Cyber-attacks on public water and wastewater systems endanger public safety and national security. Rural utilities are increasingly vulnerable to cyber threats, which can jeopardize the integrity of water distribution and treatment processes. Small water utilities serving populations of 10,000 and below very often feel they don’t have the resources or don’t know where to find those resources to help them with the cybersecurity of their facilities.
Tools & Resources
RD’s Water and Environmental Programs is partnering with National Rural Water Association to carry out a one-year study to assess cybersecurity capacity of rural water utilities. Cybersecurity Circuit Riders are engaged in Oregon and Vermont to provide no-cost support and training to small rural water systems, cybersecurity vulnerability assessments, and assistance with implementation of solutions. Water Circuit Riders in all 50 states and Puerto Rico will also receive cybersecurity training under this program, and can provide cybersecurity technical assistance to small rural drinking water utilities nationwide at no cost.
Visit these links to learn more:
- Cybersecurity Circuit Rider program study: https://nrwa.org/cybersecurity-circuit-rider-program/
- Cybersecurity technical assistance: https://nrwa.org/issues/cybersecurity/