As water systems modernize with digital and remote access technologies, they become increasingly vulnerable to cyberattacks. Operational Technology (OT) systems, such as SCADA and pressure regulation systems, are now prime targets for malicious actors, putting public health and environmental safety at risk.
148% Surge in Cyberattacks in 2023
Malware attacks on U.S. state and local water systems continue to rise significantly.
$4.4 Million Average cost of a Cyber Attack
The average cost of a cyberattack on water utilities exceeds $4.4 million per incident.
Public Safety at Risk
Cyber incidents affecting water treatment systems could harm thousands of residents through service interruptions or contaminated water supply.
Rising Vulnerability of Legacy Systems
Over 60% of water utilities still rely on outdated OT systems, making them highly susceptible to cyberattacks and unauthorized access.
Why It Matters
A single cyberattack can disrupt water supplies, contaminate drinking water, and jeopardize the health and safety of entire communities.
The Invisinet Solution to Water Industry Growing Cybersecurity Challenges
Zero Trust Approach
Limits access to critical IT and OT systems to pre-authorized users, reducing the risk of unauthorized actors gaining entry. This includes multi-factor authentication and strict identity verification protocols.
Secure Cloaking
Invisinet cloaks key IT and OT systems, making them invisible to unauthorized users and preventing reconnaissance and targeting by attackers.
Micro-Segmentation
Dynamically isolates critical systems into secure zones, preventing attackers from spreading malware or accessing sensitive assets.
Regulatory Assurance
Invisinet ensures compliance with evolving cybersecurity regulations, mitigating non-compliance risks and safeguarding against fines or operational restrictions.
Seamless IT/OT Integration
Bridges the gap between IT and OT environments, providing end-to-end security without increasing latency or complexity, ensuring continuous operations.
In February 2021, hackers remotely accessed the SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) system of the Oldsmar Water Treatment Plant in Florida. Using remote access software, they attempted to manipulate the chemical levels, increasing the sodium hydroxide (lye) content to dangerous levels.
Impact
Potential Public Safety Threat
The increase in sodium hydroxide levels could have caused significant harm to residents if not detected in time.
Operational Disruption
The attack highlighted vulnerabilities in remote access systems, creating concerns about operational safety.
Reputational Damage
Public trust in the water supply's safety was shaken, raising awareness about the risks of unsecured remote access.
Government Response/Regulation
CISA Advisory
Following the attack, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) issued a joint advisory emphasizing best practices, such as securing remote access systems with multi-factor authentication and strong passwords.
EPA Involvement
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) urged water facilities to review and update their cybersecurity protocols as part of their compliance measures.
Lessons Learned
Secure Remote Access
The attack demonstrated the importance of securing remote access systems to prevent unauthorized control.
Real-Time Monitoring
Continuous monitoring and anomaly detection could have provided earlier alerts to unusual activity.
Segmentation of IT and OT Networks
Segregating IT and OT networks can prevent attackers from gaining full control of critical systems.
The Invisinet Solution
How Invisinet Keeps the Water Industry Secure
Invisinet’s Zero Trust platform addresses the unique challenges faced by the water industry, delivering robust protection to ensure operational continuity and public safety.
Zero Trust Approach
Limits access to critical systems, requiring pre-authorized identities for all connections.
Secure Cloaking
Invisinet’s cloaking technology hides SCADA systems and OT devices, preventing reconnaissance and unauthorized access.
First Packet Authentication™
Authenticates every connection attempt from the first packet, stopping threats before they can infiltrate.
Micro-Segmentation
Segregates IT and OT networks to prevent lateral movement and contain breaches.
Regulatory Compliance Assurance
Helps water utilities meet EPA and CISA cybersecurity standards while reducing the risk of non-compliance penalties.
Real-Time Monitoring
Continuously detects anomalies to enable swift action against potential threats.
The Outcome with Invisinet in Place
Enhanced Public Safety
Secure Cloaking ensures critical OT systems remain invisible and inaccessible to attackers, protecting water quality and distribution.
Operational Continuity
First Packet Authentication™ blocks threats at entry, maintaining uninterrupted service even during cyber incidents.
Regulatory Confidence
Compliance tools streamline adherence to EPA and CISA standards, avoiding fines and ensuring readiness for evolving regulations.
Proactive Defense
Real-time monitoring and Micro-Segmentation isolate threats before they spread, minimizing disruptions and financial losses.
The Time to Act is Now
Discover how Invisinet’s advanced solutions can protect your critical water infrastructure and ensure regulatory compliance.