A state Senate committee has advanced a measure to prepare critical infrastructure for cyberattacks. Senator Melissa Hurtado of Bakersfield pointed out that previous attacks have attempted to release water from a dam in New York and successfully shut down meat processing plants.
One expert testifying in support warned the federal government would be overwhelmed if a mass cyberattack threatened food, water and power. Sen. Bob Archuleta of Pico Rivera feared an attack could release water from reservoirs during winter storms, leading to catastrophic flooding downstream.
Last year the state signed into law a separate bill from Hurtado on cybersecurity for water infrastructure. It tasked the state’s emergency services office with developing a strategic plan to assist the food, agriculture, water supply and wastewater sectors with protections.
With full reservoirs, cyberattacks on dams worry lawmakers
