Franklin provides volunteer cyber experts to water and wastewater utilities across the nation. Franklin matches DEF CON technologists and cybersecurity experts with critical infrastructure operators looking for cybersecurity help. In particular, Franklin addresses an especially prime target for attackers: American water and wastewater systems. The program aims to help utilities nationwide that are most vulnerable and least protected from cyber threats.
- EPA: Over 70% of surveyed utilities are not compliant with common cybersecurity standards despite increased risk of attacks, especially from China
- Just this past year, Iranian- and Russian- backed hacktivist groups gained access to small utilities in Pennsylvania and Texas
Over the course of the project, Franklin researchers prepare volunteer resources, provide training, recruit potential volunteers, deploy assistance, and assess ongoing partnerships. This model builds upon a similar, successful CPI effort in 2020 that provided election officials with cybersecurity help. In order to offer the right support to our partners, Franklin developed a tiered model of cyber support that can be adjusted depending on the cyber maturity of the utility.
- Tier One: Cyber 101 cybersecurity assistance, including changing default passwords, ensuring safe password storage, multi-factor authentication, and so forth
- Tier Two: Enhanced Cyber Hygiene cybersecurity measures, including assisting with inventory and control of assets, conducting secure account management, and developing malware defenses
- Tier Three: Continuous Monitoring and Remediation of network post enterprise assessment.
LATEST — Recently, the program received coverage in local and regional news outlets for its work in
Waterbury, VT and
Rensselaer, IN .
Franklin is currently providing assistance to water utilities across four states:
Utah, Vermont, Indiana and Oregon. Going forward, Franklin researchers will continue to assess ongoing efforts at utilities, distill analysis and lessons learned, and identify new partnerships across the nation.
Please email paulc13@uchicago.edu if you are interested in joining the Franklin network.