Considerations for Security and Communications for Intelligent Water Systems

Today’s water utilities utilize a wide range of information sources, including SCADA systems, AMI/AMR systems, water quality monitoring systems, security monitoring systems, etc. Each of these information sources, along with the technologies used to transmit the associated data, has evolved largely independently. Utilities must deal with numerous communication platforms along with multiple communication protocols and cybersecurity measures. Through this project the different types of information sources currently being used by water utilities were inventoried, along with the associated communication media and protocols. The security risks associated with each information source and its communication approach were assessed, and it was determined whether the current cybersecurity measures in use provide acceptable protection. In cases where the current measures appear inadequate, alternate approaches were recommended. An Intelligent Water Systems Matrix was developed to present general and security considerations for communication methodologies used by the most common information systems. Published in 2018.

The Intelligent Water Systems Matrix is available below, under Web Tools.

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