Cognitive Security, a Growing Concern for Food Safety: Defining the Problem Sets

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, food security has proven itself to be a cornerstone of national security. The crisis exposed vulnerabilities in global food supply chains as workforce illnesses forced shutdowns in critical sectors. With technology increasingly embedded in the farm-to-fork process, adversaries now have a new target: cognitive security. This emerging field addresses the use of advanced technologies like AI to disrupt fact-based, rational decisions (FBRDs) in food safety and infrastructure systems.

The food supply chain is not a simple process—it is a "system of systems," reliant on intricate relationships between governments, private companies, and individuals. From production to retail, every step in the chain requires sound decision-making, often supported by AI systems. However, these systems have become vulnerable to sophisticated attacks designed to manipulate outcomes, putting the entire food safety ecosystem at risk.

One of the most alarming concerns is the increasing assault on rational decision-making. With the assistance of AI, humans are responsible for making timely and fact-based decisions that ensure the safety of the food supply. However, adversaries are now using disruptive technologies to corrupt the data and systems relied upon for these decisions. This puts not only the safety of food products at risk but also undermines brand integrity and economic stability.

Cognitive security is fast becoming a critical aspect of ensuring food safety in an era where technology and AI play a pivotal role in decision-making processes. The vulnerabilities exposed during the pandemic are just the beginning, and protecting these systems from manipulation is essential to safeguarding food security and, by extension, national security.

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