Federal officials don’t agree. Recent hacks on water systems exposed their vulnerabilities. But while some want the EPA to play a stronger role, others emphasized that local systems are best suited to defend themselves.
Who should ensure our critical water infrastructure is protected from cyberattacks? The water systems themselves? Or the Environmental Protection Agency?
A hearing last week before the House Energy and Commerce subcommittee showed there is little agreement on what role the federal government should play, if any. But the hearing did highlight the ongoing vulnerabilities in the sector.
It followed a November attack on the Municipal Water Authority of Aliquippa in Pennsylvania, which had its water management system breached by the Iran-linked Cyber Av3ngers gang. The attack prompted calls for a federal investigation into the attack, as lawmakers said Congress must act to bolster cybersecurity protections for a sector that is often underfunded, understaffed and wrestling with aging technology.
Route Fifty
By Chris Teale | FEBRUARY 5, 2024