 58% of all computer malware, followed by viruses (13%), and scripts (9%), a type of virus that leverage’s a computer system’s existing applications. Downloaded malicious apps can attack smartphones, and are the most common form of mobile malware, while adware, which can be activated by clicking on unwanted advertisements, accounts for 48% of malware on smartphones. Destructive malware cyberattacks have increased rapidly worldwide in the past five years, with the number of detected variations rising 62% in 2020 . Meanwhile, Internet of Things (IoT) attacks by malware topped 2 0 million , and mobile attacks were more than 28 million in the first half of 2020. Routers are a common target for hackers using IoT malware, as are emails, with 46% of hackers using email to spread malware through attached Word and Excel files. What’s Happening in Canada? The Canadian Centre for Cyber Security lists the signs that a device has been infected with malware, as well as suggesting ways Canadian businesses can protect themselves from malware. That includes: Backing up devices and information Installing software updates and patches regularly Using anti-virus and anti-malware software Using a firewall to protect local systems from outside access Using a host intrusion detection system (HIDS) to identify unauthorized access Ensur ing files and attachments are real before downloading Avoid ing public Wi-Fi Using a protective domain name system (DNS) to block unwanted content Using an ad blocker and n ot accepting pop-up advertisements Not downloading unreliable software or media

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50 Canadian FoodTech Resources – Canadian Centre for Cyber Security

50 Canadian FoodTech Resources – Canadian Centre for Cyber Security

Welcome to YODL! In addition to daily original content, YODL helps CFIN Members find new partners , resources , and funding opportunities to grow their food business. Learn more about this growing community and become a CFIN Member (for free!) today . Canada has an extensive range of research centres, food incubators, accelerators and labs supporting food and beverage innovation through the research they do and/or the services they offer. Each week throughout 2023, we’ll be highlighting an organization that’s supporting food innovation in Canada. Name: Canadian Centre for Cyber Security (CCCS) Location: Ottawa, ON Mission: The Canadian Centre for Cyber Security is Canada’s technical authority on cyber security. It opened in 2018 as part of Canada’s National Cyber Security Strategy . Focus: The CCCS offers guidance, information and services around cybersecurity for individuals, Canadian businesses, organizations , institutions and schools. Services: As well as defending federal government networks, t he centre leads the Get Cyber Safe public education program. It provides general information about cybercrime , as well as alerts and advisories, news, events, and education. It offers free cyber defence tools such Assemblyline , a malware detection and analysis tool, the CyberSecurity Audit Program to assess an organization’s cyber security status, and the Harmonized Threat and Risk Assessment Methodology , which is designed to address assets, employees, and services at risk in a business. It also offers a glossary of terms you should know when it comes to cybersecurity . What you Need to Know: The centre is part of the Communications Security Establishment (CSE), Canada’s national cryptologic agency. Among its other mandates, the CSE has responsibility for cyber security and information assurance. Notable News: The centre collaborates and builds partnerships with businesses in critical infrastructure sectors, which includes the food industry. Get Involved: Contact the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security at 1-833-CYBER-88 or at contact@cyber.gc.ca , or for more information on cybersecurity, reach out to CFIN’s Chief Technology Officer, Nestor Gomez .

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IN 30: Cybersecurity 101

IN 30: Cybersecurity 101

Welcome to YODL! In addition to daily original content, YODL helps CFIN Members find new partners , resources , and funding opportunities to grow their food business. Learn more about this growing community and become a CFIN Member (for free!) today . Sometimes, all it takes is 30 minutes to learn the ins and outs of new food technologies and trends that are transforming the food and beverage industry. In this series, we’ll dig into a food innovation topic and link you to content and resources so you can become a master on the topic in 30 minutes (or less!). This week, we’re looking at cybercrime and cybersecurity , and how they affect Canada's food and beverage industry. The Overview AAG - The Latest 2023 Cyber Crime Statistics Statistics on how cybercrime is impacting businesses and individuals worldwide. Marlin Communications – The 2023 Cyber Threat Landscape: 5 Key Trends Around the world, criminals are turning to “quieter” cyber attacks , including cryptojacking and IoT malware. Sophos – 2023 Threat Report According to this report, criminal malware “as-a-service” schemes are interrupting the global economy. The Canadian Connection Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada - Cyber Security and Your Farming Business AAFC reminds producers that they can also be targeted by cybercriminals, and need to ensure their businesses are secure. Canadian Centre for Cyber Security - The centre is part of the Communications Security Establishment, offering advice and services for Canadian businesses, individuals, organizations and institutions on cybersecurity. CIRA.ca – The Canadian Internet Registration Authority offers cybersecurity awareness training, insights, threats, and implementation plans. Government of Canada - Get Cyber Safe Guide for Small and Medium Businesses The federal government provides a comprehensive overview of steps businesses can take to minimize the threat of cybercrime. Social Media Beauceron Security (LinkedIn) – Fredericton, NB-based Beauceron Security helps organizations address the risk of cybercrime. Canadian Cyber Security Network (Instagram) CCSN is a group of dedicated cybersecurity professionals, focused on growing cybersecurity in Canada. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (Facebook) – The U.S. CISA offers research, advice, events and more on how to avoid cybercrime. Overtime If you’ve got more than 30 minutes, these are for you: YouTube – Cyberattacks on Food Businesses Any software or online sales or management systems used by food companies may be at risk of being targeted by cybercriminals.

