Adrian Johnson
TLDR:
States have been warned of recent and ongoing cyber threats to critical infrastructure, particularly in relation to water systems. The EPA and White House are urging governors to partner with federal resources to enhance cybersecurity measures. This comes after past attacks on water systems in Pennsylvania and Texas.
Article Summary:
Recent cyber threats to critical infrastructure, specifically water systems, have prompted the EPA and White House to issue warnings to state governors. These threats, which have been associated with China and Iran, have the potential to disrupt vital services and impose significant costs on affected communities. The lack of resources and technical capacity in water systems makes them attractive targets for cyberattacks. The letter from the EPA and White House emphasizes the need for collaboration between state and federal entities to strengthen cybersecurity measures.
While states are urged to take advantage of federal resources and tools to mitigate cyber risks, it is noted that smaller communities are particularly vulnerable due to limited budgets and cyber staff. The letter also outlines actions that water and wastewater systems can take to enhance their cybersecurity defenses. State officials from Texas, California, and Maryland shared insights on their proactive approaches to cybersecurity, including incident response teams and critical infrastructure labs.
However, challenges remain, as there is little guidance on centralized responses in the event of major cyber events affecting multiple jurisdictions. Administration officials have expressed a commitment to shifting the burden of cybersecurity away from entities with limited budgets. Ultimately, the letter from the EPA and White House calls for state and local officials’ engagement in cybersecurity efforts and highlights the importance of protecting critical infrastructure from cyber threats.
