NEWPORT NEWS, VA — Newport News officials are strengthening cybersecurity protections for the city’s Waterworks system as concerns continue to grow over cyberattacks targeting critical infrastructure across the United States.
Mayor Phillip Jones announced Tuesday that the city is taking additional steps to protect Newport News Waterworks and the technology used to support the region’s drinking water system. The move comes as utilities and government agencies nationwide remain on heightened alert for potential cyber threats.
Protecting water infrastructure has become an increasingly important cybersecurity priority because an attack could potentially disrupt operations, compromise sensitive systems or interfere with essential services relied upon by thousands of residents.
For Newport News, strengthening security is especially significant because Waterworks serves customers beyond the city itself, making the system an important piece of infrastructure for the greater Hampton Roads region.
City leaders are working to ensure cybersecurity measures remain strong as threats continue to evolve. The increased protections are designed to reduce vulnerabilities and help keep critical water operations secure.
Officials have not indicated that the announcement will impact normal water service for customers.
The latest action highlights a growing challenge for cities across the country: protecting essential public infrastructure not only from physical emergencies, but also from increasingly sophisticated digital threats.
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