{"id":28916,"date":"2024-08-14T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-08-14T12:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.parsons.com\/?p=28916"},"modified":"2024-08-13T18:05:32","modified_gmt":"2024-08-13T22:05:32","slug":"enhancing-water-security-with-parsons-and-epas-low-interest-loans","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.parsons.com\/2024\/08\/enhancing-water-security-with-parsons-and-epas-low-interest-loans\/","title":{"rendered":"Enhancing Water Security With Parsons And EPA’s Low-Interest Loans"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Our Drinking Water Is Under Attack<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The United States’ critical infrastructures, such as our safe drinking water systems, are more vulnerable to cyberattacks than ever before. Water utilities have become an increased target for hackers, with the potential consequences extending far beyond the financial damage caused by ransomware attacks. A successful cyberattack can disrupt essential operations, steal sensitive information, and even endanger public health by manipulating the treatment processes to poison drinking water. This stark reality underscores the importance of safeguarding our water systems to protect not just infrastructure but also the lives of the people who depend on them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cyberattacks on water utilities can have catastrophic outcomes. For instance, hackers could remotely access systems to open and close valves, override alarms, disable pumps, or tamper with chemical dosing. Such actions can lead to untreated or improperly treated water being distributed to the public, posing serious health risks. These threats highlight the urgent need for robust cybersecurity measures to ensure the safety and reliability of our water supply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Environmental Protection Agency has been tracking these issues, and it\u2019s not pretty. Inspections have identified significant cybersecurity vulnerabilities in water systems. Over 70% of the systems inspected since September 2023 were found to be in violation of basic Safe Drinking Water Act requirements. These violations included missing sections of the Risk and Resilience Assessments (RRAs) and Emergency Response Plans (ERPs). Inspectors discovered alarming deficiencies, such as failure to change default passwords, using single logins for all staff, and not curtailing access for former employees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It’s clear that America\u2019s critical infrastructure needs to increase its cybersecurity posture in a big way before a catastrophe occurs. At Parsons, we’ve been at the forefront of cybersecurity for critical infrastructure for years.<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Our dedication to protecting vital systems has allowed us to assist over 600 utilities across the nation in maintaining robust cybersecurity defenses. With the introduction of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF), we’re excited to continue expanding our support, helping even more utilities get ahead of cyber threats with enhanced cybersecurity measures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Understanding The Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Recognizing the increasing threat of cyberattacks, the EPA has implemented the CWSRF to bolster cybersecurity efforts across the country<\/a>. The CWSRF operates much like a bank, offering low-interest loans to public, private, and non-profit entities for water quality projects, including cybersecurity enhancements. These funds are repaid and then recycled to fund additional projects, ensuring continuous improvement and protection of our water infrastructure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The significance of the CWSRF cannot be overstated. By providing financial assistance, it enables utilities to implement crucial cybersecurity measures that might otherwise be out of reach. This not only helps in protecting the infrastructure but also in building resilience against potential cyber threats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Eligibility For The CWSRF Program<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Each state’s CWSRF program comes with its own set of criteria and priorities, but generally, it offers assistance to a wide range of entities involved in water infrastructure projects. Eligible projects might include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n