The Franklin project is making waves in the water sector, and it’s about time. Six water companies across Utah, Vermont, Indiana, and Oregon have taken a bold step by opening their doors to hackers, inviting them to scrutinize their computer systems for vulnerabilities. This initiative, launched at DEF CON, aims to shore up America’s critical infrastructure by harnessing the skills of top coders who are eager to lend a hand. It’s a refreshing approach that challenges the old norms of cybersecurity, where companies often operate behind closed doors, fearful of exposing their weaknesses.
Jeff Moss, the founder of DEF CON, articulated the essence of this movement perfectly: “DEF CON’s superpower is that we’re a bunch of hackers that want to help.” This sentiment encapsulates the spirit of collaboration that the Franklin project embodies. It’s not just about identifying problems; it’s about fixing them and sharing knowledge. The partnership with the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy’s Cyber Policy Initiative and the National Rural Water Association (NRWA) is a significant step forward, especially given the complexity of the water sector. With around 50,000 individual suppliers in the U.S., each with its own IT systems, the challenge is monumental.
Paul Chang, the program director, likened this initiative to earlier efforts focused on voting machines but emphasized the added complexity of the water industry. Unlike voting machines, where a couple of manufacturers dominate, the water sector is a patchwork of small community systems, many of which are ill-equipped to handle the increasing threat of cyberattacks. With adversaries like China, Russia, and Iran lurking in the shadows, targeting water systems could easily become a strategic move in a conflict. The stakes are high, and this initiative is a necessary response.
The enthusiasm of the volunteers, ranging from students to seasoned veterans, is a testament to the urgency of the cause. They are ready to roll up their sleeves and work alongside techies to harden these systems against potential threats. As NRWA CEO Matt Holmes pointed out, over 91 percent of community water systems serve fewer than 10,000 people, making them particularly vulnerable. This partnership is a lifeline for rural America, providing essential tools to assess and respond to cyber threats.
What does this mean for the future? If successful, the Franklin project could set a precedent for other sectors to follow. The idea of leveraging hacker expertise to bolster cybersecurity could revolutionize how industries approach their vulnerabilities. As Chang noted, raising public awareness and garnering support from policymakers is crucial. In an era where political divides often seem insurmountable, perhaps the shared goal of protecting drinking water can unite differing factions.
This initiative not only aims to strengthen the resilience of water systems but also seeks to create a blueprint for ongoing collaboration between the tech community and critical infrastructure sectors. The Hacker’s Almanack, chronicling these efforts, could serve as a vital resource for others grappling with similar challenges. The Franklin project is more than just a security clean-up; it’s a call to action, a rallying cry for innovation and cooperation in the face of ever-evolving threats. The future of America’s water security hinges on this collaborative spirit, and it’s time to embrace it wholeheartedly.
