Cyberattacks and Final Barriers
In an era where digital threats loom as large as physical ones, the American Water Works Company has experienced a significant cybersecurity breach. This company is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility in the U.S.A. and boasts a rich history dating back to 1886. Serving over 14 million people across 14 states (and 18 US Military installations) it ensures that millions of Americans have access to clean water every day; something we take for granted.
?On Monday they disclosed that their computer networks had been compromised by hackers, an event that was first noticed the preceding Thursday. In response, American Water Works enacted immediate protective measures, including system shutdowns and a pause on billing to shield their customers from any inconvenience, demonstrating their commitment to customer service even in crisis.
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This incident, while thankfully not directly affecting the physical water supply or treatment processes, raises alarms about the security of critical infrastructure. This breach serves as a stark reminder of how interconnected and vulnerable our essential services are in the digital age.
?A determined malicious attacker could seriously harm people who depend on the safe city water that we take for granted every day.
?When compromised, utility-level infrastructure can be used to wreak havoc and cause real harm:
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?This event reminds us of the importance of not only corporate and national cybersecurity responsibilities, but also personal responsibility in water quality management for home and business.
While utility companies like American Water Works strive to provide safe water that meets all Federal, State, and Local minimum standards for human consumption, an at-home water treatment system acts as your last line of defense, ensuring that what flows from your faucet is as clean and safe as possible.
Properly selected, installed, and maintained Point of Use (POU) and Point of Entry (POE) water quality improvement systems can address contaminants like chlorine, lead, bacteria, PFAS, and pharmaceuticals, many of which might not be entirely removed by municipal treatments. They also provide improvements in the aesthetic color, taste, and odor of water addressing contaminants that are not inherently dangerous, and other contaminants that might not even be regulated.
Investing in these systems not only enhances the taste and safety of your drinking water but can protect against unforeseen issues in the water supply chain, like the increasing cybersecurity threats faced by utility giants. Moreover, in the context of increasing cyber vulnerabilities, having a personal water treatment solution can certainly offer peace of mind.
Systems ranging from simple pitcher filters to more sophisticated Reverse Osmosis (RO), Ultrafiltration (UF), and Ultraviolet (UV) purification setups can be vital for households, especially in times when external systems might be compromised.
This most-recent cyberattack on American Water Works isn't just another wake-up call for utility companies but for every individual reliant on these services. This incident might well be the catalyst for a broader understanding of how intertwined our digital and physical worlds have become, and how personal action, like installing an at-home water treatment system, isn't just about health, comfort, and convenience, but also about resilience in the face of modern threats.
For the very best in quality, service, and support, look for a Water Quality Improvement Professional that is certified by the Water Quality Association , and make sure that the products used are 3rd-party certified to NSF/ANSI standards.