Water utilities are beefing up cybersecurity as federal officials warn that cyberattacks on the industry are become more frequent and severe. The United States Environmental Protection Agency issued an enforcement alert last week warning water systems to improve cyber hygiene practices and take other steps to reduce vulnerability. “Based on actual incidents, we know that a cyberattack on a vulnerable water system may allow an adversary to manipulate operational technology,” the agency said.
As AI boosts Texas cybercrime, challenges in bringing international criminals to justice remain Michael Kampstra, the San Antonio Water System’s chief information security officer, called cyberattacks “one of the most significant business challenges organizations face today.” Speaking to the utility’s board of trustees in March, Kampstra said
officials declined an interview request on the topic, saying the city-owned utility needs to keep its cybersecurity efforts confidential. Kampstra told trustees that the utility conducts annual assessments and exercises. Last year’s focused on recovering control of the water production system, he said. The