New Plan to Strengthen Cybersecurity of Water Utility Systems and Why Women Should be Part of it

It is true – the Biden administration has decided to roll out new cybersecurity initiatives that would protect essential water systems from potential attacks. Since cybercriminals have become more cunning and dangerous, it makes for the Biden administration to put new cybersecurity measures in place before the unthinkable happens.

Since the hacking threats often spiral out of control, the new initiates will deliver advanced cyber defense tech paired with threat intelligence to mitigate the impact on water utilities. Throughout the year, this sector is (almost) always in need of urgency.

100-Day Plan

With improved cybersecurity measures for 100 days, public water systems can maintain high security and avoid potential breaches. Water treatment plants and facilities are often vulnerable to breaches and new cybersecurity measures will prevent traditional attacks from hackers.

New cybersecurity solutions and value of diversity tech experts believe that there is an urgent need to level the playing field in the IT sector. In fact, more diversity will lead to more innovative and robust solutions. For example, Reshma Saujani, a renowned author with tech expertise believes that “Young women should have more creative space to thrive in tech.”

Saujani believes that the benefits of taking risks outweigh its pitfalls. Besides, taking risks would help the IT sector and government agencies to reap unexpected benefits. Saujani may have lost the race for Congress, but she understands the complex undercutting challenges that exist in the current political climate.

Perspective Matters

With this new and urgent initiative from the Biden administration, Saujani’s belief to encourage more women to be part of the IT world would allow government and businesses to reap more benefits. More women in the IT space can change the course of “how” we approach and mitigate cybersecurity issues.

On top of current cybersecurity actions, the best course of action for the Biden administration would be to focus on similar initiatives in the IT sector that can bring women into the spotlight. Since the demand for cloud computing and cybersecurity jobs is at an all-time high, it makes perfect sense to attract talented and competent women in the field.

In line with the new cybersecurity initiatives, the last thing the new administration should do is to leave out women from the entire picture. In fact, more female coders and cybersecurity specialists can offer a unique perspective to mitigate the impact of more advanced attacks.

“With our current political climate, cybersecurity continues to always be prevalent,” stated Reshma Moorthy. “With initiatives like STEM, more young girls are realizing their full potential can exist within the technology world which is extremely encouraging as opportunities continue to be superfluous for women in the IT Tech and Cyber industry.”

Heightened Focus of Interest

As the vulnerabilities of this sector increase, there is a heightened focus on the water utility systems from federal officials. Experts believe that the current cyber resilience of major water utility systems is redundant and open to breaches. It is no wonder there’s an increase in state-wide cybercrimes from notorious hackers.

Biden’s administration, however, is aware of this dwindling cyber resilience in the water utility systems and now wants to enforce robust cybersecurity solutions. After that announcement, there was a positive affirmation and feedback in the industry. The new cybersecurity initiatives would also allow small water facilities to expand without having to worry about cybersecurity challenges.

Collaboration with CISA and EPA

At its core, the new cybersecurity initiatives are targeted towards water systems’ defenses that are used by most Americans and ultimately expand into smaller water facilities. The CISA (Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency) which is currently being lead by a woman - Jen Easterling and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) want to start water utility systems with a new program that can implement more robust defensive tools for their systems. So far, the feedback from the water utilities has been positive and the use of new technologies to curb cybersecurity issues will be the highlight of the program.

Moorthy stated further, "All levels of leadership have to continue to open the doors and pave the way for women to bring their diverse opinions, backgrounds and perspectives into the IT world. More selections from the federal government, such as Jen Easterling, will continue to send the message to our future leaders that it takes a variety of types of people to protect our IT infrastructure and our future."

Also, there is a need for more guidance and training to bolster the water utility systems across the US. Additionally, there is also a need for long-term planning to improve overall cybersecurity in the gas and natural sectors. After completion of the 100-day plan, you can expect the new cybersecurity initiatives to be part of the water utility systems.

Regulating Water Utilities

On the flip side, federal agencies want to regulate electric utilities and water pipelines. However, there is a restrictive authority as to how many cybersecurity rules you can impose on water utility systems. Since the stakes and standards are at an all-time high, the momentum to address key cybersecurity issues of water utilities is headed in the right direction.

But like other infrastructures, the water sector is vulnerable to cybersecurity problems and may have to contend with more severe ransomware attacks in the foreseeable future. At the moment, the focus of the new cybersecurity initiatives is to add rules so that there are fewer chances of a state-sponsored attack.  

Rise of Ransomware Attacks in Major Water Utilities

After a ransomware attack on a water facility in Nevada last March, computer systems compromised the visibility of the plant’s employees. In that same year, hackers managed to break into Tampa, FL’s water facility’s computer system. But whether it’s Florida or Nevada, there is a long list of data breaches that make the new cybersecurity plan from the Biden administration all the more crucial.

Again, awareness, diversity, and coordination will be key parameters to ensure the success of the new cybersecurity plan. Also, water facilities will have to work with other utilities and organizations to disseminate cybersecurity issues across the US.

Sharing Information and Data Analysis

Despite the situation, it would also be integral for water utilities to share information with the US government to make more analytical judgments and change course if necessary. Many water professionals believe that the rates and fees may cover current available services. It means the cost of upgrading to new infrastructure is not out of the question as previously thought in the water sector.

Sum Up

Since women and men have different views regarding water resources due to how they assimilate the uses of water, it's important to continue to include more women in this work force to foster a more equitable and gender-sensitive cybersecurity water management program.