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Why CFIN is Creating Cybersecurity Content on YODL

Why CFIN is Creating Cybersecurity Content on YODL

Welcome to YODL! In addition to daily original content, YODL helps CFIN Members find new partners , resources , and funding opportunities to grow their food business. Learn more about this growing community and become a CFIN Member (for free!) today . By Nestor Gomez Today CFIN is kicking off two weeks of content on cybersecurity, corresponding with the international Cyber Security Awareness Month in Canada and the U.S. This October, technology experts and the federal government are reminding Canadians that education around cybersecurity is essential, as well as an understanding of schemes such as phishing, online scams through fake stores or transactions, fake cryptocurrency trades, data breaches, ransomware and malware attacks, and phone scams . The theme for 2023, through the federal government’s Get Cyber Safe public awareness campaign , is “Step Up your Cyber Fitness,” which is designed to encourage Canadians to stretch their cyber security muscles one step at a time. The government offers a wide range of digital resources and tools designed to protect Canadians and their businesses online , including practical implementation plans. According to Made In CA , based on information from Statistics Canada, Statista, the federal government and other sources, 85.7% of Canadian companies were hit by successful cyberattacks in 2021, a 7.7 % increase over 2020, and over half of Canadians have experienced cybercrime at least once. Ransomware attacks affected 72% of Canadian companies in 2020, with an average cost to companies of $1.9 million. By comparison, data breaches in 2021 cost Canadian companies an average of $5.4 mil lion, and online fra ud cost Canadians roughly $100 million . As an industry where large amounts of data and technology are interconnected, f ood and beverage companies and grocery retailers have been vulnerable to cyber security threats and attacks . Maple Leaf Foods , Empire Co. , JBS and Dole have all been victims of large cyber-attacks within the past two years. These attacks can i mpact every aspect of the company, including finances, reputation, customer data, supply chain, products and distribution system . U nfortunately, many companies have not invested in education, awareness, protocols and solutions to protect themselves . As cybersecurity threats continue to rise, we want to ensure that CFIN members understand the risks involved and how to protect their businesses. Over the next two weeks we’ll take a closer look at some of these challenges, as well as the technology, education and best practices companies can implement to avoid being vulnerable to cyber-attacks , protect the ir data and digital assets, and minimize the consequences when attacks do happen. Nestor Gomez is Chief Technology Officer for CFIN.

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The Foodtech Canadian Tech Accelerator Program – Interviews with the Trade Commissioners (French and English)

The Foodtech Canadian Tech Accelerator Program – Interviews with the Trade Commissioners (French and English)

Welcome to YODL! In addition to daily original content, YODL helps CFIN Members find new partners , resources , and funding opportunities to grow their food business. Learn more about this growing community and become a CFIN Member (for free!) today . CFIN is partnering with Global Affairs Canada and Natural Products Canada to attract companies to participate in the Foodtech Canadian Tech Accelerator Program . This program provides a unique opportunity for CFIN members to secure investment, make new connections, and grow their food business. CFIN interviewed the two Trade Commissioners involved with the program to learn more about what CFIN members can expect. Carolyn Cooper speaks with Christina Connelly, Trade Commissioner with the Consulate General of Canada in Minneapolis, while Isabelle Marquis speaks with Elodie Masson Vidal, Trade Commissioner with the Consulate General of Canada in San Francisco . They discuss eligibility requirements and selection criteria for the program, support for participants, and next steps for interested companies. Additional information about the program follows the videos.

