Over the last two weeks the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency along with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency have called on water utilities to adopt immediate protective steps after cyberattacks struck several water services across multiple states. AWWA CEO David LaFrance released the following statement.

The cyberattacks on various U.S. water systems emphasize how vital it is to remain alert to shifting cyber threats. Water professionals recognize their deep duty to safeguard the health safety and welfare of the communities they support daily.

Utilities throughout the water sector continue efforts to bolster cybersecurity and build resilience after recent incidents. Success requires timely threat intelligence technical support ongoing training and adequate funding to protect essential systems.

AWWA aids these initiatives with cybersecurity tools such as its Getting Started Guide and interactive assessment tool. The resources assist utilities in spotting weaknesses ranking upgrades and improving overall resilience.

AWWA keeps pushing for nationwide minimum cybersecurity standards for water utilities. The standards should be developed with input from water professionals and cybersecurity specialists to keep them practical risk focused and useful. Because water systems differ greatly in size complexity and risk a uniform approach may not work well.

Safeguarding public health has long been the core mission of water utilities. As cyber threats change that mission stays the same delivering safe reliable water service and maintaining community trust each day.

About AWWA
Founded in 1881 the American Water Works Association is the largest nonprofit scientific and educational group focused on managing and treating water the worlds most essential resource. With nearly 50000 members AWWA delivers solutions that advance public health protect the environment support the economy and improve quality of life.

SOURCE American Water Works Association