Continuing Cybersecurity Threats
Water and wastewater systems continue to be targets of cyber threats due to global conflicts. Here are two current threats to be aware of:
Rockwell/Allen Bradley PLCs
Programmable logic controllers (PLCs) manufactured by Rockwell Automation/Allen-Bradley at have been attacked by Iranian-affiliated actors. PLCs at multiple critical infrastructure organizations in the US have been attacked, sometimes resulting in operational disruption and financial loss. Read more here.
What you should do:
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Check if your system has any Rockwell/Allen Bradley PLCs
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Set PLCs in “Run” mode to prevent remote modification
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Change default passwords on PLCs
Protect PLCs connected to the internet using a secure gateway and firewall
Attempted Hack
Last week, a water system in the US experienced over 1,900 login attempts from around the world, the majority from Iran and Lithuania. None of them succeeded to log in. Water and wastewater systems should be alert to this sort of activity.
Sludge Management Study
The Vermont DEC released an assessment of current and future sludge management options for Vermont wastewater facilities. Read the report here.
Stormwater Webinar
Join NEWEA’s Stormwater Committee for an in-depth webinar on April 29 to hear success stories of different methodologies using real-life case studies from New England IDDE Programs. These methods include standard top-down catchment investigations, laboratory analyses (fecal indicator bacteria and surfactants), advanced DNA techniques (Total and Human Bacteroides), Sewer Dye Testing, and CCTV.
The webinar has been approved for 1.5 TCH for wastewater operators.
2026 Conference & Trade Show
Thursday, May 14 • 8 am to 3 pm
Lake Morey Resort • Fairlee, VT
A tentative schedule is now available here. See the lineup of training classes and other activities planned throughout the day!
Register for the conference here.
Vendors can register for a booth in the trade show here. (Only 1 booth left!)
Register for the golf tournament on May 13 here.
Sponsored by:
