Xylem is partnering with customers around the world to help them build resilient networks, including enhancing cybersecurity protections. Over the coming months, Xylem’s experts will share perspectives on the burning issues on the minds of water operators and users and strategies to enhance cybersecurity. Here, Clay Carter, Vice President, Head of Product Security discusses best practices for Incident Response and how the most effective response begins long before an incident occurs.
Water operators and users around the world are doubling-down on advanced technologies to address intensifying challenges like water scarcity, the affordability of water and resilience to climate change. Our view at Xylem is that strengthening cybersecurity protections goes hand-in-hand with scaling these solutions.
As we continue to adapt our ways of working to maximize the digital opportunity, we must put cybersecurity at the center of the conversation. And at Xylem, we believe that this responsibility does not sit with a single entity or function; it requires a true team effort, from utilities, industrials and other businesses to solutions and service providers and integrators.
Recent high-profile cyber incidents have added urgency to conversations around resilience-building strategies – but the water sector has more work to do.
According to a survey of U.S. utilities conducted by the Water Sector Coordinating Council (WSCC) in April 2021, 38% of systems allocate less than 1% of budget to Information Technology (IT) cybersecurity. 44% of systems allocate less than 1% of budget to Operational Technology (OT) security. These findings indicate that while cybersecurity may be top-of-mind, many are not yet taking action. We must move to the driving seat to proactively manage risk. We must shift from passivity to proactivity to embed cyber resilience.
