As cyber threats increasingly target critical infrastructure, water and wastewater utilities—often operating with lean resources—are becoming attractive targets for cybercriminals. From ransomware attacks to unauthorized OT access, the risks are real and growing.

Here are six essential cybersecurity insights every water industry professional should understand to help protect their organization and the public it serves.

 

1. ✅ Cybersecurity Guidelines Exist Specifically for Water Utilities

The American Water Works Association (AWWA) has developed industry-specific cybersecurity guidance for Water, Wastewater, and Water Management Systems. These guidelines offer a prescriptive approach tailored for the operational and resource constraints often faced by public water utilities.

Whether you’re building a program from scratch or reviewing existing controls, AWWA’s standards are an excellent place to start.

 

2. 🛠️ Online Risk Assessments Help Identify Vulnerabilities

You can’t protect what you don’t understand.

The AWWA Cybersecurity Risk Management Tool offers a free, high-level online assessment designed to help utilities evaluate their cybersecurity posture. Through a series of multiple-choice questions, it guides you through considerations such as:

  • Access points into your network
  • System interconnectivity
  • Current security controls

While this tool doesn’t capture the full complexity of your systems, it provides a valuable first step in identifying areas of concern.

💡 Not sure how your organization stacks up? Luminary A.C.E. can help you validate findings from online tools and translate them into a prioritized, actionable cybersecurity roadmap.

 

3. 🔄 Threats Don’t Just Come from the Control Room

When assessing cybersecurity risk, it’s common to focus on Process Control Systems (PCS)—but vulnerabilities often come from unexpected places. Attackers frequently gain access through IT systems that seem unrelated to operations.

Common overlooked entry points include:

  • Accounting or billing software
  • Email systems
  • Document management platforms
  • Cloud file sharing tools

A true cybersecurity assessment must consider your entire organization, not just your operational technology.

 

4. 🌐 Remote Devices Are a Growing Risk

The ability to access OT systems remotely is incredibly convenient—but it also creates a wider attack surface. In fact, studies show that 72% of security breaches are linked to unsecured remote access points.

To protect your network:

  • Always use a VPN when accessing systems remotely
  • Avoid public Wi-Fi (like coffee shops and airports)
  • Enforce multi-factor authentication on all remote devices
  • Limit access to only what’s necessary for each user

Even one unsecured connection can compromise your entire system.

 

5. 🔐 Every Network Has Vulnerabilities—Even Offline Ones

It’s a common misconception that systems disconnected from the internet are secure. But air-gapped or isolated systems still face risk from removable media (USBs), poor segmentation, and legacy connections.

A secure water utility network should include:

  • 🔥 Firewalls to protect perimeter access
  • 👁️ Intrusion Detection & Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS)
  • 🧱 Network segmentation between critical and non-critical systems
  • 📊 Continuous monitoring for unusual traffic or behavior

No system is immune—only proactive defenses can reduce risk.

 

6. 🏗️ Build Security In: Embrace “Secure by Design”

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) promotes the principle of “Secure by Design”—a call for technology vendors to ship secure systems with hardened defaults, not optional upgrades.

When evaluating new technologies, ask:

  • Are security features enabled by default?
  • Does the vendor follow secure development practices?
  • Will additional configuration be required for baseline protection?

While tools that are secure by design reduce your exposure, remember: cybersecurity is also about people. Even the best tools can be undermined by human error—such as clicking a phishing link or sharing passwords.

A strong cybersecurity culture is just as important as strong security controls.

 

🛡️ Need Help Strengthening Your Water Utility’s Cybersecurity?

If building or maintaining a cybersecurity program feels overwhelming, you’re not alone. At Luminary A.C.E., we specialize in helping water and wastewater utilities:

  • Conduct in-depth risk assessments
  • Harden OT environments against attack
  • Train staff to recognize and respond to threats
  • Align with AWWA and CISA best practices

👉 Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward a more secure, resilient infrastructure.

 

Learn six critical cybersecurity practices water utilities must follow to protect operational systems and reduce risk. From AWWA guidelines to secure remote access, Luminary A.C.E. helps utilities stay safe and compliant.