Cybersecurity in the Water Sector

Time: 9:00am – 11:00am     Place: 253 Pascoag Main Street, Pascoag, RI      TCH(s): 2 (RI DOH)

Cost: FREE                        Instructor: Mike Tetreault

Course Outline:

Cybersecurity is the top threat facing business and critical infrastructure in the United States, according to reports and testimony from the Director of National Intelligence, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Department of Homeland Security. All drinking and wastewater systems should examine cybersecurity vulnerabilities and develop a cybersecurity risk management program, thus mitigating a cyberattack from impacting system operations. Breaches in cybersecurity practices can compromise the ability of drinking water to provide clean and safe drinking water to customers, erode customer confidence and result in financial and legal liabilities. Cyber-attacks against public water systems and wastewater treatment facilities are increasing. Implementing basic cyber hygiene practices can help your utility prevent, detect, respond, and recover from cyber incidents. This two-hour training will consist of an overview on cybersecurity in the water sector, a look at ransomware awareness and prevention, a review of cybersecurity incidents in the water industry, and a discussion about the SCADA Cybersecurity Framework.

Instructor(s):

Mike Tetreault is the Cybersecurity Advisor (CSA) for Rhode Island (Region 1), within the Integrated Operations Division, Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). CISA established ten regional offices across the country to improve the delivery of the department’s services to critical infrastructure owners and operators and state, local, tribal, and territorial partners. CSAs are the front-facing cyber experts supporting regional operations capabilities. Region 1 includes Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts. Mr. Tetreault manages the major cyber engagements in Rhode Island with additional support to region 1, championing cyber resilience to public and private sector partners through a multitude of engagements, promoting education and awareness, and performing risk assessments.