Accenture, Dragos, and the SANS Institute have embarked on a significant initiative to bolster cybersecurity defenses for small US utilities. Announced on Tuesday, the Community Cyber Resilience Foundation aims to provide essential protection to under-resourced water, electric, and natural gas utilities across the nation. This effort is backed by an initial investment of approximately $10 million in both funding and services.
Support for Small Utilities
The first phase of this initiative will offer up to 500 utilities complimentary security tools, equipment, deployment assistance, and training. To qualify for this program, utilities must be based in the United States and have annual revenues less than $100 million. According to estimates, this criteria applies to over 50,000 organizations, encompassing more than 97% of US utilities.
Participants in the program will benefit from the Dragos Platform and associated services, with Accenture providing setup, integration, and continuous support. In addition, the SANS Institute will educate utility staff in Industrial Control Systems (ICS) and Operational Technology (OT) security, empowering them to manage their defenses effectively.
Addressing Challenges and Enhancing Security
The foundation will also finance the necessary hardware to implement and operate the Dragos Platform. Moreover, it will facilitate a peer network among utilities, fostering the exchange of operational insights. This initiative addresses significant challenges faced by many small utilities, such as limited funding, workforce shortages, and outdated technology, particularly in rural or underserved areas.
Recent cyberattacks on over 100 US water systems in multiple states highlight the urgency of this effort. Dragos CEO Robert M. Lee emphasized the threats these utilities face, stating that adversaries are actively targeting the operational environments that provide essential services to millions of Americans. Yet, many smaller operators lack the capacity to effectively defend against such threats.
Building on Previous Programs
This new foundation extends the efforts of the Dragos Community Defense Program, which since December 2023, has provided over 100 utilities with free access to the Dragos Platform for organizations with less than $100 million in annual revenue. The announcement of this expanded initiative follows Accenture’s recent acquisition of a majority stake in Dragos, a strategic move in its $4.1 billion OT cybersecurity expansion.
As cyber threats continue to evolve, the collaboration between Accenture, Dragos, and the SANS Institute represents a proactive measure to safeguard critical infrastructure and ensure the resilience of essential public services.
