According to Check Point Research and Reuters, cyberattacks on U.S. utilities in 2024 increased nearly 70% compared to the year before, leading to an average of 69 attacks every week. In 2025, the trend continued, in the U.S and globally. What can water utilities do to protect themselves from these digital threats?

The answer is a nuanced one, as the challenges extend beyond outdated software and ageing infrastructure. Most water utilities globally are undergoing rapid digital transformation to respond to higher demands from communities, councils and authorities. This has opened more opportunities for cyberthreats, driving more challenges for cybersecurity in Operational Technology (OT) environments. Unlike conventional Information Technology (IT) systems, OT systems directly control pumps, valves, and treatment processes. An attack on OT can have immediate, real-world consequences for water quality, safety and public health.

The OT environment at Hampton Roads Sanitation District (HRSD) is a success story as it protects one of the largest regional water and wastewater utilities in the U.S., servicing more than 20 counties and cities and 1.5 million people. Thanks to its signature program of embedded visibility, governance and consequence-driven planning, it can serve as a blueprint for water utilities globally.

Today we’ll talk about how to apply this cybersecurity blueprint with Ben Stirling, Director, Cybersecurity & OT at Jacobs, and Roger Caslow, Chief Information Security Officer, Hampton Roads Sanitation District.

Driving more social value for people, communities and investors is not a corporate tick box exercise.

It’s a vital element for organizations that must increasingly demonstrate their purpose beyond profit, generating greater value for stakeholders and shareholders.

Creating meaningful social value requires integrating a tailored social value strategy and an iterative mindset. To do this, you need the right mix of leadership, data-driven solutions and cross-sector expertise. When organizations make informed, responsible choices, they can drive growth, improve efficiency and enhance their reputation, all while creating long-term value for society and the environment.

The two guests on this episode are celebrated for getting this mix right globally: Dr Mary-Kathryn Adams (known as MK), Chief Executive Officer of Simetrica-Jacobs, and Toyin Ogunfolaju, Director Social Value Americas at Jacobs.

For companies with workers and job sites all over the world, how do you take care of every employee?

Emerging technologies and digital tools are a critical part of the solution, but it all must be integrated into a sound, resilient strategy that relies on track record and local experience. This strategy needs to span time zones - and clients/partners - to ensure the health, safety and security of every colleague is paramount, no matter if they’re a hybrid employee, based in an office or working on a job site.

To ensure this strategy works on the ground, you also need the right partners. Our guests for this episode are Joe Olivarez, Executive Vice President and Leader of Health, Safety, Security, Environment & Enterprise Quality at Jacobs, Dr. Myles Druckman, Global Medical Director and SVP at International SOS and Polly Willis, Strategic Account Manager and Market Lead at International SOS.