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Harris Cyber Policy Initiative Taps Top Hacker to Design New Security Model for Water Utilities
Tarah Wheeler will lead development of a scalable security service to protect rural U.S. water utilities after EPA found over 70% of systems failed basic cybersecurity standards.
- CPI announced on Dec. 22, 2025, that Tarah Wheeler, cybersecurity leader and researcher, joined as Senior Fellow and Board Member to lead MSSP research for rural water utilities.
- The Environmental Protection Agency found more than 70 percent of water systems inspected failed basic cybersecurity standards, while water and wastewater systems face growing cyberattacks threatening public health, and rural American water utilities struggle with outdated technology.
- Since its launch, DEF CON Franklin mobilized volunteers, supporting utilities in six states, as a joint initiative of the National Rural Water Association, the University of Chicago and DEF CON.
- With Wheeler's leadership, CPI will develop a sustainable MSSP tailored to rural water utilities, supported by Craig Newmark Philanthropies and informed by her role at TPO Group.
- Wheeler said `It will be an honor to serve and protect them.` and cited her Pacific Northwest roots as personal motivation for her work with the Harris Cyber Policy Initiative.
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26 Articles
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Total News Sources26
Leaning Left2Leaning Right0Center10Last UpdatedBias Distribution83% Center
Bias Distribution
- 83% of the sources are Center
83% Center
L 17%
C 83%
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