September 24, 2024 at 04:58PM
A small city in Kansas experienced a “cybersecurity incident” at its water treatment facility on Sept. 22. Despite precautionary measures and enhanced security, the facility moved to fully manual operations. The incident prompted concerns about the cybersecurity posture, especially in modern facilities. The exact nature of cybersecurity at the new water treatment facility remains unknown.
From the meeting notes:
– The water treatment facility in Arkansas City experienced a “cybersecurity incident” on Sept. 22. In response to this incident, the facility moved to fully manual operations as a precautionary measure.
– Despite the incident, the city manager reassured residents that the water supply remains completely safe and there has been no disruption to service.
– Cybersecurity experts and government authorities are working to resolve the situation and enhance security measures to protect the water supply.
– The switch to manual mode in response to the incident emphasizes the seriousness of the situation, as indicated by Shawn Waldman, CEO and founder of Secure Cyber.
– Newer facilities, such as the 5.4 million-gallon-per-day water treatment facility in Arkansas City, which opened in February 2018, may introduce new cybersecurity challenges due to greater connectivity and advanced technology.
– There is a concern that some cities are not making a proper investment into securing their critical infrastructure, potentially leaving cybersecurity out of their budgets.
It is crucial for cities to prioritize cybersecurity in their critical infrastructure, and there is a call for the EPA and Congress to establish new cybersecurity standards to ensure the safety and security of public utility systems.