(TLP:CLEAR) Case Study Demonstrates Cybersecurity Outcomes from Free CRI Water Utility Program

Summary: The East Rio Hondo Water Supply Corporation (ERHWSC), a mid-sized rural water utility in southern Texas, completed Phase One of the Cyber Readiness Institute’s (CRI) Water Utility Pilot Project, sponsored by Microsoft. This case study outlines ERHWSC’s journey through the pilot program, the challenges it faced, and the impact the initiative had on the organization and the broader community it serves.

Analyst Note: WaterISAC has previously promoted this free program as a useful solution for small and medium-sized water utilities that do not currently have the resources or bandwidth to improve their cybersecurity posture. Joining CRI can act as a force multiplier, helping enhance the cybersecurity posture of less resourced utilities. CRI’s Water Utility Pilot Project requires minimal technical expertise and an hour per week from utility personnel as they work with a coach at their own pace to implement baseline cybersecurity mitigations.

This case study provides an in-depth look at how a mid-sized utility implemented the pilot, what actions were taken, and advice for other small and medium water utilities considering joining the free pilot.

Original Source: https://cyberreadinessinstitute.org/case-study-east-rio-hondo-water-supply-corporation-strengthens-cyber-readiness-through-cri-water-utility-program/

Additional Reading:

• Resiliency for Water Utilities Pilot Interim Report | CRI
• Building Cyber Resilience: Key Takeaways from Phase 1 of the Water Utilities Pilot and the Roadmap for Phase 2 | CRI

Related WaterISAC PIRs: 12