WaterISAC Chooses Cyware to Enhance Cybersecurity in Water Sector

The water sector has recently come under increasing cyber threats, prompting the Water Information Sharing and Analysis Center (WaterISAC) to select Cyware’s threat intelligence platform. This decision comes on the heels of a summer characterized by a flood of cyberattacks targeting water utilities, raising alarm among industry officials about vulnerabilities in operational technology (OT) systems and programmable logic controllers (PLCs) that are increasingly exposed to the internet. The partnership with Cyware aims to accelerate information sharing among water utilities to bolster their cybersecurity posture in light of these challenges.

As cyberattacks escalate—reportedly from state actors such as Iran, China, and Russia—WaterISAC, represented by its Executive Director, Tom Dobbins, has identified several weaknesses plaguing the sector. These include insecure operational technology, vulnerable PLCs, and poor cyber hygiene, particularly at smaller utilities that lack the financial and technical resources to implement necessary upgrades. “We have been under attack, and our enemies, the threat actors, are stepping up their activity as the U.S. is involved in a number of conflicts around the world,” Dobbins stated, emphasizing the pressing need for improved cybersecurity protocols across the industry.

Cyware's selection for the role speaks volumes about the urgency water utilities feel to adopt comprehensive cybersecurity measures. In terms of procurement implications, this move signifies a growing market opportunity for solution providers focused on cybersecurity tailored for the water sector. With many utilities operating legacy systems designed for durability but not for an internet-connected landscape, the need for advanced threat intelligence solutions has never been more critical. As older systems remain operational, the reluctance to upgrade could lead to further vulnerabilities, hence the importance of initiatives like WaterISAC’s move to foster a collaborative approach to threat intelligence sharing to mitigate risks.

The procurement landscape around cybersecurity solutions in the water sector is particularly compelling given the current climate of increased regulatory scrutiny and the emphasis on resilience against cyberattacks. Water utilities, facing budgetary constraints and lacking in cyber risk management capabilities, must now evaluate threat intelligence sharing platforms as essential tools to enhance their operational security. With the potential for serious repercussions from security breaches, particularly those that could compromise public health, utility managers and procurement teams must prioritize investing in advanced cybersecurity solutions.

Although the announcement of Cyware's selection clarifies the path forward for WaterISAC, it does not provide specific details such as contract value, awarding date, or solicitation numbers. Agencies and vendors eager to participate in future opportunities must remain vigilant and proactive in their engagement with these initiatives, while suppliers should consider this signal as a prompt for deeper exploration into cybersecurity offerings tailored for the water sector.