Protecting Our Water: Cybersecurity for Water and Wastewater Systems
The water we drink, the showers we take, and the toilets we flush – all of these everyday necessities depend on the reliable operation of our water and wastewater systems. But in an increasingly digital world, these critical systems face a growing threat: cyberattacks.
The Escalating Threat Landscape
Cyberattacks on industrial control systems (ICS) are not just the plotlines of Hollywood thrillers; they are a stark reality with potentially devastating consequences. The water sector, responsible for the continuous delivery of clean water and safe disposal of wastewater, has become a prime target for malicious actors seeking to disrupt essential services, steal sensitive data, or even cause physical harm.
Vulnerabilities in the Water Sector
Water and wastewater facilities rely heavily on computer technology, including Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, for automated physical processes. While SCADA systems offer efficiency and convenience, they also introduce vulnerabilities that cyber threat actors can exploit.
