The Environmental Protection Agency warned last week that cyberattacks against water utilities around the U.S. are becoming more frequent and more severe, and issued an enforcement alert urging water systems to take immediate actions to protect the nation’s water supply.

 

The agency said the threats have increased to such a degree that this additional action is critical.

 

A recent ABC news report said “About 70% of utilities inspected by federal officials over the last year violated standards meant to prevent breaches or other intrusions, the agency said. Officials urged even small water systems to improve protections against hacks. Recent cyberattacks by groups affiliated with Russia and Iran have targeted smaller communities.” Read the article

For more information, read the MSSP Alert article EPA Steps Up Cybersecurity Inspections on Water Suppliers

WE ARE HERE TO HELP

If you are a current customer protected by OrbitalFire, you are ahead of a vast majority of municipalities in the country. For those not yet protected, OrbitalFire can help assess your current cybersecurity strategy and help you build one, sized for your small municipality.

Whether you are a customer or not, consider these next steps:

1. If you haven’t done a cybersecurity assessment within the last year, we recommend a new review of your strategy to ensure you have an up-to-date plan.
2. An Incident Response Tabletop is an effective way to get all stakeholders in your organization focused on protecting your water system.
3. Not yet a customer? Reach out to OrbitalFire to learn more about our fully-managed, affordable services to help understand what you need to improve your cybersecurity protections.