The water and wastewater sector is increasingly under siege from cyberattacks targeting its operational technology (OT) systems that manage pumps, pressure controls, and chemical dosing. As these systems become more digitized and remotely accessible, their exposure to cyber threats grows rapidly.
Recent incidents highlight this escalating risk. In the United States, the Tipton, Indiana, and Texas municipal water facilities suffered OT breaches that exposed vulnerabilities in remote SCADA access, forcing operators to switch to manual control. The Municipal Water Authority of Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, was compromised in 2023 when Iranian-linked hackers infiltrated a Unitronics PLC using default passwords. The attack briefly disrupted pressure regulation before staff restored manual operations.
Across the Asia-Pacific, similar patterns are emerging. In Israel, an attempted OT attack in 2020 targeted chemical dosing systems, underlining the potential to endanger public health. Meanwhile, a 2025 study in Australia found that over 60% of utilities had experienced OT-targeted attacks, many traced to state-sponsored actors. While public disclosures remain limited in India and Southeast Asia, the widespread use of remote vendor connections, outdated PLCs, and weak authentication suggest latent vulnerabilities.
To address these challenges, a strategic, defense-in-depth approach is essential. This includes segregating IT and OT networks, implementing multi-factor authentication, and enhancing intrusion detection tailored for OT environments. Regular auditing of vendor access and enforcing strict password and patch policies can further reduce risk.
Action Plan for Water and Wastewater Utilities
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Conduct regular cybersecurity assessments to identify vulnerabilities.
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Implement strong access controls to prevent unauthorized entry.
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Train employees on cybersecurity best practices.
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Use encryption for data in transit and at rest.
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Apply firewalls and network segmentation to isolate OT systems.
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Maintain updated anti-virus and endpoint protection tools.
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Patch software carefully, balancing operational continuity.
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Develop robust backup and incident response plans.
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Enforce multi-factor authentication, especially for remote access.
Safeguarding water infrastructure is no longer optional; it is a matter of national resilience. Strengthening cyber hygiene and OT governance today ensures the uninterrupted delivery of one of humanity’s most essential resources.
References
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Waterfall Security Solutions. (2023, May 28). 9 Cybersecurity Challenges for Critical Water Infrastructure. Retrieved from https://waterfall-security.com/ot-insights-center/water-wastewater/9-cybersecurity-challenges-for-critical-water-infrastructure/
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Wisdiam. (2024). Recent Cyber-Attacks in the Water and Wastewater Sector. Retrieved from https://wisdiam.com/publications/recent-cyber-attacks-water-wastewater/
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SecurityWeek. (2023). Iranian Hackers Attack Aliquippa Water Authority Using Unitronics PLC. Retrieved from https://www.securityweek.com/
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ESE Magazine. (2024). Two Small-Town U.S. Water Facilities Targeted by Russian Hackers. Retrieved from https://esemag.com/
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Australian Cybersecurity Magazine. (2025). 62% of Water and Electricity Operators Targeted by Cyberattacks in the Past Year. Retrieved from https://australiancybersecuritymagazine.com.au/
