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US senators propose bill to protect water infrastructure from cyberattacks
🇵🇾 Paraguay /Energy & Infrastructure

US senators propose bill to protect water infrastructure from cyberattacks

From ABC Color · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • Two Democratic senators have introduced a bill to enhance cybersecurity for water infrastructure following a recent attack in Minnesota.
  • The proposed 'Water Cybersecurity Act' would increase funding for water systems and allow the EPA to conduct cybersecurity assessments.
  • The bill aims to protect drinking and clean water systems from cyberattacks by foreign adversaries and criminal entities.

Democratic senators Adam Schiff and Amy Klobuchar have introduced new legislation aimed at bolstering the cybersecurity of the nation's water infrastructure. The proposed 'Water Cybersecurity Act' comes in response to a significant cyberattack that recently targeted Minnesota's water systems.

The bill seeks to allocate an additional $300 million annually in state revolving funds for improvements to drinking water and clean water infrastructure, with a specific focus on cybersecurity enhancements. It would also empower the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to conduct cybersecurity assessments and mandate corrective actions where necessary.

The recent cyberattacks against Minnesota have highlighted the urgent need to improve the security of our water systems and critical infrastructure.

— Amy KlobucharSenator Klobuchar commented on the necessity of the proposed legislation following the Minnesota cyberattack.

"The recent cyberattacks against Minnesota have highlighted the urgent need to improve the security of our water systems and critical infrastructure," stated Senator Klobuchar. Senator Schiff echoed these concerns, emphasizing that "all Americans depend on safe and reliable drinking water, but recent events have exposed the vulnerability of our water systems to cyberattacks from foreign adversaries and criminal entities."

The coordinated cyberattack in Minnesota affected over 30 municipal water and wastewater technology systems. While various theories regarding the perpetrators, including potential Iranian involvement, have been considered, neither the FBI nor state authorities have officially attributed the attack to any specific country or criminal group, leaving the matter under investigation.

All Americans depend on safe and reliable drinking water, but recent events have exposed the vulnerability of our water systems to cyberattacks from foreign adversaries and criminal entities.

— Adam SchiffSenator Schiff underscored the threat posed by cyberattacks to essential water systems.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Color in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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