Free Cybersecurity Assessment and Technical Assistance

Free Cybersecurity Assessment and Technical Assistance
Cybersecurity is a broad term that refers to the security of computer network infrastructure and data. A cyber attack is an attempt to undermine or compromise the function of a computer network or system, or an attempt to track the online movements of individuals without their permission.

What is the assessment and technical assistance?
With the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Horsley Witten Group (HWG) is offering free, confidential, cybersecurity assessments and technical assistance to interested water and wastewater utilities. The assessment consists of a questionnaire completed with HWG staff, and the technical assistance consists of developing a cyber action plan based on the results of
your utility’s assessment focused on best practices to prepare for, respond to, and recover from a cyber incident. Adoption of these practices can reduce the likelihood that a cyber attack will be successful and allow the utility to recover from any cyber attacks faster and at a lower cost. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, HWG is offering this assessment and technical assistance virtually.

What are the expected outcomes?
All individual utility information gathered during the assessment will be protected and remain confidential. Trends in the anonymized, aggregated data will be shared with other utilities and agencies so that lessons learned from the assessments may benefit all.

Participating utilities can expect to receive a straightforward overview of their vulnerabilities and suggested best practices to reduce risks to their business enterprise, SCADA, and communications systems. Additionally, the utility will develop their cyber action plan with HWG and work to implement any recommended best practices.

What does the utility need to prepare before the assessment and technical assistance?
The assessment will require input from management, IT, operations/control staff and engineers as appropriate. The utility will also need to compile and provide any existing system documentation/diagrams, policies, and procedures.

Is there any follow-up?
Yes, HWG will contact the utility on two separate occasions after the development of the cyber action plan to gauge progress and see if additional assistance is required.

To register your utility, please visit:
https://horsleywitten.com/cybersecurityutilities

For more information, contact: Gemma Kite at 508-833-6600

To download the flyer, click here.