Surveying for water cybersecurity – protect your system now

TLDR:

• Only 8% of water systems in Alabama responded to the cybersecurity survey.
• Results show an increase in time spent preparing for cyber attacks, participation in cyberattack simulations, and the purchase of cybersecurity insurance.

In a recent cybersecurity survey of water systems in Alabama, only 8% of the systems responded to requests for information on their cybersecurity practices. Of those who responded, some declined to answer specific questions and provided only general statements. The survey results revealed some key findings:

1). The majority of systems reported spending more time preparing for and defending against cyber attacks compared to two years ago.

2). Around two-thirds of the systems have participated in simulations or tabletop exercises that simulate cyber attacks to test vulnerabilities within the system.

3). Half of the systems surveyed reported holding cybersecurity insurance, while a significant portion chose not to disclose whether they have insurance.

4). The frequency of auditing cyber security protections varied, with some systems conducting daily audits, some annual audits, and others choosing not to disclose their audit frequency.

Overall, the survey highlights the importance of cybersecurity measures within water systems and the need for increased transparency and preparedness in defending against cyber threats.