EPA to ramp up cybersecurity inspections for water utilities
21/05/2024
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a stark warning to the nation’s water utilities, highlighting significant gaps in cybersecurity compliance amid a growing wave of cyber threats. Announced on Monday, the EPA’s new enforcement alert reveals that over 70% of inspected water systems fail to meet critical security standards set out by the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). Deficiencies include reliance on default passwords and lack of multi-factor authentication.
Amid escalating cyber-attacks on the water sector, the EPA is intensifying its inspections and enforcement measures. “Protecting our nation’s drinking water is a cornerstone of EPA’s mission,” said EPA Deputy Administrator Janet McCabe. “We are committed to using every tool, including our enforcement authorities, to ensure our nation’s drinking water is protected from cyberattacks.”
