Securing Water infrastructure: 3 integrated solutions for advanced protection

Water infrastructure is essential to our daily lives. To protect  it against the increasing  risks of intrusion and sabotage, it is crucial to adopt flexible, cyber-secure and intuitive solutions, that provides optimal access traceability and reliable operation, both online and offline.

1. Access control: security in all circumstances

High-performance access control is your first line of defense against both external and internal threats. For hydraulic infrastructures, it’s crucial to integrate software and hardware solutions that support both online and offline operation, especially for isolated sites without a reliable power supply.

• Online installation enables access management and real-time feedback through a centralized, network-connected server.
• Offline solution requires periodic re-evaluation (such as updating access rights) since information is stored locally on the equipment and updates are delayed.

Critical infrastructure of this kind requires robust locking solutions capable of withstanding harsh environments. When integrated into an advanced software solution, these locks enable centralized access management. High-security locks specifically adapted for the water industry deliver enhanced protection for sensitive installations, meeting strict security requirements. The total solution, with integrated software and hardware, provides traceability of entries and exits, ensuring better control and faster response in the event of an incident.

Learn more about our access control solutions

2. Intrusion detection: anticipation and reactivity

Intrusion detection is a critical component in safeguarding vulnerable water infrastructure. With the growing risk of attacks, a high-performance intrusion detection system is essential. Perimeter sensors, smart cameras and alarms can quickly identify suspicious activity and trigger immediate actions.

These solutions offer real-time alerts and remote monitoring, enabling you to react immediately and anticipate incidents more effectively. They can also be combined with complementary devices such as lighting barriers and retractable pedestals, to further enhance the protection of sensitive sites.

An intrusion detection system offers you a wide range of benefits, improving security and optimizing your response to potential risks. These include:

• Identification of unauthorized access to sensitive installations (pumping stations, reservoirs, water treatment plants) 
• Prevention of malicious acts, such as sabotage or contamination
• Detection of attempts to manipulate water treatment parameters, such as altering chemical dosages
• Real-time alerts to security teams and operators 
• Activation of automatic countermeasures, such as isolating a compromised network or closing critical valves
• Reduced response time to real threats 
• Recording and analysis of incidents to reinforce security and anticipate future risks 
• Preservation of water quality and safeguarding corporate reputation, enabling safe and reliable service

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3. Total security solution: simple, flexible, and intuitive

You may manage multiple tools daily to address the security challenges of your infrastructure. Therefore, it is essential to provide you an integrated, flexible, and intuitive security system. An effective solution relies on combining software and hardware to optimize and simplify security management, particularly through an intuitive interface. A comprehensive security solution must be simple, flexible, and adaptable to meet industry standards and security requirements of the water sector:

• Access control management for remote sites without power supply
• Remote access rights assignment
• Centralized access data management for badges and keys, in both online and offline mode
• Centralized intrusion detection system for all infrastructures
• High-performance video surveillance accessible remotely
• Simplified global management through a clear and intuitive software interface

The security of water-related infrastructure requires a comprehensive approach combining access control, intrusion detection, and locking solutions integrated into a software system, tailored to the specific needs of the sector and operations.

By leveraging advanced technologies and expertise, ALCEA delivers a high-performance security solution designed to protect critical infrastructure. Our adaptable solution simplifies security management through a single, cyber-secure, and intuitive interface while enhancing the protection of these vital assets.

Looking to strengthen the security of your infrastructure? Contact us to see how we can assist you.

ALCEA designs and develops innovative security solutions tailored to protecting critical infrastructure. Our ALWIN software, combined with ABLOY locking solutions – such as CLIQ, an electromechanical locking system, and BEAT, a keyless access solution – alongside other ASSA ABLOY and third-party solutions, enhances the security management of your critical operations.