The US water system's particular exposure to cyber threats – and the potential fallout from an attack – has researchers recommending a layer of physics-based safeguards.
A report published by the GAO last week outlined fresh evidence on the state of securing US water and waste water systems against cyber attacks, presented to a subcommittee under the US government's Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
The GAO found that since its original report in August 2024, US water management systems are increasingly exposed to hackers.
"The convergence of operational technologies and internet-enabled devices has also increased the ability of online attackers to reach critical operational systems," the report said.
What-er can be done?
In an oral presentation to the committee, researchers and operators described many efforts to counter cyber threats that are at different stages of interpretation, with the consensus that none would ultimately be enough.
