Foundation Launched to Enhance Cybersecurity for U.S. Utilities

• •Accenture, Dragos, and SANS Institute launched a foundation to improve cybersecurity for U.S. utilities.
• •The initiative targets under-resourced utilities facing increased cyber threats.
• •Approximately $10 million in funding will support free cybersecurity services for up to 500 utilities.

Accenture, Dragos, and the SANS Institute announced the launch of the Community Cyber Resilience Foundation to bolster cybersecurity for under-resourced U.S. water, electric, and natural gas utilities. This initiative comes in response to a surge in cyberattacks targeting over 100 water systems across multiple states. The foundation will provide free cybersecurity technology, deployment services, and training to up to 500 utilities, with an initial funding commitment of approximately $10 million. The effort aims to address vulnerabilities in operational technology environments, particularly for small utilities facing funding shortages and aging infrastructure. The announcement was made during a roundtable discussion in Ohio, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced cyber defenses in critical infrastructure. The foundation builds on existing programs that have already provided support to over 100 utilities, aiming to protect essential services relied upon by more than 100 million Americans.