Boost cyber resilience of water and wastewater with new CISA guidelines

New guidance has been issued by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the FBI to help water and wastewater systems sector owners and operators respond to cyber incidents. The Incident Response Guide was developed in collaboration with 25 partners from the industry, state and local governments, and the nonprofit sector. The guide covers all stages of the incident response lifecycle and provides information on federal roles, resources, and responsibilities. It also includes best practices for responding to cyber incidents. CISA Executive Assistant Director for Cybersecurity Eric Goldstein emphasized the constant threat that the water and wastewater systems sector faces from cyber actors. The guide, he said, is timely, actionable, and the result of an outstanding partnership between stakeholders. FBI Cyber Division Assistant Director Bryan Vorndran pledged continued efforts to combat cyber threats to this critical infrastructure sector. Radhika Fox, the assistant administrator for water at the EPA, highlighted the urgent risk that threats pose to safe drinking water and wastewater services.