The INCIBE Chair of Digitalization and Water Cybersecurity of the UdG organizes the workshop on cybersecurity applied to the urban water cycle
The workshop designed for professionals in the urban water cycle has served to publicize strategies to protect critical infrastructures
The National Institute of Cybersecurity (INCIBE), an entity dependent on the Ministry for Digital Transformation, and the INCIBE Chair of Digitalization and Water Cybersecurity of the University of Girona held the Workshop on cybersecurity applied to the urban water cycle on April 9.
The activity is part of the agreement between INCIBE and the University of Girona entitled “INCIBE Chair in Digitalization and Water Cybersecurity” included in the Cybersecurity Chairs program in Spain, within the framework of the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan, with funding from the Next Generation-EU Funds. The conference brought together professionals from the water sector with an interest in how the digitization of the sector is leading to an increase in the risks associated with cybersecurity.
The workshop aimed to provide participants with knowledge and information on how to maintain the operational safety of critical infrastructures in the current context. Through the expert voice, the basic aspects of cybersecurity applied to the water sector, regulations, the main digital threats and vulnerabilities in critical infrastructures, as well as strategies and tools to prevent and respond to cyberattacks were presented.
Ignasi Rodríguez Roda, professor de l’UDG i Lide Jaurrieta, project manager del CWP
The day was divided into two blocks. The first, of a more technical and conceptual nature, had the participation of Laura Arantegui, PhD in Criminology and research technician at the INCIBE Chair of Digitalization and Water Cybersecurity at the University of Girona. Arantegui explained the NIS2 directive ((EU) 2022/2555), as well as the opinion and perception of professionals on water cybersecurity management. Next, María Torrecillas, head of Lacroix’s Technical and Product Marketing department, explained the effects of cybersecurity regulations on the water sector and digital technology manufacturers. Juan Caubet, director of the IT&OT Security Research Area at Eurecat, presented the cybersecurity diagnostic methodology applied to the sector’s critical infrastructures. To conclude the first part, Estaràs Bassas, IT-OT manager at Spin, presented measures for the implementation of cybersecurity systems in companies in the water sector.
The second block was dedicated to the presentation of experiences and practical cases of cybersecurity in the water sector. Firstly, Jordi Viñas, head of IT at Depuradores de Osona, presented the entity’s experience. Riudarenes Bassas then intervened again to explain the implementation of protocols and safety measures at the SSWDP Southern Seawater Desalination Plant in Binningup (Perth).
The conference served to highlight a topic that generates interest within the sector due to the risks it entails. However, it was stressed that through training, knowledge acquisition and sharing of challenges and solutions, it is possible to adequately address and protect critical infrastructures.
About INCIBE
The National Institute of Cybersecurity is an entity dependent on the Ministry for Digital Transformation and the Civil Service through the Secretary of State for Telecommunications and Digital Infrastructures, consolidated as a reference entity for the development of cybersecurity and the digital trust of citizens and companies. In addition, it is an engine of social transformation and an opportunity for innovation, promoting R+D+i and talent.
