The Guam Power Authority and Guam Waterworks Authority have partnered with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), an agency under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
According to GPA, officials met with CISA Region 9 Director Cerri Alston-Meggett to discuss the cybersecurity and physical security of Guam's critical infrastructure.
CISA leads national efforts to "understand, manage and reduce risk to the nation's cyber and physical infrastructure," according to GPA.
"These areas of priority include power, water, wastewater, communications, transportation, healthcare, and chemical safety," GPA said.
Guam is a top national security priority for the Department of Homeland Security and CISA because of its strategic geographic location and military infrastructure, according to GPA. GPA said Alston-Meggett strongly supports the local utilities.
“Guam Power Authority (GPA) and Guam Water Authority (GWA) set an example of the type of partnership that can strengthen the security and resilience of a community’s critical infrastructure,” said CISA Region 9 Director Dr. Gerri Alston-Meggett. “By collocating their facilities, power and water representatives can work side-by-side across multiple departments, enhancing information sharing and collaboration to protect the critical services the residents of Guam rely on every day.”
Region 9 leadership helps coordinate through the federally and locally approved islandwide cybersecurity plan.
“Implementation of proper cybersecurity practices is as important as regular maintenance of our water and wastewater systems for delivering safe and reliable water and wastewater services to the island. GWA is pleased with our partnership with CISA. Support from this partnership, combined with ongoing capital improvement projects for system security, will only enhance our ability to continuously defend against current and future threats,” GWA Assistant General Manager of Engineering Brett Railey said.
"CISA supports Guam's utilities by providing tactical advisers, specialized training and emergency preparedness to assist in times of crisis," GPA said.
CISA provides direct assistance with federal grant applications, technical risk assessments and specialized security tools.
“Our mission is to provide efficient, reliable, and secure power to Guam’s residents and partners. Protecting customer data and safeguarding against any system attacks remain at the forefront of GPWA’s cybersecurity and physical security readiness. The partnership with DHS CISA and the integration of advanced networking solutions will strengthen our operational capabilities and allow us to stay ahead of evolving cyber threats," GPA General Manager John Benavente said.