Description: In an era of increasing cyber threats targeting critical infrastructure, utility workers, leaders, board members, and council members must be equipped with the knowledge and tools to protect their systems and communities. This comprehensive workshop is designed to build cybersecurity awareness and resilience across all levels of your organization. Participants will be introduced to the evolving landscape of cybersecurity threats, including common attack methods such as phishing, ransomware, and social engineering, as well as the vulnerabilities that make utility systems attractive targets.

The workshop will also address the often-overlooked physical security components of cybersecurity, exploring how physical access points can serve as entry vectors for cyber threats. In addition to foundational cybersecurity concepts, this workshop will include a review of applicable water safety and security legislation, helping participants understand their regulatory obligations and the legal framework surrounding critical infrastructure protection.

A highlight of the event will be an interactive tabletop exercise, bringing together participants in a collaborative, scenario-based discussion designed to test and evaluate their organization’s current cyber-resilience. This exercise will challenge teams to think critically about their response protocols, identify gaps in their current practices, and develop actionable strategies for improvement.

Whether you are new to cybersecurity or looking to strengthen your organization’s existing defenses, this workshop will provide valuable insights and practical takeaways to help safeguard your utility systems against today’s most pressing cyber threats.

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

• Identify common cybersecurity threats targeting utility systems, including phishing, ransomware, and social engineering attacks.
• Recognize vulnerabilities within their own organization’s infrastructure, both digital and physical, that may be exploited by bad actors.
• Understand the relationship between physical security and cybersecurity, and how physical access points can serve as entry vectors for cyberattacks.
• Demonstrate familiarity with applicable water safety and security legislation and their organization’s regulatory obligations related to critical infrastructure protection.
• Evaluate their organization’s current level of cyber-resilience through participation in a collaborative tabletop exercise.
• Identify gaps in existing response protocols and discuss strategies to address vulnerabilities within their systems.
• Develop actionable next steps for strengthening their organization’s cybersecurity posture and overall preparedness.
• Foster a culture of cybersecurity awareness at all levels of the organization, from frontline utility workers to board and council members.

Presenters: John Colclazier, Program Manager, and Michelle DeHaven, Senior Program Manager, Wichita State University Environmental Finance Center

CEUs: This training is currently pending approval for continuing education credits, although we cannot guarantee it. Regardless, we will provide a Certificate of Attendance to all qualifying attendees.

Who Should Attend: