To safeguard its drinking water and wastewater systems against cyberattack, the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services has partnered with the Overwatch Foundation on its “Cybersecurity in a Box” pilot program. The program provides systems with free assistance in reducing cyber vulnerabilities, using $4.2M in American Rescue Plan Act and State Revolving Fund set-aside funding.
“Cybersecurity in a box” refers to resources and tools designed to help organizations improve their cybersecurity readiness, often in a packaged and accessible way. Centered on security upgrades such as replacing hardware and software and redesigning networks, the program builds a system that can be affordably renewed on a defined cycle. It provides training and support in water cybersecurity tools, techniques, and procedures for water system staff and the technology professionals that support them.
Selected systems receive appropriate support for a three-year period, after which they are expected to have in place the expertise and financial support to sustain required processes, protections, and system upgrades.
