Security News > 2024 > March > US task force aims to plug security leaks in water sector

US government is urging state officials to band together to improve the cybersecurity of the country's water sector amid growing threats from foreign adversaries.

The Environmental Protection Agency announced it is seeking to establish a Water Sector Cybersecurity Task Force to beef up current work to implement "Immediate" solutions to prevent one of the US's most critical services from disruption.

Recent attacks on the Municipal Water Authority of Aliquippa, as well as a collection of unnamed utilities, have prompted a period of heightened awareness from security authorities in recent months.

With Iran's recent history of masterminding a disruptive attack against the Pennsylvania facility, and Volt Typhoon being observed as pre-positioning itself within critical networks - suspected to launch damaging attacks during geopolitical or military conflicts - both countries are thought to present an acute risk of conducting "Disabling cyberattacks" against the US water sector.

"EPA and take these threats very seriously and will continue to partner with state environmental, health, and homeland security leaders to address the pervasive and challenging risk of cyberattacks on water systems."

"We've worked across government to implement significant cybersecurity standards in our nation's critical infrastructure, including in the water sector, as we remain vigilant to the risks and costs of cyber threats. We look forward to continuing our partnership with the EPA to bolster the cybersecurity of America's water and wastewater systems."

News URL

https://go.theregister.com/feed/www.theregister.com/2024/03/20/us_water_sector_cybersecurity/