Can you hack a tractor? That’s what John Deere asked 20 college students from around the US to attempt to do recently. Source: Timberbiz
The week-long event called the Cyber Tractor Challenge was part of the company’s efforts to proactively find and address vulnerabilities within operating systems while also attracting some of the best talent in the world.
The students, whose experience ranged from undergraduates to PhD candidates specializing in the fields of computer engineering, electrical engineering, industrial technology and cyber security, were excited by the opportunity to work with John Deere.
Carl Kubalsky, business information security officer for tech stack and cloud, said the first-year event was a great way for Deere to find people with the skills the company needs.
“There is a real need for people that have the talents that they have to come and help us find where there might be some holes or opportunities in our products so we can button those up, continue to be that premiere ag equipment and technology producer, and keep our customers safe in the field,” he said.
The company did not release information as to whether the students were able to hack into the machinery.
