Growing plants and protecting data: more alike than you think
Patrick Hakvoort, IT infrastructure manager at Anthura, shares valuable insights into the importance of robust data security. He explains how Anthura tackles this critical issue and how you can implement similar strategies in your own company.
“Before I elaborate and provide some nuance to the title of this article, allow me to introduce myself. As IT infrastructure manager at Anthura, my responsibilities include ensuring the security of our information, which, of course, extends to your valuable customer data. In recent years, digital security has become a top priority at Anthura, prompted by an incident at one of our sites (see our previous article The importance of cybersecurity in the greenhouse sector, in Dutch).
“We’ve made considerable progress in several key areas. For instance, all assets have been meticulously mapped, and vulnerability scanning and remediation are now largely automated. Of course, we are continually exploring new ways to bolster our data security. We have to, given that cybercriminals — much like ourselves — have access to ever new techniques and methods to access information. It’s simply a consequence of innovation.
“Effective collaboration between partners across the supply chain — that includes you, Anthura and your trusted suppliers — is increasingly vital. I’ll return to this point shortly, but first, let me elucidate the title.”
Parallels between growing plants and protecting data
Patrick explains, “Growing plants and protecting data may initially appear to have little in common. However, when you examine them closely, striking similarities emerge. Both processes require careful planning, continuous monitoring and a visionary approach to yield a successful and attractive product — be it a healthy plant or the integrity of vital data.
“It all starts with laying a solid foundation. The correct environment, temperature, growing medium, nutrients, water and light are all crucial for healthy plant growth. The same principle applies to data security: a strong foundation is essential. Securely designed infrastructure, robust passwords, multi-factor authentication, encryption, firewalls and anti-virus software — all are designed to keep information safe and sound.
“Once you’ve laid all the groundwork, plants need ongoing maintenance — fertilising, spacing, repotting — and all require vigilant monitoring. Similarly, in data security, maintenance includes monitoring, patching and training staff to mitigate potentially risky behaviour.
“Another area Anthura is heavily invested in is prevention: developing measures to prevent pests and diseases BEFORE they become a problem. In data security, this translates to identifying and addressing potential vulnerabilities BEFORE they can be exploited by malicious actors.
“Finally, anticipation is paramount. A grower prepares for heatwaves or storms, while data security professionals brace themselves against emerging threats. In both scenarios, the core principle is safeguarding valuable ‘assets’, whether a thriving plant or sensitive data.
“In short, both data security and plant cultivation demand a carefully crafted blend of care, diligence and proactive measures to flourish and thrive.”
Crucial for Anthura and for the customer
Patrick concludes that digital security is of paramount importance to both Anthura and you, the customer: “If Anthura is unable to fulfil orders due to a cyberattack or security incident, you, the customer, will not receive your plants. The same applies in reverse: if you, as a customer, are unable to place orders due to a cyberattack, Anthura cannot deliver — thus completing the circle. We need to work together to defend ourselves against the ever-evolving threats we face, be they changing climate conditions, new diseases or emerging digital threats.
“Recognising this, Anthura has for the past three years been an active participant in the Greenport Cyber Resilience Centre (https://cwgreenport.nl/) — a collaborative initiative between businesses in our wonderful sector. The centre offers practical advice, guidance and workshops that make data security more accessible and understandable. Just as you discuss cultivation issues with your cultivation expert, I encourage you to explore the Cyber Resilience Centre and consider joining to discuss your cyber security matters. You’ll certainly be better informed and, as a result, better prepared.”
