Top 6 Water Cybersecurity Threats Plant Operators Need To Know
As the world becomes digitized, even low-tech industries are at risk of cyberattacks. The water sector is no exception. As a result, water utilities face a growing number of cyber threats.
These threats range from simple malware attacks to high-end attacks that can disable key systems. For these setbacks, it is crucial for water plant operators to be aware of the latest threats.
As we know, water is one of the key resources for human survival. That is why water facilities are a critical base that requires absolute protection. With the rise of cyber threats, an OT security vendor is the most prudent choice to safeguard these bases.
Water plants are complex systems comprising a network of pumps and other equipment. You need to track and control them for them to function well. OT security vendors provide the tools and security tips that keep them safe from attack.
While many vendors provide OT solutions, not all of them are equal. This article lists out the top 6 water cybersecurity threats that plant operators need to know. It also includes a description of each threat and how you can overcome them.
The Top 6 Water Cybersecurity Threats
Water plant operators face many cybersecurity threats. These attacks can disable the safety of the water supply and cause financial damage. To protect against these threats, water plant operators need to be aware of the risks they face.
Here are the top 6 water cybersecurity threats according to a top cyber security company, which plant operators need to know:
- Denial-Of-Service Attacks
As water treatment plants rely on OT security tools to manage plant processes, they become more at risk of cyber-attacks. One of the attacks that pose a severe threat to these facilities is a denial-of-service (DoS) attack.
A DoS attack is a type of attack that seeks to disrupt the regular operation of a system. DoS attacks work by flooding systems with requests or data. This can cause the system to crash or become buried and unable to function well.
It can even lead to water supply disruption to homes and businesses. DoS attacks can even lead to safety concerns.
Plant operators need to be aware of the threat of DoS attacks and take steps to protect their systems. OT cybersecurity is a critical part of defending against these attacks. This includes setting security measures, such as firewalls and intrusion detection systems.
- Malware and Ransomware Attacks
As the world goes digital, so are the threats to our critical infrastructure. Malware and ransomware attacks are the most pressing threats to our water plants.
Malware is software that is meant to harm or impair computers and computer systems. For example, ransomware is malware that encrypts a user’s data and then asks you for a ransom to decrypt the data.
While malware and ransomware attacks can be ruinous, here are steps plant operators can take to protect their systems.
- Keeping their software up to date
- Having detailed cyber insurance
- Be aware and stay vigilant
- Understand the risk and prepare for them
- Phishing Attacks
To function, water plants rely on industrial control systems (ICS) and OT. That is why phishing attacks are a water cybersecurity threat to plant operators. These attacks come from emails, texts, or phone calls. They appear to be from a legal source but are actually from a hacker.
These hackers will try to trick you into giving them sensitive data or infect your system with malware. And these attacks are harmful to water plants as they may compromise the system. It can also lead to disruptions in the water supply.
Water plant operators must be aware of these dangers and take the required steps to mitigate them. Some simple measures include;
- Teach staff how to detect phishing emails.
- Install security controls such as ICS cybersecurity solutions.
- Have a plan in place for how to respond to phishing attacks.
By being aware of these attacks and knowing how to spot them, you can help keep your water plant safe from harm.
- Insider Threats
As a plant operator, you need to know the potential for insider cyber threats. Insider threats can take many forms, but they seriously threaten data security. They attempt to damage or steal critical data that could lead to a disaster.
There are several ways to safeguard against insider risks. Some of the most useful include security awareness training, employee screening, etc. By taking these steps, plant operators can help protect their base from the damaging effects of insider threats.
- Remote Access Attacks
As many water plant operators move toward automation, they rely on remote access to control and track their systems. But, this reliance creates new cybersecurity risks and remote access attacks.
A remote access attack is when an attacker gains access to a plant’s control system from a remote location. This attack can be fierce because it allows an attacker to take control of the plant without being detected.
There are a few defender control steps that plant operators can consider to safeguard their system.
- First, they should ensure that their control system is well-defended. This means that only approved users can have access to it.
- Next, they should check their system for any unusual activity. Then, encrypt the data you send over the remote connection.
Plant operators can improve against remote access attacks by taking these security measures.
- Hardware and Software vulnerabilities
Cybersecurity threats to water plant operators are on the rise. Hardware and software flaws are the most common ways these threats can manifest.
Hardware and software flaws are the main unapproved access points into a water plant’s system. Hackers use these access points to gain control of the system; from there, they can wreak havoc.
Sometimes, they can disable critical systems, leading to water quality or quantity loss. And there are a few key vulnerability management tips that plant operators can tool.
- Update all hardware to the latest technology
- Know the newest security control measures
- Educate employees on social engineering attacks
- Stay vigilant and always be ready to act
The Need for Water Cybersecurity
As water plants become digitized, it becomes more at risk of cyberattacks. These attacks could have some death-dealing jobs. It may range from harmful water supplies to the complete shutdown of a water treatment plant.
That’s why water cybersecurity is so critical. We can help protect our water supplies from likely attacks by securing digital systems and networks. This way, we can ensure that our water supplies are safe and clean for everyone.
Conclusion
As the demand for water increases, so does the need for better cybersecurity to protect our water base. Water plant operators must know the top 6 cyber threats discussed here to keep our water safe.
Cybersecurity threats to the water industry are becoming more tech-savvy and prevalent. As our reliance on digital systems grows, so does the risk of a breach. Each of these threats poses a severe risk to the safety and reliability of our water plant.