# Plain Language Summary: Cybersecurity for Rural Water Systems Act of 2023

Small rural water systems across America are vulnerable to cyberattacks, and this bill addresses that problem by adding cybersecurity help to an existing government program. Right now, the Department of Agriculture runs something called the "circuit rider program" that sends experts to rural areas to help small water and wastewater systems with technical problems. This bill expands that program to include cybersecurity specialists who can help protect these systems from hackers and digital attacks.

The bill specifically targets rural water systems that serve fewer than 10,000 people—basically small towns and communities that often lack the resources and expertise of larger cities. These specialists will do two main things: first, they'll evaluate how well a water system's current defenses are working against cyber threats, and second, they'll help the system put in place better security plans, procedures, and technology to actually protect against attacks. This matters because water systems control critical infrastructure that people depend on every day, and a successful cyberattack could disrupt water service or compromise water safety.

To make this happen, the bill increases funding for the circuit rider program from $25 million per year to $32.5 million per year through 2028. Of that increase, $7.5 million each year is specifically dedicated to providing the cybersecurity assistance. This means rural communities that might otherwise struggle to afford cybersecurity expertise will have access to free or subsidized help from government-funded specialists.

Cybersecurity for Rural Water Systems Act of 2023

Davis, Donald G.

Cybersecurity for Rural Water Systems Act of 2023 This bill amends the Department of Agriculture (USDA) Circuit Rider Program to include cybersecurity technical assistance for rural water systems serving fewer than 10,000 people. Under the program, USDA provides technical assistance to rural water systems that are experiencing day-to-day operational, financial, or managerial issues. Specifically, the program's cybersecurity technical assistance must (1) assess system efficacy in protecting against cyber threats; and (2) implement cybersecurity plans, procedures, and technologies to protect against cyber threats. The bill also reauthorizes the Circuit Rider Program through FY2028.