Water treatment facilities are critical for their communities, but inadequate or outdated cybersecurity measures create vulnerabilities open to hackers. Hackers take control of critical infrastructure, posing a serious public health threat. While that might seem like the plot for a new movie, network attacks on infrastructure like water treatment facilities and health care organizations have increased in recent years.  

With one of our most precious assets on the line, prevention, rather than mitigation, should be the goal. Basic deterrents such as a next-generation firewall and other cybersecurity strategies should be used to provide ongoing support and monitoring to keep our drinking water protected. Continue reading to learn more about the measures that can protect water treatment facilities and the cybersecurity risks with failing to do so.  

Water Authority Cyber Attacks Amplify the Need for Cybersecurity Grant Funding 

According to CISA, an Iranian hacker group called “Cyber Av3ngers” was identified in 2023 as the hacker group behind multiple cyber incidents impacting American institutions, including a breach at a small western Pennsylvanian municipal water authority.  

More recently, a CNBC article reported on attacks made by Russian and Chinese bad actor groups. “In February, the FBI warned Congress that Chinese hackers have burrowed deep into the United States’ cyber infrastructure in an attempt to cause damage, targeting water treatment plans, the electrical grid, transportation systems and other critical infrastructure. A Russian-linked hack in January of a water filtration plant in a small Texas town, Muleshoe — located near a U.S. Air Force base — caused a water tank to overflow”.  

On August 5th, 2025, the EPA (The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) announced grant funding exceeding $9 million to protect midsize and larger water systems from cybersecurity threats, emphasizing the importance the US government places on the cyber resilience of our water sector.  

Hacked Water Treatment Plants Create Catastrophes 

The consequences of an inefficient cybersecurity strategy can be catastrophic for water utilities. Hackers could potentially take over the plant’s network, holding it hostage in a ransomware attack and disrupting operations for a critical part of a community’s water infrastructure. A successful cyberattack could halt the treatment and supply of clean water if the hacker manages to manipulate the control systems to shut down pumps or alter chemical levels. 

To mitigate cyber risks, water treatment facilities must prioritize cybersecurity by implementing robust security measures, regularly updating and patching systems, conducting thorough cybersecurity assessments, training staff in cybersecurity best practices and maintaining a proactive cybersecurity incident response plan to address potential threats promptly. If these crucial tasks can’t be managed in-house, consider outsourcing them to a third-party information technology services partner. 

Benefits of Outsourcing Cybersecurity for Water Treatment Plants 

Some water facilities may lack the in-house team to implement or update a cybersecurity strategy, but a small or even nonexistent team doesn’t have to hold you back from proactive protection of this critical infrastructure sector. A managed cybersecurity services provider can provide several services to water treatment plants to set up cybersecurity policies, monitor networks for intrusions, and manage patch and software updates to maintain a secure environment. 

These services, and others like them, are often scalable and can be customized to fit your unique needs. For instance, a firewall with a few basic features can protect against attacks when properly configured. Outsourced managed service providers can install a firewall as a short-term project or even maintain it long-term to ensure it remains updated and effective. 

Water treatment facilities are too precious a resource for the community to leave unprotected. A comprehensive water sector cybersecurity strategy that includes advanced threat protection, constant monitoring and an emergency response plan can help keep hackers at bay. Outsourcing can provide these services and more to keep your plant running securely for potentially less overhead costs than hiring and maintaining an in-house IT team. 

Organizations stay protected against evolving cyber threats, such as phishing and malware, by supplying their in-house team with partners who specialize in developing and maintaining a personalized cybersecurity strategy tailored to business needs.  

Learn more about how our advisors can enhance your cybersecurity program and the associated fees by requesting a meeting below.