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AI + Food – xpertSea

AI + Food – xpertSea

Welcome to YODL! In addition to daily original content, YODL helps CFIN Members find new partners , resources , and funding opportunities to grow their food business. Learn more about this growing community and become a CFIN Member (for free!) today . This series showcases Canadian food and beverage businesses and foodtech companies that are using AI to solve a wide variety of industry challenges, including improving efficiency, pricing analysis, inventory management, quality control, food safety assurance and more. In this installment, we’re looking at Quebec City, QC-based xpertSea. What They Do xpertSea uses data and technology to bring trust, transparency and productivity to aquaculture, and incentivize sustainable production. The company builds tech and financial solutions that transform how seafood is farmed and traded , with a mission to build a better, fairer and more sustainable aquaculture industry by using reliable data to bring transparency and insights from farm to fork. The company has customers in more than 50 countries. How They’re Using AI xpertSea leverage s AI technology to help aquaculture farmers modernize their operations and boost profits by providing access to fast payments, valuable production insights and a data-driven marketplace of vetted sellers and buyers. Other technology used by the company includes v ision s ystems, o ptics, i nventory m anagement, SaaS, Internet of Things, a g t ech , c omputer vision, c loud computing, m achine learning and b ig data . In The Media Global Seafood Alliance - Seafood traceability partnership tackles mangrove restoration and better shrimp farming practices in Ecuador Conservation International and xpertSea announce a Climate Smart Shrimp pilot in Ecuador – an innovative solution to champion regenerative farming practices. AquaCultura Magazine - xpertSea featured on cover of AquaCultura magazine The article looks at the ways xpertSea is changing the shrimp industry in Ecuador through continuous improvement in production practices based on AI. T hefishsite.com - New tool facilitates sourcing sustainably farmed shrimp xpertSea launches a new data-driven solution designed to make sourcing sustainable shrimp easy for international buyers.

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50 Canadian FoodTech Resources – Good to Grow

50 Canadian FoodTech Resources – Good to Grow

Welcome to YODL! In addition to daily original content, YODL helps CFIN Members find new partners , resources , and funding opportunities to grow their food business. Learn more about this growing community and become a CFIN Member (for free!) today . Canada has an extensive range of research centres, food incubators, accelerators and labs supporting food and beverage innovation through the research they do and/or the services they offer. Each week throughout 2023, we’ll be highlighting an organization that’s supporting food innovation in Canada. Name: Good to Grow Location: North Vancouver, BC Mission: Good to Grow is a team of food industry experts and business educators who create success for food and beverage brands. Focus: The company has supported hundreds of food and beverage brands in realizing business success through workshops, cohorts, one-on-one coaching, and signature events . Services: Good to Grow offers one-on-one business coaching for growth and business development at all steps of the client’s business. It offers one-day workshops that cover topics such as business and financial planning, market access, product development, distribution, and trade, consumer and digital marketing. The Sprout Series , a seven-part workshop series, prepares new and emerging brands to diversify their market channels and sell into grocery retail, foodservice, and institutional foodservice. The Hatch Your Farm & Food Business workshop is a six-part workshop starting on November 4, 2023 in collaboration with BC Association of Farmers’ Markets, with support from the Island Coastal Economic Trust . The company also offers commercial kitchen space for food and beverage businesses to create and store products. Good to Grow also offers product development and production services including nutritional labelling, ingredient sourcing, product improvement, sensory analysis, scale up support, co-packing support, setting uniform standards for production , food safety and quality support, development of a HACCP plan, and support with regulatory compliance and certifications. What you Need to Know: Good to Grow is involved with several larger events, including the From The Ground Up Trade Show , featuring BC food and beverage brands; the From The Ground Up Conference , featuring a day of interactive panel discussions on expanding a growing food and beverage business; and Pitch & Plate, a Feed BC initiative, delivered by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food in collaboration with B.C. food industry educators, Good to Grow and Feed BC public sector institutions. It is a platform for BC institutional foodservice organizations to learn about and connect with local food and beverage producers and processors. The next Pitch & Plate events take place online on November 23, 2023, with a deadline to apply by October 9, 2023 , and in-person and online on February 7, 2024, with a deadline to apply by November 3, 2023. Notable News: Good to Grow offers The Alison Emily Resilience Award supporting businesses owned by women, LGBTQ2+ and persons with disabilities. Get Involved: Contact Good to Grow at ( 604 ) 454-8806 or info@goodtogrowproducts.com or reach out to our Regional Innovation Director for BC, Lavina Gully .

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An Interview with a Product Manager

An Interview with a Product Manager

Welcome to YODL! In addition to daily original content, YODL helps CFIN Members find new partners , resources , and funding opportunities to grow their food business. Learn more about this growing community and become a CFIN Member (for free!) today . Lavina Gully , Regional Innovation Director for BC and Yukon, sits down with Jeff Epstein of North Vancouver, BC’s 16 Volts and Grants for Growth , to discuss the role of a product manager, the importance of product management, and the significant advantages it offers food and beverage companies . Following the video is a Q&A between Lavina and Jeff with details from their discussion, as well as more information on product management.

