Indiana Water Summit: The Hidden Cyber Risks Facing Utilities

Cyber Attacks Threaten More Than Just Your Money—They Endanger Clean Water and Sewer Systems

Cyber attacks don’t just target your finances; they also pose a risk to essential services like clean drinking water and functioning sewer systems.

Dawn Keyler, who works for Wessler Engineering and is part of the Emergency Response and Security Committee for the Indiana Section of the American Water Works Association, recently discussed cyber security at the Indiana Water Summit.

Keyler explained that as more water and wastewater utilities in Indiana become connected online, they are increasingly vulnerable to cyber attacks.

In May, Russian hackers targeted a wastewater treatment plant in Tipton. Fortunately, the plant’s workers noticed the issue and quickly switched to manual operations to prevent damage.

Other utilities across the country haven’t been as lucky, with some paying millions to recover from similar attacks.

Keyler emphasized the importance of being cautious with devices and avoiding suspicious links, especially in texts.

Smaller, rural water utilities are particularly at risk because they often can’t afford their own IT departments.

Additionally, the water and wastewater industry faces a staffing challenge as nearly half of the workforce is nearing retirement, leaving fewer people to monitor and prevent cyber attacks.

Keyler highlighted the need to attract younger people to the field, promoting it as a secure job that plays a crucial role in protecting public safety.

Charles Gill, the Water Utility Manager for the City of Greenfield, also stressed the need for utilities to become more visible to the public, support a diverse workforce, and offer on-the-job training. He mentioned that overcoming the stigma of working in sewage treatment is essential for the industry’s future.