Skip to content

Cyber Insurance News

The Leading Source for Cybersecurity Insurance News, Insights and Data

EPA Urgently Needs a Strategy to Address Cybersecurity of Water Systems – GAO

Posted on August 2, 2024August 2, 2024 By Martin Hinton

“We forget that the water cycle and the life cycle are one,” said Jacques Cousteau, the renowned oceanographer and environmental advocate. Humans, composed of approximately 60% water, depend on this vital resource for survival, with civilizations flourishing around its availability. A recent report from the United States Government Accountability Office (GAO) underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy to protect the nation’s water and wastewater systems from growing cyber threats.

The GAO report follows a letter sent by the EPA to state governors in March emphasizing the urgent need to address cybersecurity vulnerabilities in water systems. This letter highlighted recent cyber incidents and stressed the potential consequences of such attacks, including threats to public health and safety. The EPA underscored the importance of collaboration between federal and state agencies to enhance the cybersecurity posture of water and wastewater systems.

You can get the full GAO report here. What follows is our summary.

Rising Threats and Incidents

The report identifies a growing number of cyber threats targeting the nearly 170,000 water systems in the U.S., including attacks by foreign nations, cybercriminals, and other malicious actors. Notable incidents include attacks by Chinese-sponsored hackers on multiple water systems in late 2023, demonstrating the potential for severe disruptions.

Vulnerability Factors

Water and wastewater systems are increasingly automated, relying on technologies such as Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems. While these technologies enhance operational efficiency, they also expose the systems to cyber risks. The GAO report highlights the challenges of outdated technologies, workforce skills gaps, and limited investments in cybersecurity protections, as water systems prioritize regulatory compliance and safe water provision over cybersecurity enhancements.

Federal and Non-Federal Efforts
Actions Taken

Federal agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), have improved water safety and the sector’s cybersecurity. These actions include issuing cybersecurity alerts and advisories, conducting sector outreach, and providing technical assistance. The EPA developed the Vulnerability Self-Assessment Tool (VSAT) to help water systems assess risks and develop emergency response plans.

Challenges and Limitations

Despite these efforts, the GAO report indicates that the EPA has not conducted a comprehensive sector-wide risk assessment or developed a risk-informed strategy. The EPA has faced legal and voluntary approach challenges in managing cybersecurity risks. A notable example is the EPA’s March 2023 interpretation of existing legal requirements to include cybersecurity assessments, which was withdrawn after legal challenges. The EPA is expected to release an evaluation of its authorities and a risk assessment in 2025.

Recommendations and Future Actions
GAO’s Recommendations

The GAO report makes four key recommendations to enhance cybersecurity in the water sector:

Conduct a Comprehensive Risk Assessment: The EPA should conduct a sector-wide risk assessment considering physical security and cybersecurity threats, vulnerabilities, and consequences.

Develop and Implement a National Cybersecurity Strategy: The EPA should create a risk-informed cybersecurity strategy coordinating with federal and sector stakeholders. This strategy should include clear objectives, activities, performance measures, roles, responsibilities, and required resources.

Evaluate Legal Authorities: The EPA should assess its existing legal authorities for managing cybersecurity responsibilities and seek additional authority from Congress as needed.

Peer Review of VSAT: The EPA should submit the VSAT for independent peer review and make necessary revisions to ensure its effectiveness.

EPA’s Response

The EPA concurred with the GAO’s recommendations and indicated that it is taking action to address them. The agency plans to increase inspection and enforcement activities to ensure drinking water systems address cybersecurity threats.

The GAO report emphasizes the critical need for a robust and comprehensive approach to cybersecurity in the U.S. water sector. With increasing cyber threats and the potential for significant public health and environmental consequences, the EPA must prioritize developing and implementing a national cybersecurity strategy.

Bottom line: Without immediate action, our water could be dangerously compromised.

Source: CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE PROTECTION EPA Urgently Needs a Strategy to Address Cybersecurity Risks to Water and Wastewater Systems.

Other News: Water Companies Face Challenges Getting Cyber Insurance, Industry Expert Says (Opens in a new browser tab).

Other News: Blood donations needed after cyber attack.

Cybersecurity, Cybersecurity Report Tags:Cybersecurity, GAO, water, Water Safety, water system cybersecurity, water systems

Post navigation

Previous Post: Coalition Introduces Active Cyber Insurance in Germany
Next Post: Cyber Insurance Sunday – Upload

Related Posts

  • 2024 Phishing Trends: How Employee Awareness Training Can Combat Rising Threats Cyber Insurance
  • Coalition’s 2025 Risky Tech Ranking Lists Microsoft, Google, Apple as Most Vulnerable Cyber Insurance Policies & Strategies
  • Identity Governance and Administration Struggles Continue, Omada Report Finds Cybersecurity
  • Email Security Trends 2025: Addressing the Disconnect Between Security and Risk Management Cybersecurity
  • Survey Exposes Public Concerns Over UK Cybercrime and Fraud Cyber Insurance UK
  • Identity Security Key to Controlling Rising Cyber Insurance Premiums, Says Report Cyber Insurance

Get the Cyber Insurance Newsletter

Receive weekly updates on the top news on cyber insurance.

