Senator Whitehouse Highlights Cybersecurity Risks to U.S. Water Systems at Senate Hearing
U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, a ranking member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, has raised concerns about the vulnerability of America's water infrastructure to cyberattacks. During a Senate hearing, Whitehouse pointed out that many of the nearly 170,000 water systems across the nation are increasingly adopting digital technologies, which, while improving efficiency, also heighten exposure to cyber risks. He cited documented cyber incidents since 2023 affecting small municipal water systems in Texas, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts, as well as multiple attacks on Rhode Island facilities over the past six years. These incidents have resulted in significant financial losses, although they have not yet caused major service disruptions. Whitehouse emphasized the need for water utilities to conduct regular cybersecurity risk assessments, noting that fewer than 25% currently do so, according to an EPA survey.