Fortifying Water Systems: The Imperative of Cybersecurity in Critical Infrastructure

Water is life—but it’s also increasingly a target. As digital transformation sweeps through the water sector, from smart meters to AI-powered monitoring, the cyber threats lurking behind these innovations have grown equally sophisticated. In 2025, cybersecurity has emerged as a central concern for water utilities worldwide, demanding the same attention as physical infrastructure. The stakes are high: a single breach could compromise water safety, disrupt services, or even endanger lives.

Why Cybersecurity Now?

Historically, water utilities operated in relatively isolated digital environments, relying on manual processes and localised systems. But the push toward digital efficiency—IoT sensors, SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems, cloud platforms, and remote monitoring—has expanded the digital footprint dramatically. With this connectivity comes vulnerability.

The UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has warned that water infrastructure, like energy and transport, is part of the nation’s “critical national infrastructure” and increasingly a target for ransomware groups and hostile actors. The rise of state-sponsored cyber-attacks, as seen in Ukraine and the US, has underscored how water systems can become the battlegrounds of geopolitical tensions.

Real-World Wake-Up Calls

One of the most high-profile incidents occurred in the United States in 2021, when a hacker attempted to raise the levels of sodium hydroxide in a Florida water treatment plant to dangerous levels. Though thwarted quickly, the event exposed just how vulnerable some utilities are—especially those without proper firewalls, password protocols, or real-time monitoring systems.

In another incident, the City of Atlanta’s infamous 2018 ransomware attack, which affected water billing and records systems among other municipal services, was another cautionary tale. The attack cost the city millions and took months to fully resolve. It became a turning point for many utilities, spurring investment in cyber resilience.

Building a Cyber-Resilient Water Sector

Cybersecurity in the water sector is not just about defence—it’s about resilience. This means preparing for attacks, detecting them early, and recovering quickly with minimal disruption.

Key pillars of a resilient cybersecurity strategy include:

• Network segmentation: Separating operational technology (OT) systems from information technology (IT) systems to prevent cross-contamination during an attack.

• Regular updates and patching: Ensuring all software, especially SCADA systems, are up to date to close known vulnerabilities.

• Two-factor authentication (2FA): Replacing outdated password-only access with 2FA can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorised access.

• Employee training: Human error remains one of the most common entry points for cybercriminals. Regular staff awareness training is crucial.

• Incident response planning: Knowing how to respond—who to call, what systems to shut down, how to communicate—is essential for reducing downtime during a breach.

Case Study: Yorkshire Water's Cybersecurity Strategy

Yorkshire Water, which serves over five million customers in northern England, has emerged as a leader in cybersecurity best practice. Recognising early the risks of digital transformation, the company invested in a comprehensive cyber resilience programme.

This included installing next-generation firewalls, conducting penetration tests, and forming a dedicated cyber team. The utility also worked with the NCSC to align its security protocols with national standards.

During a simulated cyberattack exercise in 2023, Yorkshire Water was able to isolate affected systems within minutes, preventing a mock breach from escalating. The exercise also revealed key areas for improvement—particularly around third-party access and legacy system vulnerabilities—which have since been addressed.

Regulation and Policy Support

The UK government’s National Infrastructure Strategy includes specific provisions for strengthening the cybersecurity of water utilities. The Network and Information Systems (NIS) Regulations, first introduced in 2018, have been updated to reflect the evolving threat landscape, requiring utilities to adopt more rigorous risk assessments and report serious cyber incidents to regulators.

At the European level, the NIS2 Directive, which came into effect in 2023, has raised the bar even further for operators of essential services, including water providers. It mandates regular audits, security policies, and accountability from executive leadership—pushing cybersecurity from the IT department to the boardroom.

The Human Element

While technical tools are essential, cybersecurity is also a cultural shift. Utilities must embed a security-first mindset across their workforce. From engineers to admin staff, every employee plays a role in protecting the network.

Initiatives like mock phishing campaigns, scenario-based training, and gamified learning platforms have shown promise in boosting awareness and responsiveness. After implementing such training, Anglian Water reported a 60% reduction in successful phishing attempts over 12 months.

A Call to Action

In 2025, it’s no longer enough for water utilities to simply treat cybersecurity as an IT issue. It must be woven into every aspect of operations, from procurement and project planning to customer engagement and disaster recovery.

With climate change increasing operational pressures and digital tools becoming more central to water management, the need for cyber resilience will only grow. Those who invest in it now will not only protect their systems but also build public trust in an increasingly uncertain world.

The message is clear: if we want to secure the future of water, we must secure the systems that deliver it.