AMHERST, Mass. (WWLP) – The Amherst Water District has received a $50,000 grant to make cybersecurity improvements after a recent assessment identified a risk of cyberattack.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which requires states to evaluate cybersecurity as part of its inspections of public water systems, said many water systems are not taking basic steps to ensure their security despite frequent cyberattacks.
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The Biden administration warned state governors in March that cyber attacks were being targeted to “cripple” water and wastewater systems across the country, and urged them to identify and address vulnerabilities.
In the letter, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael Regan and White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said water and wastewater systems could be an “attractive target” for cyber attacks due to their critical nature and lack of “the resources and technical capability to implement rigorous cybersecurity measures.”
“Failure to implement even basic cybersecurity measures, such as resetting default passwords and updating software to address known vulnerabilities, could mean the difference between business as usual and a devastating cyber attack,” Regan and Sullivan said.
They asked governors to work together to identify significant vulnerabilities in their state’s water systems, implement measures to mitigate cybersecurity risks, and implement plans to prepare for potential cyber incidents.
The City of Amherst conducted an assessment of its Public Works and Water Department computer systems to identify areas for improvement and was awarded a $50,000 Cybersecurity Improvement Grant from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) Drinking Water Program, according to a news release from the City of Amherst.
Amherst uses remote and on-site management to monitor the town’s water supply, notifying staff of any issues with the water system, such as a sudden drop in pressure that could be an indication of a major water main rupture.
“This grant will enable the water district to address cybersecurity vulnerabilities identified in a recent cybersecurity assessment,” said Public Works Deputy Superintendent Amy Rusiecki. “Cybercriminals are improving their techniques and targeting water districts across the country. We are grateful for this financial assistance from DEP to help us strengthen our cybersecurity.”
“The Town’s water and sewer systems are becoming increasingly sophisticated and complex, and are becoming more reliant on computer monitoring,” said Town Manager Paul Bockelman. “As we have discovered, these systems are vulnerable and need to be kept up to date. These are critical systems that protect life and health safety, and we are fortunate to have operators and staff who are proactive in addressing these needs.”
“This grant will help strengthen cybersecurity protections that are essential to safeguarding our water treatment systems, improving safety and uninterrupted service to our drinking water supply,” added Sean Hannon, director of information technology.
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