For Situational Awareness: Readout from State Convening to Discuss Cybersecurity and the Water Sector

WaterISAC is sharing this for your situational awareness. Last week, Anne Neuberger, Deputy National Security Advisor for Cyber and Emerging Technologies and Janet McCabe, EPA Deputy Administrator, met with state and local officials from across the country to discuss cybersecurity in the water sector. This meeting was initiated by EPA Administrator Michael Regan and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan after they sent a letter to U.S. Governors. The meeting highlighted the urgency of states’ acting to improve the cybersecurity of water systems to protect our nations’ water resources from potential cyberattacks by foreign governments and associated criminal entities.  

During the meeting, officials from several states outlined actions that they are currently taking to protect their water systems. There was discussion of current state programs in place and lessons learned from these experiences. Many states relayed challenges associated with cyber vulnerability including barriers such as finding the appropriate technical expertise. Neuberger requested that each state share a cybersecurity plan by May 20, 2024. For more information, see EPA.gov.