Companies involved in drinking water supply and wastewater treatment are one of the pillars of critical infrastructure. Unfortunately, due to limited cybersecurity budgets and the use of often outdated technologies, this sector is increasingly becoming a target for hacker attacks. A successful attack on this type of organization can cause serious social disruption, and blackmail by cybercriminals can be extremely effective.
The most common vulnerabilities and attack vectors
Many water and sewage treatment plants still use older SCADA systems and industrial automation solutions that were not designed with today’s cyber threats in mind. What is more, IT and OT (Operational Technology) networks are often not adequately separated, which facilitates the spread of malware between environments. In practice, this means that an incident starting, for example, with a phishing message can lead to the takeover of pumps or valves.
The most serious threats include:
- Ransomware – data encryption and blocking of key systems with a ransom demand.
- Takeover of OT/SCADA systems – remote control of industrial automation, which may result in failures, environmental contamination, or threats to human health.
- Phishing and social engineering – manipulating employees to obtain passwords, VPN access, or login details.
Other weaknesses are also frequently exploited, such as a lack of secure backups, poorly configured network infrastructure, or insufficient employee awareness of cyber hygiene.
How to build cyber resilience in a water and wastewater company?
Protecting this type of organization requires a comprehensive approach that encompasses technology, processes, and people. Solutions offered by Softinet, which help to increase security, can provide support.
- Identification of threats and weaknesses – IT/OT audits and penetration tests enable early detection of vulnerabilities.
- Network and system reinforcement – implementation of firewalls, network segmentation, IDS/IPS systems, and multi-factor authentication for remote access.
- Backups and contingency plans – regular offline backups, data encryption, and development of DRP (Disaster Recovery Plan) and IRP (Incident Response Plan) plans.
- Raising employee awareness – regular training, educational campaigns, and phishing attack simulations.
- Infrastructure modernization – ongoing software updates and replacement of obsolete equipment.
- Continuous monitoring – round-the-clock surveillance using SIEM systems and SOC centers, enabling rapid response to incidents.
Implementing individual protective tools will not ensure full cyber resilience. An effective strategy must be consistent and cover all elements: IT infrastructure, data, OT systems, and the human factor. Only then can the water and wastewater sector effectively minimize the risk of attacks and ensure the continuity of key services.
Would you like to learn more about cyber threats and detailed security scenarios? Download our free ebook: “Cyber challenges in the water and wastewater sector.”