ZAG offers new cybersecurity service offering

Cybersecurity services are now more accessible to growers and shippers following ZAG Technical Services’ (ZAG) release of a new service promoting cybersecurity strength.

Based in San Jose, California, ZAG is an IT consulting firm, specializing in information technology, cybersecurity, and data analytics in the ag and food and beverage industries.

The new offering is a comprehensive IT security review solution. The cybersecurity assessment is a strategic safeguard that minimizes the risk a grower’s harvest will be interrupted by cyber threats. As a result of the assessment, users can expect to learn how prepared they are for a cyber incident, receive assistance prioritizing vulnerabilities and needs, and receive assessment results that internal IT teams can address, according to a news release.

“We understand this industry well and the challenges facing today’s grower/shipper, including labor shortages, resource scarcity, challenging margins, and cyber threats,” Greg Gatzke, president, said in the release. “Our updated IT Security Review Solution takes a great step toward securing the food supply chain by offering a mid-level solution for those seeking to secure their IT systems.”

The comprehensive assessment includes:

• Executive report detailing cybersecurity preparedness status
• A prioritized list of vulnerabilities that should be fixed
• Reports that internal IT teams can use
• Comprehensive pre/post-remediation advice

The assessment provides clients with a clear understanding of the strengths and vulnerabilities within their cybersecurity framework. “This understanding lights a clear path to improving the overall stability and health of their information technology and therefore, their bottom line,” according to the release.

“It’s like a routine check-up for your IT, ensuring stability and security during your busiest season, Gatzke said in the release. “The average ransomware payout is around $600,000 and that does not include unfilled orders, inability to produce for days, and lost business. We are working to change that.”

ZAG has made the assessment more accessible to grower/shippers by offering multiple assessment levels depending on needs and without additional contracts or commitments required.

“Securing our food supply chain is a top priority,” Gatzke said in the release. “We know cybercriminals have deliberately targeted ag companies during harvest, their busiest time, to inflict maximum damage and receive maximum payouts.”

The launch comes on the heels of a couple of big months for ZAG being honored by three separate organizations with awards for their work and contributions as trusted technology advisors in agribusiness.

With deep roots in agriculture, ZAG is a consulting firm and managed services provider for the agribusiness industry specializing in cybersecurity, data and software services, and modern infrastructure. ZAG operates from offices in Salinas, California, and Boise, Idaho.