Artificial intelligence is making it easier for bad actors to initiate cyberattacks on water infrastructure, yet the water sector remains inadequately prepared, a panel of experts told lawmakers Thursday.
Federal agencies are warning of an uptick in cyberattacks from foreign adversaries, including hackers with ties to Iran. Still, despite the need for continued federal support, the Trump administration is taking on a less central role in water infrastructure protection, according to the top cybersecurity expert at the Government Accountability Office.
“It has become less clear what leadership role the federal government plans to take,” said David Hinchman, director of information technology and cybersecurity at GAO. “The current administration has stated that it will increasingly defer to state and local governments to take the lead in infrastructure protection but has not yet provided details in this departure from the federal government’s historic role.”
Hinchman’s remarks came during a hearing before the House Science, Space and Technology Subcommittee on Environment. In addition to stressing the importance of federal oversight in bolstering cyber preparedness for the water sector, witnesses called for increased funding and research to address the problem.
