Following fresh warnings from the Federal government that foreign hackers are targeting U.S. water systems for possible cyberattacks, two House members this week introduced legislation that would focus greater government attention on that threat.
Reps. Rick Crawford, R-Ark., and John Duarte, R-Calif., debuted the Water Risk and Resilience Organization (WRRO) Establishment Act on April 11. The bill would create a new governing body to oversee cybersecurity requirements and recommendations for drinking and wastewater systems.
“Foreign adversaries such as Russia and China have utilized cyber-attacks to target critical infrastructure such as water system,” Rep. Crawford said. “This bill is a more proactive approach to safeguarding our drinking and wastewater from these types of attacks. These protections are vital at a time where cyber threats are constant, and technology is evolving quickly.” Rep.
The new WRRO would work in partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to help facilitate best cybersecurity practices for water systems across the U.S.
“With the constant threat of cyberattacks by our adversaries, the United States’ water infrastructure must be secured and defended properly,” said Rep. Duarte. “I am proud to help lead this crucial legislation with Rep. Crawford to ensure that our wastewater and drinking water systems are adequately prepared to deal with potential cybersecurity threats.”
Introduction of the bill follows a March 18 warning to state governors from the White House and the EPA about the discovery of a China-based hacking group taking steps to compromise U.S. critical infrastructure, and the government’s plans to create a Water Sector Cybersecurity Task Force to focus on the problem.
Earlier this year, FBI Director Christopher Wray testified about the same types of threats.
“China’s hackers are positioning on American infrastructure in preparation to wreak havoc and cause real-world harm to American citizens and communities. If or when China decides the time has come to strike, they’re not focused solely on political or military targets,” said Wray. “We can see from where they position themselves, across civilian infrastructure, that low blows aren’t just a possibility in the event of a conflict. Low blows against civilians are part of China’s plan.”
