Food distributors warn cyberattacks can quickly become supply chain disruptions

Food distributors are warning that cyberattacks can quickly escalate into supply chain disruptions. During a panel at the International Foodservice Distributors Association’s 2026 Solutions Conference, cybersecurity experts stressed the importance of resilience in the face of inevitable attacks. Companies need to focus on containing intrusions before they can spread and disrupt critical operations, rather than assuming they can prevent every attack, said Brett Perry, head of cybersecurity and network at Dot Foods Inc. The session, titled "Navigating Cyber Risk in Foodservice Distribution," examined how cyberattacks can stop orders, shut down warehouses, and jeopardize customer relationships, as well as risks involving vendors and ransomware.

One case study highlighted how a compromised third-party carrier's email system allowed attackers to fraudulently pick up a load of blueberries from a cold-storage facility, demonstrating the potential for cyberattacks to cause physical cargo theft. The panel also discussed the vulnerabilities of warehouse technology, such as security cameras, handheld devices, and access-control systems, which can provide additional entry points for cybercriminals.

Recommendations included network segmentation, least-privilege access, and zero-trust security, though these measures can sometimes create operational friction. Artificial intelligence was also highlighted as a new challenge, with panelists discussing the need to secure employees' use of AI, leverage AI to improve cybersecurity, and protect businesses against attackers using AI.

A significant concern is the increasing value of data as a target, with attackers now stealing information and threatening to publish it if victims don't pay. Companies should assess what data they truly need, how long to retain it, who should have access, and when it should be permanently deleted to mitigate this risk.