EPA Releases Water Systems Cyber Requirement in Tandem with National Strategy – By Alexandra Kelley (Nextgov) / Mar 3, 2023
The Environmental Protection Agency unveiled new cybersecurity guidelines to help states evaluate their water sanitation systems’ defenses
Moving in step with the just-released National Cyber Strategy, the Environmental Protection Agency issued a new memorandum to help improve the cybersecurity posture guarding the nation’s water filtration systems.
Pursuant to the national framework, the EPA will require states to survey the digital networks governing drinking water filtration operations. This follows a slew of cyberattacks targeting critical infrastructure in the U.S., with water systems becoming recent targets.
“Cyberattacks against critical infrastructure facilities, including drinking water systems, are increasing, and public water systems are vulnerable. Cyberattacks have the potential to contaminate drinking water, which threatens public health,” said EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Radhika Fox. “EPA is taking action to protect our public water systems by issuing this memorandum requiring states to audit the cybersecurity practices of local water systems.”
