Cyber Insurers Step in to Fill Security Gap for US Water Systems

Cyber insurers are taking a proactive approach that could shape the security posture of the US water sector, but many public water systems remain at risk amid meager cybersecurity regulations from federal agencies.

The water infrastructure has been hit with cyberattacks in recent years, including a data breach disclosed this month by American Water Works Co. Inc. alleged to have exposed the personal information of millions of customers.

These utilities, however, lack formal cybersecurity standards and have struggled to shore up digital protections. As industry groups and government officials aim to bolster the water sector’s cyber protections, insurance companies have ...