Cybersecurity for:
Water Utilities & Wastewater
Water utility cybersecurity protects SCADA systems, water treatment plants, and distribution networks. Polish Cybersecure Water Supply program funds up to PLN 1.3M.
82% of Polish water utilities lack IT/OT network segmentation
Source: nFlo analysis based on water sector audits 2024-2025
Top Threats
SCADA attacks
Manipulation of water treatment parameters, chlorine dosing, network pressure — direct threat to public health.
Ransomware
Encryption of IT and OT systems — loss of water quality monitoring and pump station control.
Supply chain attacks
Compromising SCADA software vendor gives access to multiple utilities simultaneously.
Regulatory Requirements
NIS2
Water utilities classified as critical infrastructure — strictest NIS2 requirements.
IEC 62443
Industrial automation security standard recommended for water sector.
Why are water utilities a target for cyberattacks?
The water sector is critical infrastructure — a SCADA system attack can directly threaten thousands of citizens’ health. Manipulating chlorine dosing, changing network pressure, or disrupting wastewater treatment are scenarios with real precedents: the 2021 attack on the Oldsmar, Florida water treatment plant involved an attempt to increase sodium hydroxide concentration to dangerous levels.
82% of Polish water utilities lack IT/OT network segmentation, and SCADA systems are often remotely accessible without adequate security. The Cybersecure Water Supply program funds up to PLN 1.3M for cybersecurity — a historic opportunity to close these gaps.
Sector-specific challenges
Unsecured SCADA systems
PLC controllers managing pump stations, treatment plants, and distribution networks often run on legacy protocols (Modbus, DNP3) without encryption or authentication. Many of these systems were installed 15-20 years ago and have never been updated for security.
Lack of IT/OT staff
Small and medium water utilities often lack dedicated IT staff, and SCADA systems are managed by automation engineers without specialized cybersecurity knowledge. This is the typical picture — competent process technology specialists but lacking cyber threat awareness.
Geographically distributed infrastructure
A water utility is not one building — it is dozens of pump stations, water intakes, reservoirs, and treatment plants spread across a large area, connected by telecommunications networks. Each point is a potential physical or remote attack location.
How nFlo helps water utilities
- OT/ICS security audit — grant-compliant SCADA system mapping and IT/OT segmentation assessment
- OT/ICS penetration testing — controlled security verification without risk to water production
- SOC as a Service — 24/7 OT monitoring with industrial protocol anomaly detection
Key first steps
- OT audit — inventory all SCADA systems, PLC controllers, and network connections
- IT/OT segmentation — physical or logical separation of office network from control systems
- Remote access control — VPN with MFA for every connection to OT systems
- Incident response plan — scenarios covering water contamination and loss of pump station control
Schedule a consultation — we will help secure your water infrastructure.
Related Industries
Our Services for This Industry
OT/ICS Penetration Testing
Find OT vulnerabilities before attackers do. Safe testing without production risk.
Security Audits
Assess your security posture and receive a prioritized remediation roadmap.
Security Operations Center (SOC)
Detect threats 24/7 without the cost of your own SOC. Response SLA agreed in the contract.
Articles for This Industry
How to Protect Water Infrastructure from Cyberattacks
10/3/2024
NIS2 for Water Utilities — Requirements and Implementation
9/25/2024
SCADA Security in Water Utilities — Threats and Protection
9/19/2024
Cyber security in the water and wastewater sector
4/14/2024
Post-Grant Cybersecurity Plan for Water Utilities: How to Build a Digitally Resilient Water System?
4/5/2024
What exactly is the "Cyber Safe Water Supply" program?
2/29/2024
Frequently Asked Questions
Are small water utilities subject to NIS2? ▼
Yes, water utilities are classified as critical infrastructure regardless of size.
Where to start with water utility cybersecurity? ▼
OT security audit — identify SCADA systems, map networks, assess IT/OT segmentation.
How to protect SCADA systems? ▼
Network segmentation, access control, monitoring, regular vulnerability assessments, and incident response plans.
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