The idea

Any device connected to the internet is vulnerable to attacks by hackers or as unwilling malware distributors. There is no need to worry for beekeepers that outsiders might hack into their digital setup and for example collect or even publicly share data collected about the weight, temperature, or humidity of the beehive. Yet, the OT components, the PLC controls and of course the mobile devices or computers, which are used to monitor or run the “smarthive” could be misused by attackers to distribute malware or bugs.

Javan Rasokat is a Senior Application Security Specialist, who identifies weak spots in any sort of digital or IT/OT environment and helps protect the system against potential threats. As he is also a passionate beekeeper in his spare time, Javan was happy to bee-come part of the Beehyve swarm intelligence project powered by PLCnext Technology. His contribution for this global campaign to utilize modern technology to improve the job of beekeepers and ultimately the life of bees is to develop methods of making sure that all devices and data involved in digital beekeeping efforts are safe and sound.

A little disclaimer

Unfortunately, this project was not realized. As is often the case in life, not all plans come to fruition.