The attack on servers at JBS, the world’s largest meat producer, led to cancelled shifts for a second day at the Brooks, Alta. plant, which processes 30 per cent of Canada’s federally inspected cattle. (Bloomberg)

Talking point: The cyberattack raises questions about food-supply safety and the cybersecurity of critical services, after hackers targeted North America’s largest petroleum pipeline last month. Brazil-based JBS is Australia’s biggest meat and food processor and accounts for 23 per cent of U.S. beef production. This week’s attack comes after a tumultuous year for the industry, as people stockpiled food during the pandemic, and slaughterhouses and meat-processing plants were hotspots for outbreaks. About 85 per cent of Canada’s meat-processing capacity is concentrated in three facilities.