Security measures in water management vital – IT specialist

9th October 2015

By: Mia Breytenbach

Creamer Media Deputy Editor: Features

  

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Applying technology such as cloud computing, the use of big data and supervisory control and data acquisition (Scada) to manage water resources is becoming integral, particularly for the water network supply and demand system management, said information technology solutions and services provider Dimension Data chairperson for Middle East and Africa Andile Ngcaba, speaking at the Water Research Commission’s Research Development and Innovation symposium, in Johannesburg, Gauteng, last month.

Ngcaba advocated the use of cloud computing systems, such as Scada and particularly big data in water resource management, as these systems and tools provide engineers and operators with a better understanding of water systems.

“An example of the implementation of this technology is in water leak management. Through the use of wireless sensors, or the installation of a radio transmission system on the network, operators, at national level, are able to conduct a comprehensive analysis and understanding and response to leaks in the water distribution network,” Ngcaba explained.

The technology can further assist in real-time monitoring of the system, such as water pressure, flow or pH levels. Problem prediction can be advanced, while predictive maintenance or solutions for management can be produced, as the data can be built into a distributed model or stored in a centralised cloud computing system for analysis.

Ngcaba noted that, with technology being a driver in effective management in utilities, it is vital that these technologies are understood and used appropriately.

Consequently, Dimension Data is assisting several utilities to better manage their data, such as billing platforms, or to network connecting the different data streams. The company also provides cloud services, customer relationship management applications and business process management solutions to these utilities.

Ngcaba further noted that, for example, the company could assist in building and implementing sensors on the water network for leak management. “These sensors can immediately wirelessly transfer data on the location of the leak, and the amount of leakage to the utility’s control centre, thereby assisting the operators in determining the type of intervention required,” he added.

While Ngcaba highlighted some utilities, which are fast understanding and increasingly adopting big data management and cloud services, he acknowledged that other utilities are still at entry level in terms of understanding and using new applications.

“[However] [i]n the next 18 months to two years, I see more than 50% of utilities understanding cloud services and computing, as well as understanding virtualisation,” he said.

Technological Vulnerability
Ngcaba, however, highlighted the importance of security measures when integrating big data and Scada into water resource and distribution network management.

“In all plans and infrastructure . . . design security has to be integrated, either in research, technological development, innovation or implementation,” Ngcaba says, stressing cyberwarfare on utilities as key security risks.

He cites several articles highlighting cyberattacks on water utilities, such as an article by media publication Water Online, which in 2013, noted that cyberattacks on water utilities increased by 60%, while a 2014 Forbes magazine article, ‘hacking gets physical, utilities at risk of cyberattacks’, also addressed the topic. Another publication, Waterworld, in 2014 noted that cyberattacks, or hacks, caused “a major breach of software controlling critical US infrastructure”.

“This is a key challenge for those involved in utilities’ operations or those involved in building/designing technologies for utilities,” Ngcaba acknowledged.

Meanwhile, he noted that the United Nations argues that the global population would have doubled by 2030, which would require 1.6 times more water than currently used. “While access to clean water is a key factor in reducing poverty and underdevelopment, one-eighth of the population lacks access to safe drinking water, while millions die from waterborne diseases,” Ngcaba said.

He argued that these challenges requiring water resource management are exacerbated by hacks, which can cause significant havoc in a society, with economic implications, financial loss and exposure to further Scada security vulnerabilities.

To prove this inherent risk, Dimension Data conducted a test for a water utility to show how the management of the utility can be compromised in altering the telemetry of the system through simply using a mobile device. The company also demonstrated how the digital water meter billing system of a municipality could be hacked, with the bill changed without a person physically being at the meter.

“As scientists and practitioners, we need to be aware of this,” Ngcaba warned.

Edited by Samantha Herbst
Creamer Media Deputy Editor

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