Thirsty for Trouble: America’s Drinking Water Faces Cybersecurity Woes
Nearly a third of US residents rely on drinking water systems with cybersecurity gaps, says the EPA OIG. With 308 systems lacking protection, these digital Achilles’ heels serve millions. The EPA is in a splashy kerfuffle, lacking its own attack-tracking system and relying on Homeland Security for updates. Cybersecurity in water is no joke!
Hot Take:
Who needs plot twists when your drinking water system is the real-life thriller? If the EPA were a superhero, they’d be the one stuck in paperwork while the villain floods the city! With their current track record, it won’t be long before “The Great Water Heist” hits theaters near you!
Key Points:
- Over 30% of U.S. drinking water systems have cybersecurity vulnerabilities, affecting 82.7 million people.
- The EPA lacks its own cybersecurity incident reporting system, relying on DHS for notifications.
- Only systems serving 50,000 or more were assessed, leaving potentially smaller systems vulnerable.
- Legacy infrastructure convergence with IT systems is increasing vulnerability to cyber threats.
- Similar cybersecurity issues are present in the UK, notably with aging systems at Thames Water.
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