Strengthening Cyber Resilience for Critical Water Infrastructure
Jacobs (NYSE: J) has been awarded a $13.4 million operational technology (OT) cybersecurity contract with Hampton Roads Sanitation District (HRSD), marking one of the largest OT cybersecurity contracts awarded by a U.S. wastewater utility. This initiative will fortify the cybersecurity of industrial control systems and physical infrastructure, ensuring the safety and security of wastewater treatment services for 1.9 million residents in southeast Virginia and the Eastern Shore.
Addressing Rising Cybersecurity Threats
Cyber threats to critical infrastructure—especially in the water sector—have surged in recent years. Amer Battikhi, Executive Vice President at Jacobs, emphasized the urgent need for advanced cybersecurity expertise:
“Cybersecurity threats to critical infrastructure have increased significantly, demanding digital expertise that integrates physical asset protection with OT cybersecurity. Jacobs is uniquely positioned to support industrial environments such as water, advanced manufacturing, and energy & power, leveraging our domain knowledge and specialized cyber capabilities to defend physical infrastructure and devices.”
HRSD’s Vision for Cyber Resilience
HRSD aims to set a benchmark for cybersecurity excellence in the water sector. Roger Caslow, HRSD Chief Information Security Officer, highlighted the mission behind this collaboration:
“Our goal is to proactively address evolving cyber threats and establish HRSD as a leader in cybersecurity. Cyber resiliency is both our strategy and objective, ensuring the protection of critical services that safeguard public health and the environment. Our partnership with Jacobs is a crucial step toward achieving this vision.”
Scope of the Cybersecurity Contract
Jacobs will conduct cybersecurity assessments across more than 30 square miles of wastewater infrastructure in the Hampton Roads corridor. The contract also includes:
- Design and integration of cybersecurity controls
- Advanced OT solutions for infrastructure protection
- Continuous cybersecurity operations monitoring
- Network engineering for enhanced OT network security
By implementing state-of-the-art cybersecurity measures, HRSD will be better equipped to defend against evolving cyber threats and maintain secure wastewater operations.
Jacobs’ Expertise in OT Cybersecurity
Jacobs is a recognized leader in OT cybersecurity for the water sector, with credentialed professionals serving over 40 water utilities across the U.S. in fiscal year 2024. The company brings deep expertise in industrial cybersecurity, including:
- Vertical asset engineering
- Industrial control system security
- Advanced risk mitigation strategies
With $12 billion in annual revenue and a workforce of nearly 45,000, Jacobs continues to deliver end-to-end solutions for global challenges in advanced manufacturing, energy, environment, life sciences, transportation, and water infrastructure.
For more information on Jacobs’ cybersecurity initiatives, visit jacobs.com or connect via LinkedIn, Instagram, X, and Facebook.
