Trendalert Emerging cybersecurity and cyber-physical threats in water systems

Cyber-attacks and cybersecurity incidents have increased in frequency and magnitude in recent years, usually having the form of data breach events, traffic interception or malware, ransomware and phishing attacks. Critical infrastructure systems with exposed digital assets and – as part of them – water supply and distribution networks are not exempted from these rising threats, as a number of recent events have targeted specifically water systems, with diverse but worrying results. One of the indirect consequences of the global corona crisis is accelerated digitization, which could make water organizations more vulnerable to these threats. This trend alert explores the issue of cybersecurity in water, by looking at past cases and reflecting on the expected future impact of these events, as water systems get more digital and, eventually, more exposed to digital risks.