United Natural Foods Inc. (UNFI) — one of America's largest wholesale food distributors — was forced to shut down its entire network in June 2025 following a devastating cyberattack. Its CEO admitted the company is now operating on only a “limited basis” while scrambling to recover from what’s become an all-too-familiar nightmare in the food distribution industry..
This isn't an isolated incident. It's part of a dangerous trend that's accelerating at an alarming pace.
“The food and beverage industry is under attack,” reported the Food Navigator. “Criminals looking to extort intellectual property, personal information, and money from suppliers, retailers and manufacturers have mounted a global attack on the industry, and so far, they’re winning.”
The food and agriculture sector suffered 212 ransomware attacks in 2024 — a 27 percent increase from the previous year. Nearly one-third of food manufacturers reported six or more security intrusions in 2024, compared to just 11 percent the year before, according to Fortinet’s 2024 State of Operational Technology and Cybersecurity report.
“Industry experts have a word of warning for food industry leaders in 2025: your business is susceptible to cybersecurity attacks,” says The Food Institute.
With cybercrime costs projected to reach $10.5 trillion annually by this year, food distributors can no longer afford to treat cybersecurity as an afterthought.
At FreshByte Software we want to share these seven critical cybersecurity practices that could mean the difference between business continuity and operational disaster.
Why Food Distributors Are Prime Targets
Food distributors occupy a unique position that makes them incredibly attractive to cybercriminals.
You're the critical link between producers and retailers, handling sensitive data from multiple sources: customer payment information, supplier contracts, inventory systems, and trade secrets. Your complex supply chains create numerous potential entry points, and your operations depend on seamless digital connectivity.
The financial impact is sobering. The average data breach costs small businesses $200,000, while ransomware recovery averages $2.73 million.
The consequences of a successful attack extend far beyond your business. A compromised food distributor can disrupt entire supply chains, leaving grocery shelves empty and consumers without essential products.
This criticality makes you a high-value target — and it's why cybercriminals are increasingly focusing their efforts on the food distribution sector.
7 Critical Cybersecurity Practices for Food Distributors
Transform Your Team into a Human Firewall
Your employees are simultaneously your greatest vulnerability and your strongest defense. Phishing attacks — where cybercriminals trick staff into clicking malicious links or sharing sensitive information — remain the most common attack vector. But well-trained employees can spot and stop these threats before they penetrate your systems.
Implementation essentials:
- Conduct monthly cybersecurity awareness training, not annual sessions.
- Use realistic phishing simulations to test and reinforce learning.
- Create a culture where reporting suspicious activity is rewarded, not punished.
- Establish clear protocols for handling sensitive data and communications.
Implement Zero-Trust Access Controls
The days of trusting anyone inside your network perimeter are over. Modern cybersecurity requires a zero-trust approach where every user and device must be verified before accessing any system or data.
Critical steps:
- Deploy Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) that strictly limits access based on job functions.
- Enforce multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all accounts—no exceptions.
- Apply the principle of least privilege: users get only the minimum access needed to do their jobs.
- Regularly audit and update access permissions, especially when employees change roles or leave.
Encrypt Everything, Everywhere
Data encryption isn't optional—it's your last line of defense when other security measures fail. Whether data is stored in your systems or transmitted between partners, encryption ensures that even if it's intercepted, it remains worthless to attackers.
Essential encryption practices:
- Use industry-standard AES-256 encryption for data at rest.
- Implement TLS 1.3 for all data in transit.
- Encrypt backup data and ensure encryption keys are properly managed.
- Regularly review and update encryption protocols to address emerging threats.
Maintain Bulletproof System Hygiene
Outdated software and unpatched systems are like leaving your doors unlocked in a high-crime neighborhood. Cybercriminals actively scan for known vulnerabilities, and they'll exploit them within hours of discovery.
System maintenance imperatives:
- Implement automated patch management systems where possible.
- Maintain an inventory of all software and systems in your environment.
- Establish maintenance windows for critical updates that can't be automated.
- Monitor security advisories and threat intelligence feeds for emerging vulnerabilities.
Secure Your Extended Network
Your cybersecurity is only as strong as your weakest vendor. Many breaches occur through compromised third-party systems, making vendor security assessment a critical business function.
Vendor security requirements:
- Conduct thorough security assessments before onboarding new vendors.
- Require vendors to meet specific cybersecurity standards and provide documentation.
- Implement network segmentation to limit vendor access to only necessary systems.
- Regularly review and update vendor security requirements as threats evolve.
Prepare for the Inevitable: Incident Response Planning
Despite your best efforts, assume that a cyberattack will eventually succeed. Having a detailed (and tested!) incident response plan can mean the difference between a minor disruption and a business-ending catastrophe.
Response planning essentials:
- Only 14 percent of small businesses have a formal incident response plan in place.
- Develop detailed incident response procedures with clear roles and responsibilities.
- Test your plan quarterly through tabletop exercises and simulations.
- Establish communication protocols for customers, vendors, and regulatory authorities.
- Consider cyber liability insurance as part of your risk management strategy.
Choose Technology Partners Wisely
Your software providers are integral to your cybersecurity posture. Partnering with vendors such as FreshByte Software who prioritize security and provide ongoing support ensures you have expert assistance when you need it most.
Vendor selection criteria:
- Choose providers with proven security track records and industry certifications.
- Ensure they offer 24/7 support for security incidents.
- Verify they provide regular security updates and proactive threat monitoring.
- Look for solutions that include built-in security features like encryption and access controls.
The FreshByte Security Advantage
At FreshByte Software our solutions are specifically designed with built-in security features that protect your data while enabling the real-time visibility and traceability your food distribution business demands.
We provide:
- 24/7 live customer support from our security experts.
- Proactive security monitoring and regular system updates.
- Our firewall stops internal and external attacks, prevents unauthorized access, and achieves regulatory compliance.
- Our SSL ensures client’s online commerce is encrypted and secure.
- Our DDoS protection service mitigates attacks by blocking and scrubbing malicious traffic targeting the server.
The UNFI attack serves as a stark reminder that no food distributor is too big or too established to be targeted. Cybercriminals are becoming more sophisticated, more aggressive, and more focused on critical infrastructure like food distribution.
By implementing these seven critical cybersecurity practices, you can significantly reduce your risk and ensure your business remains resilient in the face of evolving threats.
Ready to strengthen your cybersecurity defenses? Contact FreshByte Software to discover how our secure, industry-specific solutions can help you protect your operations and fuel future growth.
