The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) have collaborated to develop a highly significant cybersecurity guide that is specifically intended for Water and Wastewater Systems (WWS) entities.
This comprehensive guide is aimed at strengthening the defense mechanisms of WWS entities and safeguarding the crucial water resources that they manage.
This initiative is of utmost importance as these systems are critical infrastructure that provides essential services to the community, and any security breach can have a significant impact on public health and safety.
Water systems are at a high risk of cyberattacks due to their outdated operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT) systems.
These systems are vulnerable to both data breaches and disruptions, which can have a severe impact on their operations.
The lack of regular updates and security measures makes them an easy target for malicious attacks, putting the safety and quality of the water supply at risk.
By providing valuable information and guidelines, the fact sheet serves as an effective tool to enhance the security of computer systems and networks and to enhance their capacity to withstand and respond to cyberattacks.
If you’re looking for resources to enhance the cybersecurity of your water and wastewater systems, then you may want to check out the defenses shared by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) have jointly issued a comprehensive incident response guide that outlines the necessary steps to be taken in the event of a cyber attack targeting water management systems.
The guide provides detailed instructions on how to identify, respond to, and recover from such attacks to minimize the damage and ensure the continuity of critical operations.
Taking Action
- Reduce Exposure to the Public-Facing Internet
- Conduct Regular Cybersecurity Assessments
- Change Default Passwords Immediately
- Conduct an Inventory of Operational Technology/Information Technology Assets
- Develop and Exercise Cybersecurity Incident Response and Recovery Plans
- Backup OT/IT Systems
- Reduce Exposure to Vulnerabilities
- Conduct Cyber Security Awareness Training
If you are part of a water or wastewater systems organization and require additional support in implementing the measures mentioned in this fact sheet, you can reach out to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or your regional Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) cybersecurity advisor.
They will be able to guide and assist you in securing your systems against potential cyber threats.
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