eNVD Data protection

Usage of digital systems for farm data management is constantly increasing and with that comes a rise in cyber-crime. 

To protect your business’ reputation, assets and sensitive financial and personal information, it is crucial producers and agribusinesses know not only how their data is stored and utilised, but also how to protect it from any potential attack. 

Data and the eNVD app 

In March 2022, Integrity Systems Company launched the new electronic Livestock Consignments (eNVD) app, which complements the existing eNVD web-based system. These new digital consignment tools are designed to simplify the livestock consignment process and provide greater traceability for livestock through the supply chain. 

ISC recognises that honest and transparent data management is essential to ensure clarity around who controls access and use of data to build trust and confidence.  

It is important to note that when you use the eNVD app, the information that is collected is typical for all online/digital applications, such as: 

• server address 
• domain name 
• IP address 
• date and time of your use 
• frequency of use 
• information/data provided by you via the app 
• type of device used – such as iOS or Android. 

If you are required to input personal information into the eNVD app, this information will be encrypted and used in accordance with the MLA Group Privacy Policy. As with any personal information, ISC will not provide this to third parties without your consent, except where required by law.

Tips to keep your data safe 

There are a number of steps you can take to keep your data safe, including: 

1. Back up your data – Creating a copy of your important business data in a separate location (such as a cloud service or external hard drive) is essential to make sure it can be recovered in case it is deleted or corrupted. 

2. Use strong passwords – For each platform or website you use for your business, you should have a different password that uses a combination of letters, numbers and symbols and is around 12–16 characters in length. Long passwords are much safer but of course very difficult to remember, therefore it is recommended to use a password manager to keep track of all your different passwords. Most web browsers such as Chrome and Microsoft Edge provide a password manager for free, but there are also many free and paid third party options available. 

3. Protect your data from malware and ransomware – To protect your business from malware and ransomware, you should install antivirus software and a firewall on all computers and laptops used in your operations. You should discourage staff from installing applications from suspicious sites onto any devices or computers used in the business and limit the use of USB drives in your work. 

4. Keep your mobile device safe – Keep data on your mobile device secure by turning on password protection. It is also recommended that you switch on automatic system and app updates on your device to ensure critical security updates are made to protect your device from a cyber-attack.  

5. Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA/MFA) – Two-factor authentication (2FA, also known as multi-factor authentication or MFA) provides an additional layer of security that prevents unauthorised users from accessing your data. Whenever possible, opt to turn on 2FA on your devices and on all work and personal systems and email accounts to minimise the chances of a data breach.  

6. Learn how to avoid phishing attacks – A phishing attack refers to any false or misleading communications pretending to be from a legitimate source, to try to steal information, your login/passwords or money from you by tricking you into providing confidential information.