Cybersecurity: A Wake-Up Call for Food and Beverage Management

The cyberattack on UNFI exposed how vulnerable food supply chains are to digital threats. ISO 27001 offers a structured, certifiable way to strengthen resilience across F&B operations.

Cyberattack at United Natural Foods (UNFI)—North America’s largest distributor of natural and organic foods—detected "unauthorized activity" in its IT systems. As a precaution, UNFI proactively took key systems offline to investigate1.

The disruption quickly impacted operations, affecting over 30,000 retailers, including Whole Foods, natural product superstores, conventional supermarket chains, e-commerce providers, and independent retailers2. Despite swift action, including notifying law enforcement and engaging cybersecurity experts, UNFI’s stock dropped by more than 8% due to investor concerns during Monday’s (June 9, 2025) session3.

 

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Beyond IT: Why management systems matter in F&B cybersecurity

Cyber incidents are inevitable. But the fallout isn’t. With robust management systems and tested response protocols, you can protect what matters: your operations, your compliance, your customers — and their trust.

Cyber incidents in F&B don’t just jeopardize data — they threaten operations, compliance, and trust. Here’s why a management systems approach is critical:

  • Operational Continuity: Just-in-time production and logistics mean that any disruption is immediately felt across the value chain. With systems offline, companies struggle to process orders, halting deliveries. Business continuity planning, integrated into a management system like ISO 27001 or ISO 22301, helps organizations continue serving customers even during a crisis.
  • Compliance Assurance: Regulatory regimes like HACCP and FSMA require secure, traceable systems. A cyberattack that compromises monitoring systems or records can lead to food safety violations. Our approach integrates cybersecurity and food safety so companies can maintain compliance — even during an outage.
  • Stakeholder Communication: In a crisis, messaging must be fast, accurate, and coordinated. Without predefined roles and communication protocols, confusion can damage trust. A well-prepared organization communicates confidently to regulators, partners, and consumers — something we help companies build into their response plans.
  • Culture and Training: Cybersecurity is a people issue as much as a technical one. Many F&B companies underestimate their exposure, leading to a false sense of security. Through training, drills, and leadership engagement, we help embed cybersecurity awareness across all levels — from the factory floor to the C-suite.

How we help build cyber resilience in F&B

At DNV, we combine global expertise in assurance with deep sector knowledge to support food and beverage companies in building robust, management system-driven cyber defenses. Here's how:

  • ISO/IEC 27001 Certification

We offer accredited certification to ISO/IEC 27001, the leading standard for Information Security Management Systems. Our process ensures a structured, risk-based approach that aligns information security with business strategy

  • Leadership and Cybersecurity Training

People play a central role in cybersecurity. We offer training tailored to executive and operational leaders, including hands-on simulations that build decision-making capability during cyber crises.

  • Audit-Driven Risk Assessments

Our audits are grounded in Risk Based Certification™, meaning we tailor assessments to your actual risk environment. We identify system vulnerabilities, evaluate supplier controls, and highlight where governance or processes may be lacking.

  • Incident Response Program Verification

Having a response plan is one thing — knowing it works is another. We help verify your readiness through drills, scenario walkthroughs, and evaluation of communication plans and escalation procedures.

  • Ongoing Certification Maintenance

Cybersecurity is not static. Our partnership doesn’t end with certification. Through annual surveillance audits, support with transitioning to new standard versions, and ongoing feedback, we help ensure that your ISMS evolves with the threat landscape — and your business.

Scenario: Cyber Incident – Prepared vs. Unprepared

To illustrate the impact of a DNV-certified management system, consider a ransomware attack on a mid-sized food distributor. Compare the outcomes:

Without a Management System

With DNV-Certified ISO 27001 Management System

Prolonged downtime, missed deliveries

Predefined continuity plans minimize disruption

Confusion over roles, delayed actions

Roles clearly defined, coordinated response

Poor stakeholder communication

Clear, timely updates based on a practiced plan

Compliance issues with missing data

Backup procedures ensure regulatory compliance

Are you ready to strengthen your organization’s cyber resilience?

Let’s talk. Our cybersecurity certification, assessment, and training services are designed to meet the unique needs of the food and beverage sector. In an increasingly digital world, your security posture can be a competitive advantage — if you prepare for it today.

 

Reference

¹ Reuters: UNFI detects unauthorized activity; ² Business Insider: UNFI outage impacts grocery chains ; ³ Investopedia: UNFI stock drops amid cyber incident 

6/12/2025 2:00:00 PM