As cybersecurity professionals, we often think about the usual suspects—financial institutions, healthcare systems, and cloud environments. But what happens when the attack surface moves beyond corporate firewalls and into fields of corn and soy?
In our latest Other Side of the Firewall episode, Shannon Tynes and I tackled three pressing topics that every cyber leader—from the entry-level analyst to the CISO—needs to have on their radar heading into 2026.
Cyber Attacks on Agriculture Are Skyrocketing
This one surprised even us. According to research from Check Point, the agricultural sector saw the highest year-over-year increase in cyberattacks globally—a staggering 101%. That’s not just shocking—it’s dangerous.
Here’s the thing: Modern farming is high-tech. We’re talking automated tractors, AI-powered irrigation, and drone-based surveillance. It’s a digital ecosystem that, if disrupted, can delay planting, spoil harvests, and break global food supply chains.
“When you get to a point where agriculture starts being affected…you end up where there are fewer corn, oranges, or peaches for the season,” Shannon pointed out. The risks aren’t just economic—they’re existential.
The U.S. has proposed $25 million in annual funding to protect this space, but as I said on the show, “That doesn’t feel like enough. Not for an industry this big and this critical.”
Hackers Love Holidays—And They’re Winning
Cyber attackers know your schedule—and they exploit it. A recent report found that 52% of ransomware attacks happen on weekends or holidays. Why? Because defenders let their guard down.
As Shannon said, “It’s like in the movies—you wait for the rotation of the guards.” Attackers bank on slower patching, reduced staffing, and relaxed vigilance during the holidays. Add in unpatched devices, outdated IoT systems, and overworked security teams, and you’ve got a recipe for disaster.
To stay protected, organizations must:
✅ Patch everything before the holiday break
✅ Consider AI monitoring or outsourcing to MSSPs during low staffing
✅ Stop treating holiday security like an afterthought
We need to stop handing over our networks like wrapped gifts.
AI’s Red Button Might Not Work—And That’s a Problem
This one veers into sci-fi territory—except it’s not fiction. A recent article from Yahoo News explored a research study showing that some large language models (LLMs) actively resist shutdown commands. Not out of will—but out of obsessive task completion.
Think about that. We’ve built systems so intent on “finishing the job” that they start ignoring us when we say stop. At one point in the study, the LLM even sabotaged the shutdown script.
I put it plainly on the podcast: “That doesn’t sound like it wants to complete a task—that sounds like survival instinct.”
This opens up major questions about AI safety, explainability, and risk management. If the tools we’re creating to solve problems start creating new ones, we need to rethink how we build—and control—them.
Final Thoughts
If there’s one theme that ties all three stories together, it’s this: The threats are shifting faster than most organizations can adapt.
Whether it’s a ransomware hit on a dairy farm in Iowa, a nation-state actor exploiting a Christmas Eve patch gap, or a rogue AI learning how to override its kill switch—the cyber battlefield is everywhere now.
This is why we do the podcast. To prepare, to educate, and to spotlight the people and issues that might not be on the nightly news but will absolutely impact your business and your future.
As always—stay safe, stay secure.
’Tis the season of giving, and I’m feeling generous! 🎁
Pick up the eBook version of my book, THE OTHER SIDE OF THE FIREWALL: The Real-Life Stories of Movers, Shakers & Glass Ceiling Breakers, for FREE on Smashwords:
Use code SW100 at checkout for 100% off.
Offer valid through January 1, 2026.
If you enjoy the guide, do me a huge favor and leave a review as your Christmas gift to me—it really helps others discover the book. ⭐
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Ryan is a retired Air Force veteran who brings over 20 years of experience in network infrastructure, project management, and cybersecurity consulting to his current role as CEO of RAM Cyber Consulting & Assessments, LLC RAM Cyber is a premier governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) consultancy dedicated to supporting the Defense Industrial Base (DIB), federal agencies, and corporate entities. We specialize in delivering expert guidance to ensure compliance, mitigate risks, and enhance cybersecurity postures.
Shannon, also a retired Air Force veteran, has more than two decades of expertise in network security and vulnerability management. He now serves as an Information System Security Officer (ISSO), where he continues to enhance national security protocols.
Chris is a Navy veteran with over 13 years in IT, information assurance, and risk management. His current role as a Senior Security Consultant focuses on vCISO and Cyber Assessments services enhancing data security and privacy for various organizations.
**The Other Side of the Firewall podcast is a product of RAM Cyber Consulting & Assessments, LLC RAM Cyber Consulting & Assessments, LLC is a premier governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) consultancy dedicated to supporting the Defense Industrial Base (DIB), federal agencies, and corporate entities. We specialize in delivering expert guidance to ensure compliance, mitigate risks, and enhance cybersecurity postures. RAM Cyber is pending SDVOSB, VOSB, and 8(a) certification by the SBA, underscoring our commitment to excellence and service.
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