We’re excited to welcome to the podcast David Travers, Director of the Water Infrastructure and Cyber Resilience Division at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). During our discussion he addresses key themes including, why are water infrastructure systems targeted by ransomware; how cyberattacks on water systems impact the surrounding community; and the role of cyber hygiene in protecting water systems. He also shares what we like to call an “origin story” for the sometimes-winding career pathways that lead to awesome opportunities to make a positive impact on communities at large. Water impacts all of us and you won’t want to miss any of the many insights David shares with us!

Dr. David Travers, director of the Environmental Protection Agency’s Water Security Division

Director of EPA’s Water Security Division in the Office of Water, Dr. Travers manages a team of engineers and scientists in providing tools, training, and direct technical assistance to the 152,000 drinking water systems and 16,000 wastewater systems in the US. Each year, the Water Security Division trains over 5,000 water/wastewater utilities, state/tribal officials, and federal emergency responders to become more resilient to any natural or manmade incident—including cyberattacks, climate change, hurricanes, drought—that could endanger water and wastewater services. Prior to David’s current role, he directed the Drinking Water Infrastructure Survey which assessed the current and future capital investments needs of drinking water systems. David has a PhD in environmental engineering and a Master of Public Health from the University of Michigan, and a Bachelor’s in History from the University of Chicago

For links and resources discussed in this episode, please visit our show notes at https://www.forcepoint.com/govpodcast/e263