Cyber Insurance News

Cyber Insurance News
In this clip from our latest podcast episode, Dan Candee, CEO of Cork Protection, dives into a critical topic that hits close to home: Cybersecurity for Main Street businesses.

🛡️ With a background in enterprise-level cybersecurity on Wall Street and a personal connection to small business through his family, Dan shares why Cork focuses on protecting small and mid-sized businesses from rising cyber threats.

🚨 "The threat actors are getting better, and they're coming after Main Street more and more."

👉 Discover why Main Street is being underserved in today's digital threat landscape and how Cork is filling that gap with a unique value proposition.

🔗 Learn more about Cork: corkinc.com
🎧 Full Podcast Episode: www.youtube.com/@CyberInsuranceNews/podcasts

📣 Don't forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the 🔔 notification bell so you never miss a powerful conversation.

#Cybersecurity #SmallBusiness #MainStreet #DanCandee #CorkProtection #TechForGood #SMBs #PodcastClip #CyberThreats #BusinessSecurity
Cybersecurity for Main Street: Dan Candee on Protecting Small Businesses | CEO of Cork Protection
SMB Cyber Threats - In this episode of the Cyber Insurance News Podcast, host Martin Hinton talks with Dan Candee, CEO of Cork Protection, about the rising tide of cyber threats targeting small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs). Dan shares his journey from Main Street entrepreneur to cybersecurity leader, offering real-world insight into the threat landscape, financial vulnerabilities, and how AI and managed service providers (MSPs) can help fortify business resilience.

We explore:
• Why Main Street is more vulnerable than Wall Street
• Common SMB cybersecurity blind spots (like ACH fraud)
• The evolving role of managed service providers
• How Cork Protection blends cybersecurity and cyber insurance
• Real-world attack case studies and practical advice for SMBs

Whether you’re a small business owner, MSP, or cyber pro, this episode unpacks how to prepare, prevent, and protect your organization in today’s digital world.

📌 Topics: cybersecurity, cyber insurance, social engineering, SMB protection, ransomware, AI in security, MSPs

🎙 Guest: Dan Candee, CEO of Cork Protection
📢 Host: Martin Hinton, Executive Editor, Cyber Insurance News

👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more insights on cyber insurance and digital defense!

#CyberSecurity #CyberInsurance #SMB #AI #CyberPodcast #BusinessResilience #smallbusiness #sme
00:00 Introduction - Dan Candee and Cork Protection
02:27 The Importance of Cybersecurity for Small Businesses
05:29 Understanding Cyber Threats and Their Impact
08:26 The Role of Managed Service Providers in Cybersecurity
11:24 24Financial Protection and Cyber Insurance Solutions
14:01 Leveraging AI in Cybersecurity
16:53 Navigating Cyber Insurance Policies
19:56 Empowering Small Businesses with Knowledge
21:52 The Future of Cybersecurity and Community Resilience
26:05 MSP/ MSSP The Lingo decoded
29:05 Finals Thoughts and a bit of Hope!
SMBs Are Cyber Targets | Dan Candee on Cyber Resilience & AI | Cyber Insurance News Podcast EP#6
Cyberattack on Small Business is on the rise—and AI is making it worse. In this episode of the Cyber Insurance News Podcast, host Martin Hinton sits down with William Altman of CyberCube to unpack how AI is enabling threat actors to more efficiently target and exploit small businesses.

🔐 From credential stuffing to brute force attacks, William explains how cybercriminals use AI to bypass login portals and MFA solutions—putting millions of small business owners at risk.

🎙️ Timestamps:
0:00 - Introduction
6:26 - William Altman on AI and threat actors
6:50 - Credential stuffing, brute force & reused credentials
10:00 - What small businesses can do right now
14:20 - The future of AI in cybercrime

🎧 Don’t miss this crucial update on the cybersecurity landscape for small businesses. Subscribe and stay informed.

#cyberattack #smallbusiness #AI #cybersecurity #CyberCube
Cyberattack on Small Business: How AI Supercharges Cyber Threats | William Altman @CyberCube"
Load More... Subscribe

