The Threat Continues…
PC Magazine is reporting that a Kansas City Water utility has been the victim of a ransomware attack. The water treatment facility in Arkansas City, Kansas, came under attack and had to resort to “manual operations.”
Ransomware is a type of malicious software that encrypts a victim’s data, rendering it inaccessible. Cyber-criminals, often from Russia and North Korea, then demand a ransom, typically in cryptocurrency, to restore access. These attacks target individuals, businesses, and government agencies, often crippling operations. Victims face tough decisions: pay the ransom with no guarantee of data recovery or risk permanent data loss. Ransomware has become an increasingly common.
Why is this serious? Consider what would happen during a storm where Lexington Dam could not open its floodgates in time, causing the dam to be over-topped. This would cause serious damage to the dam and to the towns in the path of the flood, like Los Gatos, Campbell, and San José.
Topics related to cyber-security have only shown up in the agenda and minutes of Santa Clara Valley Water Board of Directors twice in the last 5 years. More needs to be done. The water agency for Silicon Valley needs a board member who understands the threat, and can advocate for the resources to deal with it.
Bill Roth is that candidate. For more information check out more articles on cybersecurity.
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