The machines in a meat processing plant are getting ever more sophisticated, efficient and programmable — but hacking them can be as easy as sending an email. Cyber attacks on companies, especially manufacturers, are picking up speed and food companies are a favorite target for bad actors looking to make high-profile trouble or arrange a ransomware payday.

Paul Kafer of Anabasis Consulting has been writing and advising on how to manage that electronic portal for hackers for years. In most cases, the technology exists to provide protection — but management has to acknowledge the threat, first.

Paul joined MeatingPod to discuss the state of automation, electronics, and cyber security in meat plants — now and in the new year.