Summary: A bipartisan bill, the Cybersecurity for Rural Water Systems Act, has been reintroduced to enhance cybersecurity in rural water systems by expanding the Circuit Rider Program. The bill aims to protect the majority of U.S. water systems from cyber threats and provides funding for cybersecurity experts. It emphasizes the need for ongoing education and training for small water utilities to improve their cybersecurity preparedness.
Affected: Rural water and wastewater systems in the U.S.
Keypoints :
- The Cybersecurity for Rural Water Systems Act of 2025 introduces cybersecurity technical assistance to the existing Circuit Rider Program.
- Only 20% of U.S. water and wastewater systems currently have protection against cyber threats.
- The bill supports hiring cybersecurity experts, referred to as circuit riders, to work directly with small water utilities.
- Entities will be able to assess their cybersecurity preparedness and receive funding for improvements.
Source: https://www.securityweek.com/us-lawmakers-reintroduce-bill-to-boost-rural-water-cybersecurity/