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IN 30: Food Scarcity and Insecurity

IN 30: Food Scarcity and Insecurity

Welcome to YODL! In addition to daily original content, YODL helps CFIN Members find new partners , resources , and funding opportunities to grow their food business. Learn more about this growing community and become a CFIN Member (for free!) today . Sometimes, all it takes is 30 minutes to learn the ins and outs of new food technologies and trends that are transforming the food and beverage industry. In this series, we’ll dig into a food innovation topic and link you to content and resources so you can become a master on the topic in 30 minutes (or less!). This week, we’re looking at the issues of food scarcity and insecurity in Canada and around the world, and some of the ways organizations, businesses and technology are helping to address these challenges . The Overview Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations – Hunger and Food Insecurity A definition of food insecurity, world hunger and the consequences of malnutrition. The FAO explains the relation between f ood insecurity and hunger. Forbes - How AI-Driven Technology Is Increasing Food Security, And Improving The Lives Of Farmers Worldwide Innovative businesses are finding ways t o leverage new technology , machine learning and AI to address global food insecurity . The World Bank – Food Security Update An update on international food inflation and other issues affecting nutrition security. The Canadian Connection KPMG – Fighting Food Insecurity Innovation, leveraging technology and using analytic insights are ways Canada can produce more food domestically and help combat food insecurity . University of Toronto – Household Food Inse c urity in Canada An overview of how food insecurity affects Canadian households, and what can be done to reduce food scarcity in Canada. The University’s most recent study on food insecurity in Canada was released in May 2023. Niriqatiginnga – The Niriq a tig i nng a project explores northern food supply chains and food insecurity through arts and cultural entrepreneurship, emerging technologies and traditional knowledge. Social Media @foodbankscanada – (Instagram) FoodBanksCanada produces an annual HungerCount report . Food Secure Canada – (LinkedIn) Food Secure is an alliance of organizations and individuals working together to advance food security and sovereignty in Canada. Global Agriculture & Food Security Program – (Twitter/X) GAFSP funds public and private sector projects around the world that support farmers, businesses and countries in fighting hunger and malnutrition. Overtime If you’ve got more than 30 minutes, these are for you: YouTube - Non-profit develops app to fight food insecurity The FoodLink app from United Way BC c onnects food suppliers with non-profits , making it easier for food banks to access the supplies they need.

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What YODLers are Saying and Reading – Top YODL content for September 2023

What YODLers are Saying and Reading – Top YODL content for September 2023

Welcome to YODL! In addition to daily original content, YODL helps CFIN Members find new partners , resources , and funding opportunities to grow their food business. Learn more about this growing community and become a CFIN Member (for free!) today . YODL ers had a lot to say over the past month! In case you missed them, here are the top five discussions and most read articles on YODL in September 2023. Top YODL Discussions in September 2023 Number 5 Let's Talk About Sustainability Sustainability is an issue most YODLers are concerned about today. Number 4 Raw Sliced Swe e t Potato Manufacturer or Distributor YODL is an ideal platform for sourcing ingredients and equipment. Number 3 Branding and Compliance - Getting Shelf-Ready Finding new business partners is just one of the benefits of being a CFIN member. Number 2 Funding Opportunity: $50,000 for food/bev processors to implement new tech! Bioenterprise’s FoodShift Program is a funding opportunity for projects focused on clean technology adoption, food waste reduction, or process optimization. Number 1 Looking for vendors, partners, industry connections CFIN members look to YODL for networking and to find collaboration partners. Most Read YODL Articles in September 2023 Number 5 From a Hiring Perspective: A Q&A w ith Gastronomous Technologies Like other growing foodtech companies, Oakville, ON-based Gastronomous Technologies now requires additional staff. We asked co-founder and CEO Kevork Sevadjian to discuss the search for talent. Number 4 50 Canadian FoodTech Resources – Food Innov a tion & Research Studio (FIRSt), George Brown College FIRSt is a Technology Access Centre that supports the food and beverage sector with research and development services. The lab works with clients to troubleshoot product development challenges and help bring new ideas to market. Number 3 Explained: Food Processing S k ills Canada Food Processing Skills Canada is a non-profit organization dedicated to professionalizing the food and beverage manufacturing industry by providing leadership on labour, skills and workforce development. Number 2 Emerging Food and Foo d tech Jobs New food technology and changing operating requirements are transforming the way food and beverage companies work, as well as the employee skills they require . Here are just a few of the emerging and in-demand jobs now available in food and beverage manufacturing. Number 1 IN 30: Food and Beverage Associat i ons across Canada In this series, we dig into a food innovation topic and link you to content and resources so you can become a master on the topic in 30 minutes (or less!). This week, we’re looking at some of the food and beverage associations across Canada that provide support and resources for members.

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