Federal officials are preparing a new cybersecurity program to help water and wastewater utilities strengthen defenses against growing cyber threats.
The federal government is preparing to launch a new cybersecurity assistance program aimed at helping water and wastewater systems strengthen their defenses against cyberattacks. Led by the Office of the National Cyber Director, the initiative is expected to connect states and utilities with private-sector cybersecurity firms. The effort is particularly focused on systems with limited cybersecurity staff and resources.
The program comes amid a recent increase in attempted cyber intrusions targeting water systems, including attacks reported in Minnesota and roughly a dozen other states. Federal officials have identified water infrastructure as especially vulnerable because many utilities rely on aging technology, remote-access systems, and limited cybersecurity capacity. The FBI and CISA are assisting with the recent incidents, while federal officials consider broader ways to strengthen cybersecurity across critical infrastructure.
