According to the Xylem Vue Report: Water Technology Trends 2025: Revolutionizing Water Management
Water infrastructure relying on Operational Technology (OT) and critical systems that depend on uninterrupted data flow are among the most vulnerable to cyberattacks
May 13, 2025. Spain experienced the largest blackout in its history this past April. Although officially denied, many pointed to a cyberattack as the likely cause of the event, which left millions without electricity for hours. The mere suggestion of this possibility raised an alarming question: What if the water supply were the target of a cyberattack?
In fact, cyberattacks designed using artificial intelligence, targeting the cloud and extending into real life, are becoming more frequent globally, according to Fortinet Lab’s 2025 Threat Predictions report. Among the most affected sectors are those that rely on Operational Technology (OT) and critical infrastructure like water systems, where continuous data flow is essential.
In response, monitoring and industrial control systems—such as those used in treatment plants and distribution networks—require constant updates to prevent unauthorized access and the manipulation or deletion of sensitive data, according to Xylem Vue. “Robust incident response strategies, reliable backup systems, and the implementation of proactive security measures—such as network segmentation and multi-factor authentication—are essential to protect critical infrastructure,” says Begoña González, Head of Quality and Information Security at Idrica.
Four Key Strategies
Xylem Vue has identified four key technology strategies to strengthen water sector cybersecurity in 2025, as detailed in its recently published report Water Technology Trends 2025: Revolutionizing Water Management:
- Technology upgrades and physical security
To enhance cybersecurity, water sector systems such as SCADA require regular updates to meet modern security standards, including tools like network segmentation and strong authentication protocols. Additionally, remote control stations must be protected with physical security measures such as surveillance and anti-intrusion systems.
- Continuous monitoring and real-time risk assessments
Ongoing threat monitoring and real-time risk evaluations are vital to detect and mitigate threats before they escalate. These assessments help identify critical vulnerabilities and allow for more effective preventive actions. When integrated with Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems, they are vital to the effectiveness of Security Operations Centers (SOC).
- Strengthening cybersecurity-focused organizational culture
This includes employee training programs and the implementation of strict policies—such as data encryption and multi-factor authentication—to prevent unauthorized access.
- Developing resilience and recovery plans
Building redundancy into systems and designing effective recovery plans ensures operational continuity in the face of serious cyberattacks or technical failures.
Cybersecurity and Its Benefits
Investing in cybersecurity, according to Xylem Vue, is essential to safeguard both water resources and public trust. This requires robust measures that ensure the quality and quantity of water supply without disruption. Additionally, it protects sensitive data. Utilities manage critical information—from personal data to financial records—so safeguarding this data not only prevents data breaches and reputational damage, but also reduces financial losses caused by service interruptions, Idrica notes.
Efficient cybersecurity also minimizes downtime from attacks, boosts productivity, and strengthens customer confidence, leading to optimized operations and enhanced reputation.
In 2025, a strong cybersecurity policy will be a standard expectation for essential infrastructure. Regulations like the NIS2 Directive in Europe will not only enforce strict requirements but also promote international cooperation to ensure effective responses to cyber incidents.
“The integration of new technologies with cybersecurity best practices strengthens both operations and user trust,” the company highlights. Continuous monitoring, security training, and resilience planning are crucial to ensuring operational continuity and public confidence—positioning companies as leaders in innovation, says Begoña González, Head of Quality and Information Security at Idrica.
Companies that adopt a comprehensive approach will not only mitigate risks but also establish themselves as innovation and sustainability leaders. This approach will enhance corporate reputation and ensure more efficient operations in an increasingly connected and regulated environment.
Xylem Vue is a secure, integrated, and agnostic analytics and software platform that can capture data from any source, including legacy systems. Headquartered in Valencia, Spain, the platform was born from a partnership between Xylem, – a global leader in water technology-, and Idrica, an international pioneer in water data management, analytics, and smart water solutions. Xylem Vue enables water utilities to maximize existing technology investments while accelerating their digital journey and breaking down data silos to provide a holistic, 360-degree view of their systems. Through this partnership, Xylem and Idrica combine their technology, innovation, and expertise to address the world’s most critical challenges in drinking water, wastewater, and related issues.
Press Contact
Antonio Rodríguez / arodriguez@adenty.com / +34620601094
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