Ruhrverband protects critical water infrastructure with eCLIQ
Ruhrverband protects critical water infrastructure with eCLIQ
Our modern society is based on a complex network of essential facilities and systems. These critical infrastructures, known as KRITIS for short, form the backbone of everyday life and public safety. They include vital sectors such as energy supply, transport, food production and, last but not least, water management. It occupies a particularly sensitive position in this structure, as clean drinking water and the disposal and treatment of wastewater are indispensable for public health and numerous industrial processes.
New threats require greater resilience
In addition to natural factors such as climate change and the accompanying extreme weather events, the water industry is also facing an increasing number of man-made threats. In light of growing geopolitical tensions, cyber-attacks and physical attacks - such as tampering - utility companies are facing greater challenges than ever before, which must be addressed with measures to strengthen their digital and physical resilience. Legal requirements such as the EU directives NIS2 and RCE also oblige operators of critical infrastructures to continuously develop their security architecture.
From dams to sewage treatment plants: Digital locking technology for Ruhrverband
As a public water management company, Ruhrverband bears an immense responsibility in this context: With its facilities, it ensures the water supply for 4.6 million people and treats the wastewater of 60 cities and municipalities in the catchment area of Ruhr and Lenne. The extensive infrastructure comprises eight dams, five reservoirs, 47 gauges, 31 precipitation measuring stations and 66 sewage treatment plants.
To optimally secure and efficiently manage this extensive and sensitive infrastructure, Ruhrverband opted for the eCLIQ digital master key system from the IKON brand. The implementation took place in cooperation with ASSA ABLOY partner Walter Müller GmbH from Essen.
Robust technology for challenging environments
Several factors were decisive when choosing the locking solution. On the one hand, the compact and robust design of eCLIQ was convincing. The high weather resistance of the system components, which are available in numerous cylinder types and designs, enables use even in extreme weather conditions - ideal for permanently secure operation in remote outdoor areas.
Scalable security and smart administration for large infrastructures
It was equally important for the association to have a comprehensive and at the same time efficient management option. The master key system is controlled via the CLIQ® Web Manager, a scalable and flexible platform that is particularly suitable for larger master key systems or separate locations. Access authorisations can thus be adjusted individually and flexibly from any web browser.
"With eCLIQ, we have found a locking solution that optimally supports our company’s employees in their daily tasks," confirms Klaus Enxing, Head of Central Services/Purchasing at Ruhrverband.
Physically protected, digitally secured: eCLIQ as part of the KRITIS strategy
The implementation of the electronic locking system also helps Ruhrverband to meet increasing legal requirements for IT security and physical security. Both NIS2 and the CER Directive / the KRITIS umbrella law derived from it require a so-called all-hazard approach for risk assessment and protective measures to be taken. The eCLIQ electronic locking system offers high protection against tampering and intelligent attacks and is therefore particularly suitable for utility, industrial and infrastructure companies as part of a holistic security concept that takes into account both physical resilience and cybersecurity.