Water and wastewater infrastructure is increasingly targeted by physical and cyber threats, putting communities at risk and challenging the continuity of essential services. As an essential resource, water has become one of the most vulnerable elements of critical infrastructure, requiring a modern, integrated approach to security.

Growing Threats to Water Infrastructure

In recent years, water utilities have experienced both physical intrusions and cyberattacks. Incidents such as unauthorized access to water treatment plants, manipulation of SCADA systems, and exposure of critical process parameters illustrate that threats are real and immediate.

Cybersecurity statistics in Poland show a significant rise in attacks on water utilities. For instance, the CSIRT NASK team reported 94 cyber incidents in 2025, compared to 59 in 2024, highlighting the increasing scale of digital threats to operational continuity.

Common Security Gaps in Water Utilities

Audits conducted by NaviRisk reveal that security weaknesses are rarely confined to one area. Key vulnerabilities include:

• Physical Security: Outdated surveillance cameras, poorly positioned monitoring systems, limited access controls, and insufficient protection of critical facilities such as wastewater treatment plants and pumping stations.
• Cybersecurity: Vulnerable SCADA and IT systems, outdated software, excessive user permissions, and weak remote access controls.
• Organizational Practices: Formal procedures exist but are often not implemented effectively. Lack of clear responsibilities, irregular training, and insufficient crisis preparedness exacerbate risks.

The most critical vulnerabilities emerge where technology, infrastructure, and human practices intersect.

New Attack Scenarios

Modern attacks often combine cyber and physical methods. Examples include:

• Remote takeover of SCADA systems to alter process parameters.
• Physical interference using drones to compromise water or wastewater systems.
• Exploitation of open tanks or unsecured access points in treatment facilities.

These scenarios demonstrate that even simple vulnerabilities can lead to catastrophic outcomes, including environmental damage and service disruption.

Why Traditional Security Measures Are No Longer Enough

Fragmented security approaches, focusing separately on physical, technical, or cyber aspects, fail to address the interconnected nature of critical infrastructure. A weakness in one area can quickly compromise another. Effective protection requires understanding the system as a whole and addressing vulnerabilities in an integrated way.

Integrated Security Audits: A Comprehensive Approach

NaviRisk’s integrated security audits combine assessment of:

• Physical Security of critical facilities such as water treatment plants, pumping stations, and administrative buildings.
• Technical Infrastructure to evaluate system reliability and operational continuity.
• Cybersecurity Measures for IT and OT systems, including SCADA, network access, operator stations, and backup protocols.
• Organizational Practices including procedures, responsibilities, and operational routines.

Our audits do not stop at documentation review. We conduct on-site inspections, interviews with technical and administrative staff, and scenario-based analyses to identify real-world vulnerabilities.

From Audit to Action: Strengthening Operational Resilience

Audit findings are transformed into actionable recommendations to improve security in practice. NaviRisk supports organizations in implementing these measures through a structured post-audit program, prioritizing risks, developing action plans, and providing ongoing expert guidance.

The Professional Dedicated Person (PDP) model ensures continuity and consistency, helping organizations transition from audit insights to tangible improvements in operational resilience.

NaviRisk: Your Partner in Protecting Critical Water Infrastructure

NaviRisk combines global expertise with local knowledge to deliver practical solutions for water utilities. Our integrated audits identify security gaps, assess risk impact, and guide the implementation of effective protective measures.

By partnering with NaviRisk, water utilities can enhance their security posture, protect public health, and ensure the continuity of essential services.Protect your water infrastructure today. Contact NaviRisk to assess vulnerabilities, implement integrated security measures, and strengthen operational resilience.