Categories

  • 8-K
  • AI & Cyber Insurance
  • AI & Cybersecurity
  • Critical Infrastructure cyber insurance and security
  • Cyber Cat Bonds/Cyber Catastrophe Bonds
  • Cyber Insurance
  • Cyber Insurance APAC
  • Cyber Insurance Best Practices
  • Cyber Insurance Captive
  • Cyber Insurance Carriers & Brokers
  • Cyber Insurance Claims
  • Cyber Insurance EU
  • Cyber Insurance Financial Institutions
  • Cyber Insurance for Government
  • Cyber Insurance for Healthcare
  • Cyber Insurance for Schools
  • Cyber Insurance for SMEs/SMBs
  • Cyber Insurance For Startups
  • Cyber Insurance for Utilities
  • Cyber Insurance Geographic Markets
  • Cyber Insurance Industry Groups
  • Cyber Insurance Investments and M&A
  • Cyber Insurance Jobs
  • Cyber Insurance Laws & Regulations
  • Cyber Insurance Litigation
  • Cyber Insurance Market Size
  • Cyber Insurance MENA
  • Cyber Insurance News & Information Podcst
  • Cyber Insurance People
  • Cyber Insurance Policies & Strategies
  • Cyber Insurance Premiums
  • Cyber Insurance Reports
  • Cyber Insurance Settlements
  • Cyber Insurance Sunday – Upload
  • Cyber Insurance Systemic Risks
  • Cyber Insurance Tech
  • Cyber Insurance Threats
  • Cyber Insurance UK
  • Cyber Insurance Underwriting
  • Cyber Insurance Wholesaler
  • Cyber Regulations
  • Cyber War Exclusions
  • Cybersecurity
  • Cybersecurity and Credit Ratings
  • Cybersecurity for SMBs
  • Cybersecurity in Education
  • Cybersecurity Investment
  • cybersecurity jobs
  • cybersecurity M&A
  • Cybersecurity people
  • Cybersecurity Report
  • Cybersecurity Training
  • Department of Homeland Security
  • EU Cybersecurity
  • Insurance Linked Securities/ILS
  • Insurance Loss Warranty contract/ILW
  • Managed Service Providers
  • National Association of Insurance Commissioners' (NAIC) model cybersecurity law
  • Non-criminal Claims/Non-Malicious Claims
  • Opinion/Commentary
  • Personal Cyber Insurance
  • Personal CyberSecurity
  • Ransomware Insurance
  • Reinsurance
  • Risk Modeling
  • SEC Cyber Disclosure Rule
  • Small Business
  • Supply Chain Cybersecurity And Insurance

Send Ideas, Requests & Comments




    Tags

    AI AI in Cybersecurity Artificial Intelligence At-Bay Beazley CFC Chubb Cloud Security Coalition Corvus Cowbell Cowbell Cyber crowdstrike cyber attack Cybercrime CyberCube cyber insurace cyber insurance cyberinsurance cyber insurance for small businesses Cyber Insurance Market Cyber liability Insruance cyber liability insurance cyberliabilityinsurance Cyber Resilience Cyber Risk Cyber Risk Management cyber security Cybersecurity cybersecurity insurance Cyber threats Data Breach Data Breaches Howden Lloyds Marsh Microsoft personal cyber insurance phishing Ransomware Ransomware Insurance Resilience Risk Management SecurityScorecard small business
    • Cyber Insurance Books
    • Cyber Insurance Reports & Documents
    • Cyber Insurance Acronyms/Terms
    • Cyber Insurance Companies: Carriers, Brokers & Vendors
    • Industry Response: Potential Federal Insurance Response to Catastrophic Cyber Incidents
    • Ransomware Insurance
    • How Much Is Cyber Insurance?
    • Considerations for Buying Cyber Insurance
    • Cyber Liability Insurance Near Me
    • Cyber Insurance Quote
    • Newsletter
    • Legal Analysis & Full Text of 2023 SEC Rule: Cybersecurity Risk Management, Strategy, Governance, and Incident Disclosure
    • Glossary
    • About Cyber Insurance News
    • Privacy Policy

    • SecurityScorecard Signs CISA’s Secure by Design Pledge Cybersecurity
    • GAO Prods Feds to Assess Their Potential Response to Catastrophic Cyber Attacks  Cyber Insurance Best Practices
    • Ascot Insurance to Use Zywave Platform for Inland Marine Quoting and Underwriting Cyber Insurance Carriers & Brokers
    • INSURING OUR FUTURE: FIGHTING YESTERDAY’S BATTLES IN A CYBER-DRIVEN WORLD – Opinion Cyber Insurance
    • Cowbell Cyber Touts Customer Numbers Cyber Insurance
    • Cyber Insurance Pays Back Only App. 60% of Ransomware Costs & Then Rates Go Up Cyber Insurance Premiums
    • Europeans Offer New Cyber Insurance Services  Cyber Insurance
    • Watch Out: The “Hard Cyber Insurance Market” Is Coming Back, Says At-Bay Cyber Insurance Carriers & Brokers

    Related Cybersecurity Sites

    http://www.whatiscyberliability.com

    https://www.whatiscyberinsurance.com

    http://www.ddosattacktutorial.com

    http://www.ransomwareremovaltool.com

    Our Privacy Policy: https://cyberinsurancenews.org/privacy-policy/

    Copyright © 2024 Cyber Insurance News.

    Powered by PressBook Premium theme