Cybersecurity

Watchdog calls out EPA for continued cybersecurity concerns

The EPA has still not implemented GAO’s 2019 recommendation to develop a process for conducting an organization-wide cybersecurity risk assessment. 

Cybersecurity

More than 70% of surveyed water systems failed to meet EPA cyber standards

The agency says it will take certain enforcement actions in cases where there is imminent danger from a cyberthreat against water infrastructure.

Acquisition

Connolly presses EPA on air quality IT with new bill

Legislation the Virginia Democrat introduced Tuesday would codify watchdog recommendations to assess decades-old systems at the EPA.

Cybersecurity

New bill would create a governing body for water system cyber standards

The legislation comes after the Biden administration rescinded a memorandum that would have tied water sector cyber reviews to existing sanitation surveys.

Cybersecurity

White House warns states of continued cyber threats to water infrastructure

The letter to state governors comes after the U.S. sanctioned Iran-linked hackers in February for their breach of water treatment systems last year.

Artificial Intelligence

Lawmakers seek to probe AI’s environmental impacts

A new bill would bring together the EPA and NIST to help Congress understand how AI is negatively or positively impacting the environment.

Cybersecurity

CISA needs better collaboration with the EPA and water sector, watchdog says

CISA had “inconsistent collaboration” with relevant stakeholders due to a lack of formal mechanisms, according to the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General.

Cybersecurity

CISA, FBI warn on Iran-backed infrastructure hacks

The hacking group CyberAv3ngers is actively targeting an Israeli-made automation system in wide use in the water and wastewater sector.

Cybersecurity

EPA withdraws cyber audit requirement for water systems

The agency asserted that it still “remains committed” to helping states protect their water systems, despite legal challenges to its formal mandate.

Modernization

GAO urges EPA to make a plan for its ‘difficult’ and ‘outdated’ air quality IT systems

The systems in question are each nearly 30 years old and can be "difficult to maintain, access and use."

Cybersecurity

US water infrastructure ‘unsustainable’ amid rapidly evolving crisis, report warns

The United States is facing an unsustainable demand for water and lacks the security posture to defend the nation’s water systems from emerging threats, according to a new report.

Cybersecurity

Federal Cyber Leaders Emphasize Standards Development for Stronger Networks

The critical infrastructure experts upheld common cybersecurity standards as a key to resilient networks and private sector collaboration.

Cybersecurity

EPA Releases Water Systems Cyber Requirement in Tandem with National Strategy

The Environmental Protection Agency unveiled new cybersecurity guidelines to help states evaluate their water sanitation systems’ defenses.

Policy

Climate Change Poses Threat to U.S. National Security, GAO Says

The Government Accountability Office said federal agencies need to “increase their resilience” to climate risks that endanger technologies like radar sites and the electric grid. 

Cybersecurity

White House Official: EPA to Issue Cybersecurity Rule for Water Facilities

As the U.S. pursues collaboration with international allies, the official noted lagging cybersecurity policies for domestic critical infrastructure. 

Cybersecurity

EPA Leading White House Effort to Secure the Water Sector Against Cyberattacks

This is the third in a series of 100-day sprints to shore up industrial control systems used in critical infrastructure.

Cybersecurity

Agencies Warn of Ongoing Cyber Threats to Water Treatment Facilities

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and other agencies issued a joint advisory about mitigating ransomware threats.

Emerging Tech

EPA’s New Telecom Contract Will Ensure Every Employee Can Telework

The agency has yet to pick a vendor off the Enterprise Infrastructure Solutions contract but has built-in key modernization goals for remote work, according to the inspector general.

Cybersecurity

White House Endorses Inclusion of Cybersecurity in Water Infrastructure Bill 

A recent attempt by hackers to poison the water supply in a Florida town prompted calls for more resources.